Difference between revisions of "Yamaha RD350"

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The '''RD350''' was well developed for the time, aircooled, two cylinder, Autolube equipped (automatic oil injection), 6 speed (in some  markets, such as the UK, the first model was sold in 5-speed form) [[two-stroke]], street [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Yamaha Motor Corporation|Yamaha]]. It was the premier sport lightweight of the early 70's. It was evolved from the front drum-braked, 5 speed Yamaha 350cc "R5".
{{Motorcycle
|name            = Yamaha RD350
|photo= 1973 Yamaha RD350 in red.jpg
|aka              = RD350 (6-speed), RD 350 (6-speed), RD350 (5-speed), RD 350 (5-speed), RD350LC YPVS (reduced effect), RD 350 LC YPVS (reduced effect), RD350LC YPVS, RD 350 LC YPVS, RD350 (reduced effect), RD 350 (reduced effect), RD350F (reduced effect), RD 350 F (reduced effect), RD350N (reduced effect), RD 350 N (reduced effect), RD350N, RD 350 N, RD350R YPVS, RD 350R YPVS, RD350LC, RD350F, RD 350 LC, RD 350 F, RD350B, RD 350
|manufacturer    = Yamaha
|parent_company  =
|production      = 1973 - 1975
|model_year      =
|predecessor      = [[Yamaha R5]]
|successor        = [[Yamaha RD350LC]], [[Yamaha RD400]], [[Yamaha RZ350]]
|class            = Naked
|engine          = 350cc twin, [[two-stroke]]
|bore_stroke      = 64.0mm x 54.0mm
|compression      = 6.6:1
|top_speed        = 116 mph (187 km/h)
|power            = 48.95 HP (36.5 KW) @ 9000RPM
|torque          =
|ignition        =
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK B8HS}} 73-75
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA 12N5-5A-3B}} 73-75
|transmission    = Gear box: 6-speed <br>
Final Drive: [[chain]] <br>
 
|final_drive= {{chain|530x92}}
|front_sprocket= 15T
|rear_sprocket= 40T
|frame            =
|suspension      =
|brakes          =Front: single disc <br>Rear: drum
|front_tire      = {{tire|90/90-18}}
|rear_tire    = {{tire|110/80-18}}
|rake_trail      =
|wheelbase        =
|length          =
|width            =
|height          =
|seat_height      =
|dry_weight      =
|wet_weight      = 162.0 kg
|fuel_capacity    = 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters)
|oil_capacity    =
|recommended_oil= Yamalube 10w-40
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius  =
|related          = [[Yamaha RD200]]<br />[[Yamaha RZ350]], [[Yamaha TZ350]]<br />[[Yamaha RX350]]
|competition      = [[Kawasaki S2]]<br />[[Suzuki GT380]]
|air_filter= {{airfilter|K&N YA-0700}} `73-75<ref name="kl_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog|publisher=[https://www.klsupply.com/ K&L Supply Co]|date=2019}}</ref>
}}
The '''[[Yamaha]] RD350R''' was a 350[[cc]] [[twin cylinder]] [[two-stroke]] [[street motorcycle]] produced by [[Yamaha]] between 1973 1975. It could reach a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h). Claimed [[horsepower]] was 48.95 HP (36.5 KW) @ 9000 RPM. 
 
 
==History==
[[Image:1973 Yamaha RD350 front angled.jpg|200px|thumb|left|1973 Yamaha RD350 front angled]]
The '''RD350''' was well developed for the time, [[air-cooled]], two cylinder, Autolube equipped (automatic oil injection), 6 speed (in some  markets, such as the UK, the first model was sold in 5-speed form) [[two-stroke]], street [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Yamaha]]. It was the premier sport lightweight of the early 70's. It was evolved from the front drum-braked, 5 speed Yamaha 350cc "R5".


It was in production as a purple with white side details RD350 (1973), the RD350A, simple purple tank with "Yamaha" on the tank and the orange with white, 1975 (RD350B).
It was in production as a purple with white side details RD350 (1973), the RD350A, simple purple tank with "Yamaha" on the tank and the orange with white, 1975 (RD350B).
All models were equipped with "Autolube" automatic oil injection, relieving the user from the need to be mixing gasoline and [[two-stroke oil]]. Rim sizes were 18" WM2 (1.85") front and 18" WM3 (2.15"), both being of chromed, wire spoked steel construction. In the UK, rim sizes were 1.60 front and 1.85 rear.  
All models were equipped with "Autolube" automatic oil injection, relieving the user from the need to be mixing gasoline and [[two-stroke oil]]. Rim sizes were 18" WM2 (1.85") front and 18" WM3 (2.15"), both being of chromed, wire spoked steel construction. In the UK, rim sizes were 1.60 front and 1.85 rear.  
Brakes were: single front [[disc brake]] and a rear [[drum brake]]. Cycle magazine described the combination as the best in its class.
Brakes were: single front [[disc brake]] and a rear [[drum brake]]. ''[[Cycle]]'' magazine described the combination as the best in its class.
The frame dimensions of the street 350 were very similar to the famous Yamaha TZ250 and TZ350 series factory road race bikes, differing mainly in weight and front fork rake - the RD being ~27 degrees and the TZ being ~25 degrees. The frames appeared similar, side by side, with the street frame adorned with many brackets for the street equipment. The weight difference was substantial though, with the street going RD frame weighing almost twice as much as the "TZ" roadrace race frame.
The frame dimensions of the street 350 were very similar to the famous [[Yamaha TZ250]] and [[Yamaha TZ350|TZ350]] series factory road race bikes, differing mainly in weight and front fork rake - the RD being ~27 degrees and the TZ being ~25 degrees. The frames appeared similar, side by side, with the street frame adorned with many brackets for the street equipment. The weight difference was substantial though, with the street going RD frame weighing almost twice as much as the "TZ" roadrace race frame.  Many enthusiasts would convert their RD350 to specifications similar to a TZ350, such machines would then be reasonably competitive in club racing events.


The bike made about 32 to 35 rear-wheel HP - very fast then, but [[as of 2006]], some 600cc bikes now make about 100 HP. A contemporary of the RD was the [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.|Kawasaki]] H2 750cc Triple, said to make 72 to 75 true HP (tested by Cycle Magazine at 55bhp).
The bike made about 32 to 35 rear-wheel HP - very fast then, but as of 2006, some 600cc bikes now make about 100 HP. A contemporary of the RD was the [[Kawasaki]] [[Kawasaki H2|H2 750cc Triple]], said to make 72 to 75 true HP (tested by ''Cycle Magazine'' at 55bhp).


The 350 evolved into the so-called "cleaner running" RD400C in 1976, the "D" and "E" in 77-78 and the final model, the white 1979 RD400F.
The 350 evolved into the so-called "cleaner running" [[Yamaha RD400|RD400C]] in 1976, the "D" and "E" in 77-78 and the final model, the white 1979 RD400F.


There was a myth that RD stood for "Racing Death" and "Road Death" and that it was the Japanese revenge for the [[atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki]], as it claimed the lives of many US riders, but this is pure fiction (according to Japanese representatives).It was thought by some RD stood for "race developed." But a long time Yamaha mechanic recently dispelled this myth on the uk Yamaha RD forum, this is his explanation and he has worked with and raced them since the seventies.  
There was a myth that RD stood for "Racing Death" and "Road Death" and that it was the Japanese revenge for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as it claimed the lives of many US riders, but this is pure fiction (according to Japanese representatives).It was thought by some RD stood for "race developed." But a long time Yamaha mechanic recently dispelled this myth on the uk Yamaha RD forum, this is his explanation and he has worked with and raced them since the seventies.  
"We always understood it to be a series of letters that explain the bikes make up and function two stroke twin etc"
"We always understood it to be a series of letters that explain the bikes make up and function two stroke twin etc"


XS = 4 stroke tourer
*XS = 4 stroke tourer
XV = 4 stroke V
*XV = 4 stroke V
DT = 2 stroke trail
*DT = 2 stroke trail
RD = 2 stroke road
*RD = 2 stroke road


the PR guys jumped on the race developed band wagon.
The PR guys jumped on the race developed band wagon.


The bike was a very snappy performer and many new riders purchased the bike. The combination of a stiff suspension, abrupt power delivery, very powerful brakes and inexperienced riders was not a good one. It was regarded as being "too fast" for most new riders.
The bike was a very snappy performer and many new riders purchased the bike. The combination of a stiff suspension, abrupt power delivery, very powerful brakes and inexperienced riders was not a good one. It was regarded as being "too fast" for most new riders.
Line 27: Line 80:


# ''Uncontrollable 1st gear wheelies in the hands of careless riders were the biggest problem.''
# ''Uncontrollable 1st gear wheelies in the hands of careless riders were the biggest problem.''
==Engine==
The engine was a [[air cooled]] twin, two-stroke. A 64.0mm [[bore]] x 54.0mm [[stroke]] result in a [[displacement]] of just 350.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a [[port]] control.  Yamaha did make a liquid-cooled variant in the [[Yamaha RZ350]].  The [[Yamaha Banshee]] engine was based on a very similar design.
==Drive==
The bike has a 6-speed transmission. 
==Chassis==
It came with a 90/90-18 front [[tire]] and a 110/80-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via double disc in the front and a single disc in the rear. The RD350R YPVS was fitted with a 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters) fuel tank. 


==1973==
==1973==
[[Image:1973-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-9074-0.jpg|left|thumb|1973 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1973-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-9074-1.jpg|left|thumb|1973 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]]
<gallery mode="slideshow">
<br style="clear: left"/>
File:1973 Yamaha RD350A.jpg|left|thumb|1973 Yamaha RD350A converted to be similar to a [[Yamaha TZ350|TZ350]]
File:1973-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-9074-0.jpg|left|thumb|1973 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
File:1973-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-9074-1.jpg|left|thumb|1973 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon


</gallery>


==1974==
==1974==
[[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-0.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-1.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-2.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-3.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-4.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-5.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-6.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-7.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-2.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-3.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-4.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red]][[Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-5.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red]]
<gallery mode="slideshow">
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-0.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-1.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-2.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-3.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-4.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-5.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-6.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Maroon-7.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Maroon
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-0.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-1.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-2.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-3.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-4.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red
Image:1974-Yamaha-RD350-Red-5.jpg|1974 Yamaha RD350 in Red
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


==1975==
===1975===
[[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-7.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]][[Image:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-8.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange]]
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-2412-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-7.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-3507-8.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-7.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-8.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-9.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-10.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
File:1975-Yamaha-RD350-Orange-551-11.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Yamaha RD350 in Orange
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>
==In Media==
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/common-as-muck#yamaha-rd350 Common As Muck]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/hantu-nan-sempit#yamaha-rd350 Hantu Nan Sempit]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/rita-sue-and-bob-too#yamaha-rd350 Rita, Sue and Bob Too!]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/spokligan#yamaha-rd350 Spökligan]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-protector#yamaha-rd350 The Protector]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/end-of-empire#yamaha-rd350 End of Empire]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/alle-jahre-wieder-die-familie-semmeling#yamaha-rd350 Alle Jahre wieder - Die Familie Semmeling]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/travelers#yamaha-rd350 Travelers]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/streik#yamaha-rd350 Streik!]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/auto-esporte#yamaha-rd350 Auto Esporte]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/io-ho-paura#yamaha-rd350 Io ho paura]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/ghetto-blaster#yamaha-rd350 Ghetto Blaster]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/dan-cheng-lu#yamaha-rd350 Dan cheng lu]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/la-fine-dellinnocenza#yamaha-rd350 La fine dell'innocenza]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/shen-tou-miao-tan-shou-duo-duo#yamaha-rd350 Shen tou miao tan shou duo duo]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/quem-matou-pixote#yamaha-rd350 Quem Matou Pixote?]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/sommerhundesohne#yamaha-rd350 SommerHundeSöhne]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/zhong-guo-chao-ren#yamaha-rd350 Zhong guo chao ren]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/hardbodies#yamaha-rd350 Hardbodies]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/gagman#yamaha-rd350 Gagman]


==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Yamaha RD200]]
*[[Yamaha RZ350]]
*[[Yamaha RZ350]]
*[[Yamaha RD250]]
*[[Yamaha RD250]]
Line 51: Line 192:
*[http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/ Yamaha Motor Co. ltd - YMC- Japan (Global)]
*[http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/ Yamaha Motor Co. ltd - YMC- Japan (Global)]


==References==
{{reflist}}


{{motorcycle-stub}}
{{Yamaha}}


 
[[Category:Yamaha motorcycles|RD350, Yamaha]]
[[Category:Yamaha RD Series|Yamaha RD Series]]
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]]
[[Category:Street motorcycles]]
[[Category:350cc displacement motorcycles]]
[[Category:350cc 2-stroke motorcycles]]
[[Category:Twin cylinder motorcycles]]
[[Category:Twin cylinder 2-stroke motorcycles]]
[[Category:2-stroke motorcycles]]
[[Category:Piston Inlet Port motorcycles]]
[[Category:Yamaha motorcycles|RD350]]
[[Category:Yamaha motorcycles|RD350]]
{{motorcycle-stub}}
[[Category:Yamaha RD series]]
[[Category:Naked motorcycles]]
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1980s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1990s motorcycles]]

Latest revision as of 15:45, 25 November 2019

1973 Yamaha RD350 in red.jpg
Yamaha RD350
Manufacturer
Also called RD350 (6-speed), RD 350 (6-speed), RD350 (5-speed), RD 350 (5-speed), RD350LC YPVS (reduced effect), RD 350 LC YPVS (reduced effect), RD350LC YPVS, RD 350 LC YPVS, RD350 (reduced effect), RD 350 (reduced effect), RD350F (reduced effect), RD 350 F (reduced effect), RD350N (reduced effect), RD 350 N (reduced effect), RD350N, RD 350 N, RD350R YPVS, RD 350R YPVS, RD350LC, RD350F, RD 350 LC, RD 350 F, RD350B, RD 350
Production 1973 - 1975
Class Naked
Predecessor Yamaha R5
Successor Yamaha RD350LC, Yamaha RD400, Yamaha RZ350
Engine
350cc twin, two-stroke
Bore / Stroke 64.0mm x 54.0mm
Compression ratio 6.6:1
Top Speed 116 mph (187 km/h)
Horsepower 48.95 HP (36.5 KW) @ 9000RPM
Air Filter K&N YA-0700 `73-75[1]
Spark Plug NGK B8HS 73-75
Battery YUASA 12N5-5A-3B 73-75
Transmission Gear box: 6-speed
Final Drive: chain
Final Drive Chain: 530x92
Front Sprocket 15T
Rear Sprocket 40T
Brakes Front: single disc
Rear: drum
Front Tire 90/90-18
Rear Tire 110/80-18
Weight 162.0 kg (wet)
Recommended Oil Yamalube 10w-40
Fuel Capacity 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters)
Related Yamaha RD200
Yamaha RZ350, Yamaha TZ350
Yamaha RX350
Competition Kawasaki S2
Suzuki GT380
Manuals Service Manual

Brochures ·

The Yamaha RD350R was a 350cc twin cylinder two-stroke street motorcycle produced by Yamaha between 1973 1975. It could reach a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 48.95 HP (36.5 KW) @ 9000 RPM.


History[edit | edit source]

1973 Yamaha RD350 front angled

The RD350 was well developed for the time, air-cooled, two cylinder, Autolube equipped (automatic oil injection), 6 speed (in some markets, such as the UK, the first model was sold in 5-speed form) two-stroke, street motorcycle produced by Yamaha. It was the premier sport lightweight of the early 70's. It was evolved from the front drum-braked, 5 speed Yamaha 350cc "R5".

It was in production as a purple with white side details RD350 (1973), the RD350A, simple purple tank with "Yamaha" on the tank and the orange with white, 1975 (RD350B). All models were equipped with "Autolube" automatic oil injection, relieving the user from the need to be mixing gasoline and two-stroke oil. Rim sizes were 18" WM2 (1.85") front and 18" WM3 (2.15"), both being of chromed, wire spoked steel construction. In the UK, rim sizes were 1.60 front and 1.85 rear. Brakes were: single front disc brake and a rear drum brake. Cycle magazine described the combination as the best in its class. The frame dimensions of the street 350 were very similar to the famous Yamaha TZ250 and TZ350 series factory road race bikes, differing mainly in weight and front fork rake - the RD being ~27 degrees and the TZ being ~25 degrees. The frames appeared similar, side by side, with the street frame adorned with many brackets for the street equipment. The weight difference was substantial though, with the street going RD frame weighing almost twice as much as the "TZ" roadrace race frame. Many enthusiasts would convert their RD350 to specifications similar to a TZ350, such machines would then be reasonably competitive in club racing events.

The bike made about 32 to 35 rear-wheel HP - very fast then, but as of 2006, some 600cc bikes now make about 100 HP. A contemporary of the RD was the Kawasaki H2 750cc Triple, said to make 72 to 75 true HP (tested by Cycle Magazine at 55bhp).

The 350 evolved into the so-called "cleaner running" RD400C in 1976, the "D" and "E" in 77-78 and the final model, the white 1979 RD400F.

There was a myth that RD stood for "Racing Death" and "Road Death" and that it was the Japanese revenge for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as it claimed the lives of many US riders, but this is pure fiction (according to Japanese representatives).It was thought by some RD stood for "race developed." But a long time Yamaha mechanic recently dispelled this myth on the uk Yamaha RD forum, this is his explanation and he has worked with and raced them since the seventies. "We always understood it to be a series of letters that explain the bikes make up and function two stroke twin etc"

  • XS = 4 stroke tourer
  • XV = 4 stroke V
  • DT = 2 stroke trail
  • RD = 2 stroke road

The PR guys jumped on the race developed band wagon.

The bike was a very snappy performer and many new riders purchased the bike. The combination of a stiff suspension, abrupt power delivery, very powerful brakes and inexperienced riders was not a good one. It was regarded as being "too fast" for most new riders.

Its good performance, light weight, and easy maintenance made it a world favorite but it ultimately suffered at the hands of increasingly stringent noise and tighter emissions standards in the US market and changing consumer appeal. The US was the first country to impose extremely tight emission standards for new vehicles.


  1. Uncontrollable 1st gear wheelies in the hands of careless riders were the biggest problem.



Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a air cooled twin, two-stroke. A 64.0mm bore x 54.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 350.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a port control. Yamaha did make a liquid-cooled variant in the Yamaha RZ350. The Yamaha Banshee engine was based on a very similar design.

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 6-speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 90/90-18 front tire and a 110/80-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via double disc in the front and a single disc in the rear. The RD350R YPVS was fitted with a 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters) fuel tank.


1973[edit | edit source]

1974[edit | edit source]


1975[edit | edit source]



In Media[edit | edit source]


See Also[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.