What is this Yama?

[bencav]

Sorry...pic pinched from another thread, just rather like it!!

Any ideas? Cant seem to find it on google pics.

Thanks!!

BC

[GSXR_Warrior]

Looks like an RD350. Slightly customised though. I had an RD250 quite a while ago.
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[Frost]

RD350

https://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/yamaha_rd350.jpg

https://homepage.mac.com/stevegregory/.Pictures/topsix/RD350.jpg

https://www.ypvs350.com/rd-350-2.jpg

[bencav]

Cheers,

I was struggling to find something with the same looking seat, but if it has been cistomosed, then that would explain it.

What are the RD's like? As a 'just to have' bike?

Ta

BC

[Frost]

Yes the seat is one of the customised bits of it. It's going for whats known as a 'cafe racer' look. Google that for some similar looking bikes.

RD's are great bikes, those that have them love them. But then those that buy them know what their letting themselves in for. As a 2 stroke they need engine rebuilds and rebores now and then which can get expensive if you can't do the work yourself. The brakes and handling on them are shit by todays standards, but pretty good for a bike their age. People know this and make allowances for it and find it part of the charm of them.

Generally they have a large cult following and i'd love one. But if your looking for a cheap commuter, or something sporty look elsewhere

[bencav]

Thanks Frosty,

I will have to have a scout about to see if there are any decent examples around here.

'odd' charms dont bother me (I drove an MG Midget as an everyday car for a few years) but engine rebores..hmmm...not too sure on that!!

I am guessing the seat is a DIY mod?

Ta

BC

[Frost]

There are plenty of places that will do that to a seat for you, they are usually the same places that make and repair upholstery.

I'm not saying that they are bad bikes, but most are owned by people who had one years ago, or who always wanted one when they were younger. It's the car equivalent of getting an E-type jaguar, Iconic, lovely, unique, but actually high maintenance and overpriced for what they are compared to modern stuff. But like i said, i'd still love one!

Engine rebores are a fact in owning a 2 stroke, so is replacing rings & pistons and burning expensive 2 stroke oil. I don't expect anyone puts high mileage onto an RD350.

Yamaha also did the XJ550 which is about the same but with a 4 stroke engine in it. They are cheaper to buy and run as they lack the 2 stroke 'charms' (and problems!)

https://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Yamaha%20Bikes/images/Yamaha-XJ550-82.jpg

https://img1.classistatic.com/cps/bln/100619/714r3/9528740_23.jpeg?set_id=2C4000

[ms51ves3]

That's BLUEX5's tuned RD350 that does 20mpg

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20mpg? Balls to that, I get more form my 3.5 V6 car!!!

The 550 looks OK too, just fancy something old as I had to sell my MG a few years back and kinda miss it.

I dont mind routine maintenance, as long as it doesnt mean a weekly coat of waxoyl like the MG!!

I know what I will be doing instead of my job at work tomorrow!!

Cheers lads

BC

[Frost]

I've always been a fan of the Z650

https://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:odS_d8b4bH21JM:https://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/sloan_dh/08bikeweek004.jpg&t=1