This my kind of motorcycle

Yeah, but back
Giant Killer: 1975 Yamaha RD350


“Don’t feel bad,” read the magazine ad for the Yamaha RD350, “You’re not the first 750 rider to get blown off by the Yamaha 350.” In race or street trim, the RD350 was capable of humiliating motorcycles twice its size.
Yeah, but back in those days any two-stroke buzzing bee had twice the power output per cc's of displacement compared to the four-strokers. Plus, the two-strokers were hundreds of pounds lighter. One of the downsides of the two-stroke engine was a very narrow power band and would hit very abruptly.

Remember the Kawasaki triple 750 (H2 Mach IV)? Frick'n death traps. Can you say "steering dampener, please"?

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Yes I remember them. I had driven a 500 and 750, the steering was a little hairy to be sure especially at the higher speeds. But darn fast.
 
well Norm--- bring the Rd350 on down to the swamp --- we'll do some racing ;)

Ill only use 2nd --3rd and 5th gear -- to make it fair--- ;)


They were awesome and cutting edge in 73......

but the times they are a changing new "entry Level" bikes like honda cbr 500 (57 hp) or
"beginner" 650 Ninja makes 67 hp -- handles like its on rails and would out break the RD by a hundred feet (ive ridden an RD)
And on the track --- the Giant Killer of 73 would see nuttin but taillights from either of the top 2 "beginner bikes"

the GIANTS of today breath serious FIRE----and ride Lightning---with up to 300hp---- yes that three HUNDRED
 
The thing is, this thing loses value as soon as it leaves the lot, something like Ford pickup trucks.:) But the Yamaha RD350B increases in value, they are collectable, I bought mine for $900 now one in very good condition is selling Kelly blue book for nearly $4,000. 1588435386132.png
 
well Norm--- bring the Rd350 on down to the swamp --- we'll do some racing ;)

Ill only use 2nd --3rd and 5th gear -- to make it fair--- ;)


They were awesome and cutting edge in 73......

but the times they are a changing new "entry Level" bikes like honda cbr 500 (57 hp) or
"beginner" 650 Ninja makes 67 hp -- handles like its on rails and would out break the RD by a hundred feet (ive ridden an RD)
And on the track --- the Giant Killer of 73 would see nuttin but taillights from either of the top 2 "beginner bikes"

the GIANTS of today breath serious FIRE----and ride Lightning---with up to 300hp---- yes that three HUNDRED


Yes but, only thing you forgot to mention, will they be collectable, that is the question.:wink::LOL:
 
Yes but, only thing you forgot to mention, will they be collectable, that is the question.:wink::LOL:
of course its a Triumph ;)

and --- everything is collectible in time ---if you take care of it----- case in point Normie

This was an ugly "piece" for 1800.00 NEW in 1975

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And here is one with a 34,000.00 asking price now

 
of course its a Triumph ;)

and --- everything is collectible in time ---if you take care of it----- case in point Normie

This was an ugly "piece" for 1800.00 NEW in 1975

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And here is one with a 34,000.00 asking price now


Just goes to show you some people will buy anything to make a buck..:pound-hand:
 
I went to the store after a couple hours ride----loaded up on a weeks worth of groceries--- including 2, 12 packs......bread, meat ..veggies----
Was cruising home at 80 ---5th gear......4500 rpm..............still had 5500 rpm till red line........and a whole other (6th) gear to go............

even had room (back passenger seat) for a 55lb bag of dog food-----

O think the groceries (and 190 lb fat american) exceed your RD's allowable weight limit........................by , a LOT ---
RD's Like bringing a Yugo to an SUV convention ;)

or a knife to Nuclear war ...............


BUT I will say --- the RD is a classic -- love the lines -- love the engine--- (the one in the video is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!) and if I had the spare coin--- I WOULD OWN ONE ;)
and a Hyabusa.............and a Speed Triple.........and a Royal Enfield.............and a Honda Shaddow......a KZ1000 -- a Honda 450 four------and a Bonneville cafe racer........and ............................................a SPeed Triple, and my old Triumph Sprint 885 back.............and.........................................................
 
These are also GORGEOUS!
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I got FREE use of one for a MONTH in 1983 ....my boss at the time (worked summers for a friend of the families cleaning co)--went on a MONTHS vacation-- (actually it was a Church sponsored pilgrimage to South America to help build a church)-- I was paid to take care of his house get the mail etc etc .....my "payment" was FREE USE of the HONDA !!!!!--- (at the time I had a 90 cc Kawasaki) so ------ a 500 was the poop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh man what a MONTH --- it FLEW BY! lol


I would also buy one of these --- just because I have wanted one SINCE 1973!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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becasue --- its simply----------------beautiful.
 
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