New Yammy RD350?

[CafeRay]

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Yamaha made noises last winter that the RD350 was going to be resurrected as a name for 2015, given the massive sales in the 250-300 class. however, they stated it would not be a two-stroke.
This week's rumor is that the Asian R25 will in fact be a 320 for other markets, because Yamaha is basically trying to grab the Ninja 300 sales. I'm guessing the R25 will be the new RD 350 here. Yamaha needs to distinguish this bike from the Kawa, the specs are virtually identical between the two bikes.

We're likely looking at ~38hp with 380lbs.

The RD350LC was 47hp with 346lbs. Uh...progress?

 

[inreb]

We're likely looking at ~38hp with 380lbs.

The RD350LC was 47hp with 246lbs. Uh...progress?

???? Even you don't believe 246lbs. Again, I'll meet you in the middle. But if true, I'll take one with valves and cam. How much could those possibly weigh?

 

[Walms]

My buddies RD 350 LC is 300 lbs soaking wet and is a quick bike. Any 300cc diesel is going to be a slug in comparison... Shame on Yamaha for ruining the RD name!

 

[CafeRay]

???? Even you don't believe 246lbs. Again, I'll meet you in the middle. But if true, I'll take one with valves and cam. How much could those possibly weigh?

Whoops...340lbs, not 246.

Still, lighter, more power.

The modern heavier bikes have more substantial frames, forks and swingarms. The Elsie was noodly.

 

[CafeRay]

My buddies RD 350 LC is 300 lbs soaking wet and is a quick bike. Any 300cc diesel is going to be a slug in comparison... Shame on Yamaha for ruining the RD name!

It's universally accepted that we won't see two-strokes back again, even with modern tech that makes them run clean.

 

[Walms]

You are partially correct, none of the big 4 have the balls to make one... Maybe with any luck, KTM will standup?
but rotax makes a direct injection twin 800 that is just as clean as any 4 stroke. Lighter, more power...

 

[CafeRay]

You are partially correct, none of the big 4 have the balls to make one... Maybe with any luck, KTM will standup?
but rotax makes a direct injection twin 800 that is just as clean as any 4 stroke. Lighter, more power...

Doubt it, KTM is marketing the 390 thumper in this class. Nice looking bike.

 

[Walms]

Baby steps... They brought back the 2 stroke 125cc motoCross.

I guess the new RD will be nicknamed "Rebadged Diesel"
From now on...

 

[CafeRay]

Baby steps... They brought back the 2 stroke 125cc motoCross.

I guess the new RD will be nicknamed "Rebadged Diesel"
From now on...

Used to be "Ringa Ding".

 

[crankcall]

I doubt we will see a 2 stroke street bike in our near or distant future. It would take years to reverse the legislation that killed them off. I like watching the big asain three kick marketing sand on each others shoes. RD350 in a 4 stroke lug would still be fun if they style it correctly.

 

[Walms]

For a beginner bike I'm sure they'd be great but IMO it would be an embarrassment for Yamaha to see one of their 30 year old model's with the same badging blow it off the road...
Build the bike for sure but it would be a bad move to call it a RD.

 

[DJM]

For a beginner bike I'm sure they'd be great but IMO it would be an embarrassment for Yamaha to see one of their 30 year old model's with the same badging blow it off the road...
Build the bike for sure but it would be a bad move to call it a RD.

Not so sure. I doubt the target demographic group would even remember, care or much less know the differences of the 70's and 80's vs now.

 

[GVH]

I had an rd350 & rz350 back in the 1980, s loved them. I want this concept bike please.

 

[DJM]

I had an '81. Black with orange striping. Shortened baffles, jetted and Boyesen reeds. My mates called it the psycho chainsaw.

 

[inreb]

First year LC350 at the Toronto International Motorcycle Show tagged at $1800.

 

[DJM]

First year LC350 at the Toronto International Motorcycle Show tagged at $1800.

Seems a bit low, thought I paid more for mine but that was what, 33 years ago. Almost went with a 550 Vision the Yamaha dealer was practically trying to give away.

 

[inreb]

Seems a bit low,

That's why I mentioned it. Buddy and I thought to grab them at that price for a lark but we were into the big Kawasakis at the time.

 

[Walms]

I had an rd350 & rz350 back in the 1980, s loved them. I want this concept bike please.

Yup, I'd buy 2!

 

[CafeRay]

I had an rd350 & rz350 back in the 1980, s loved them. I want this concept bike please.

all of Kar Lee's designs look good.

 

[gerry]

I paid $1699 new for my '82 @ toronto motor bike.
Still have one.

Gerry

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