Yamaha RD350

Yamaha RD 350 may not be something abundant to the motorcycle world, but it remains as a cult motorcycle for the Indian bikers. Perhaps, the Prince of Indian motorcycle era as Royal Enfield occupies the Kingship. Unfortunately, the production of RD 350 was discontinued in India due to the thwarted succession of the product. Running cost was one of the major issues for its doom.



History(1983-1990)
The letters RD stands for Race Derived. Commencing its production in 1983 in India, RD 350 was a mere black to Indian motorcyclist. Perhaps, the most powerful bike after Bullet. The bike was that much capable, even for a race event. The RD 350 was introduced at first for the Traffic policemen to get criminals red-handed as this bike was powerful enough to reach a maximum speed of 165 kmph.



The very first Japan edition RD 350 was powered of 39 bhp. Lamentably, the very first High Torque (HT) Indian edition was enriched with 30.5 bhp. The major criteria for this misdeed was the economy-loving Indian customers. Moreover, the Indian edition had only drum brakes at both ends. The bike was engineered utilizing the technologies of MotoGP superbikes in the 70s. Witnessing the unexpected breaking down of the RD 350 sale, Yamaha was forced to cut down its power to 27bhp and launched an updated version, Lower Torque (LT) RD 350. To be frank, no Indian made motorcycles are made as powerful as the Cult RD350 yet.



Technical Specifications

Engine	347cc, 2 Stroke, Air cooled, Gasoline, Torque Induction
Cylinder	2 Cylinders forward inclined in parrellel
Maximum Power	30.5 bhb @ 6750 rpm
Maximum Torque	3.3 Kg-m/6500 rpm
Transmission	165 kmph
0-100	7 seconds
Starting System	Kick
Bore and Stroke	64mm x 54mm
Compression Ratio	6.6:1
Ignition	Battery
Frame Model	IAI
Chassis(front)	Telescopic Fork Oil Damped
Chassis(rear)	Swing Arm Coil Spring with Oil Damped
Tyre(front)	3.00 x 18"-4 PR
Tyre(rear)	3.50 x 18"-4 PR
Front Brake	Drum brake
Rear Brake	Drum brake
Dry Weight	143 kg
Overall Length	2040mm
Overall Width	835mm
Overall Height	1110mm
Ground Clearance	165mm
Exhaust	Twin exhausts
Fuel Tank	16 litres
Oil Capacity	2 litres
Mileage	6-23 kmpl