Very nice recap. I am glad you enjoyed riding my beloved RD. The USA market got the RD350 for 3 years. The R5 was the RD's predesessor The RD started in 73 and ended with this 75 RD350b. This was the last air cooled RD350. Beginning in 76 and running thru the 79 Daytona model it was the RD400, also air cooled and also a great bike but with quite a few differences. I don't exactly know what was available from Yamaha for other markets or for what years. Yes, motorcycles were made to ride and I tend to "hide em not ride em," but I will say if no one did this there wouldn't be any pristine originals around for others to actually see in person and know what they were like when they rolled off the showroom floor.
This is a bike I have only read about and saw pictures of. It's great to hear that engine. Roy is lucky to own one, or should I say the bike is lucky to have Roy.
Wow. Brings back such lovely memories. The first rd350 I had was a 1973 model in burgundy red. I then bought a brand new one in 1976. Silver. Had tt100 tyres fitted as an extra and cost me £660 on hire purchase. It used to go really well after decoking the heads and exhausts, then getting the timing spot on with a dial gauge. Thanks both....
Only had one major problem with my old rd350. I had a hard time keeping the front end on the ground until I hit like 3rd gear. That bike was so much fun! I think mine was a 1975 also I got it in the summer of 88. I took it to a Yamaha shop and told them to get it up to par. That was another 1500. I spent the whole summer paying that off. I went back to school in the 12th grade riding that bike. It was awesome!
I'm not a big material guy but I had a rd350 when I was in high school in 88 and 90. I had a lot of fun on that bike. I never dreamed they would end up being worth what I hear someone going for. I ran mine to pieces. I sold it for $150 and the guy that bought it from me never got it to crank again. I used to ride by his house for years after that and see it leaning on a tree in his backyard.
Yeah John I had a Kawasaki 350 for 44 years before I sold it. The bike was very rough and a non runner by then but I understand when it is restored it will sell the for eight times what I paid for it.
That was awesome! I was 15 when it came out and man I wanted one, badly. Time machine indeed I had a CL 350 at the time and just wanted a proper street bike.m that could really move.
I remember when the Yamaha first came to the states. This one is so clean it would almost take a brand new one just out of the box to be better. He doesn't get out much but if does maybe I'll get another ride on it.
@@flatcapcaferacer Of course I meant 1976... Yes, I feel lucky. Have some nice bikes over here too but I really enjoy riding around WA with my American buddies. I hope you change your mind and keep the videos coming.
I knew what you meant...no problems. I'm trying to get some my buddies to do our videos but I don't think they have the time Sorry for the delay but I just found your reply. Two things about the videos 1) I want to make videos of subjects, places, events etc that are new and for my channel I need to do 8 to 10 videos a month or I'll have the views decrease by 50% and 10% subscribers will unsubscribe which is very deflating. 2) There are so many very polished and professional TH-camrs whose production quality out there that I certainly cannot match. I would add most of my viewers are over 54 years old which great except my racing doesn’t really appeal to them that much and the younger viewers aren't that interested watching a 70 year guy doing those racing things. I do appreciate your encouragement but given my limited success and a lack of things I care to video at the rate to grow I'm stuck on how to go forward and how to continue.
I am fortunate to own exact bike bought it about 4 years ago had been sitting over 12 years brought her back to life. It just turned 34000 miles and I have it running well think I will be doing complete motor rebuild this winter. Let that baby sing over 6k rpm !
Great video Jerry ( as usual ) and, for once I watched on a device I can comment with. I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit jealous that you were able to ride this piece of perfection and I’ve NEVER had the privilege. The closest I’ve been to it was when I made the vinyl custom cover for it. So again Jerry, I hate to see you retire your “cap” and have enjoyed all of your segments.
I really appreciate your views and comments. In Roy's defense he intended to take you for ride after we finished the video. We still have another month and there are three or videos I want to do. There are so many excellent youtube creators out there with the photography and editing skills that make entertaining and professional content that I cannot match. As Dirty Harry said "A man has got to know his limitations."😄
Those bikes are being increasingly sought after and prices for them are increasing too . I think this will remain true for another four or five years so have fun with them.
@@flatcapcaferacer I had a 72 back when I was a Kid, traded it for a go-cart in '80, boy do I regret that stupid move. I ride these bikes just abought every day when weather permits, they are so much fun.
I wish more riders would do what you are doing. I understand that collectors don't want to do that but it seems such a waste. Some collectors try a shame for riding my 1976 Honda 550 F1 which only had 3000 miles on it. i buy them to ride and respect what you are doing.
Apologies but I'm away from WiFi at the moment on holiday but will catch up with this any many more on my return. (Hopefully we're getting some nice future TH-cam footage) cheers and best wishes Richard and Carol
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs When you're about 60 (or a little older like Jerry🤔) You think you need to do as much of the good things like motorcycling that you can while you can. Hope that new bike of yours is going well.
@@flatcapcaferacer France, Switzerland, Italy and back into France on yesterday's ride. Hope I've recorded something as it was so hot the cameras were shutting down.
Couldn't resist watching on my phone data. Just brilliant. Roy's a good friend letting you out on that beautiful machine. It sounds brilliant, especially in the power band. Take care and I really do hope you don't stop making vids
he bought one new for 1200 thats what I payed for a 74 125 enduro 1200 back then was still alot of money for kid mowing lawns and delivering the Billings Gazette oil injection was easier but you had to trust it conoco made scat oil back then thats what I used on the enduro I knew a guy in high school who had the 200 twin 2 stroke
Very nice recap. I am glad you enjoyed riding my beloved RD. The USA market got the RD350 for 3 years. The R5 was the RD's predesessor The RD started in 73 and ended with this 75 RD350b. This was the last air cooled RD350. Beginning in 76 and running thru the 79 Daytona model it was the RD400, also air cooled and also a great bike but with quite a few differences. I don't exactly know what was available from Yamaha for other markets or for what years. Yes, motorcycles were made to ride and I tend to "hide em not ride em," but I will say if no one did this there wouldn't be any pristine originals around for others to actually see in person and know what they were like when they rolled off the showroom floor.
I can't tell you how much I appreciated you letting me ride this great bike!
Those who still have owned this beast can avoid anxiety..RD350 the beauty beast ..
You are correct
This is a bike I have only read about and saw pictures of. It's great to hear that engine.
Roy is lucky to own one, or should I say the bike is lucky to have Roy.
Great point Adam. I really wanted to give the beans in first gear but I didn't want to chance wheeling a two stroke and embarrassing myself.😄
Wow. Brings back such lovely memories. The first rd350 I had was a 1973 model in burgundy red. I then bought a brand new one in 1976. Silver. Had tt100 tyres fitted as an extra and cost me £660 on hire purchase. It used to go really well after decoking the heads and exhausts, then getting the timing spot on with a dial gauge. Thanks both....
Didn't know that Chris, I guess the closest I got to these bikes was a 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts replica.
What a beauty! I love to see bikes like this being ridden. Really good of Roy to let you have a go. I wish I could smell the Castrol 🙂👍🏼
There is something about a two stroke sound and smell that makes me happy, I'm just sorry so many will never have the chance to experience it .
Only had one major problem with my old rd350. I had a hard time keeping the front end on the ground until I hit like 3rd gear. That bike was so much fun! I think mine was a 1975 also I got it in the summer of 88. I took it to a Yamaha shop and told them to get it up to par. That was another 1500. I spent the whole summer paying that off. I went back to school in the 12th grade riding that bike. It was awesome!
I understand the wheelie temptations 😁
Can’t beat going down memory lane, brings back happy memories from back in the day.
An instant time machine for sure 😀
I'm not a big material guy but I had a rd350 when I was in high school in 88 and 90. I had a lot of fun on that bike. I never dreamed they would end up being worth what I hear someone going for. I ran mine to pieces. I sold it for $150 and the guy that bought it from me never got it to crank again. I used to ride by his house for years after that and see it leaning on a tree in his backyard.
Yeah John I had a Kawasaki 350 for 44 years before I sold it. The bike was very rough and a non runner by then but I understand when it is restored it will sell the for eight times what I paid for it.
I had a 75 RD350, great bike. I put 40k miles on it, the only issue I had was poor cornering clearance due to the footpeg loops under the exhaust.
Holy cow! 40K on a RD 350 that must be some kind of record...congratulations.
That was awesome! I was 15 when it came out and man I wanted one, badly. Time machine indeed I had a CL 350 at the time and just wanted a proper street bike.m that could really move.
I'm very familiar with Honda CL lineup back in that day. The CL350 was a handsome bike had a beautiful exhaust.
I had this bike on a poster on my bedroom wall for years
I remember when the Yamaha first came to the states. This one is so clean it would almost take a brand new one just out of the box to be better. He doesn't get out much but if does maybe I'll get another ride on it.
I have a 1876 RD350. I'm UK based, bike is in Seattle WA. Hoping to get out on it this September when I'm back over. Great bike.
You are a lucky rider indeed 😎
@@flatcapcaferacer Of course I meant 1976... Yes, I feel lucky. Have some nice bikes over here too but I really enjoy riding around WA with my American buddies. I hope you change your mind and keep the videos coming.
I knew what you meant...no problems. I'm trying to get some my buddies to do our videos but I don't think they have the time
Sorry for the delay but I just found your reply.
Two things about the videos 1) I want to make videos of subjects, places, events etc that are new and for my channel I need to do 8 to 10 videos a month or I'll have the views decrease by 50% and 10% subscribers will unsubscribe which is very deflating.
2) There are so many very polished and professional TH-camrs whose production quality out there that I certainly cannot match.
I would add most of my viewers are over 54 years old which great except my racing doesn’t really appeal to them that much and the younger viewers aren't that interested watching a 70 year guy doing those racing things.
I do appreciate your encouragement but given my limited success and a lack of things I care to video at the rate to grow I'm stuck on how to go forward and how to continue.
@@flatcapcaferacer I totally understand but I'll will miss watching your videos.
@@ChunkehMunkeh Maybe I can figure out something between now and next month.
I am fortunate to own exact bike bought it about 4 years ago had been sitting over 12 years brought her back to life. It just turned 34000 miles and I have it running well think I will be doing complete motor rebuild this winter. Let that baby sing over 6k rpm !
Amen brother
What a piece of nostalgia, I remember riding my mates on way back in the day, much quicker off the mark than my 4 stroke 250 👍😀
They are pretty quick weren't they Michael even by today's standards.
Saudades da minha RD 350
I can understand missing such a wonderful machine 👍
👑 I love Yamaha rd 350 this is my dream bike 👌
It is a worthy dream bike I tried to purchase it but he isn't selling .
Great video Jerry ( as usual ) and, for once I watched on a device I can comment with.
I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit jealous that you were able to ride this piece of perfection and I’ve NEVER had the privilege. The closest I’ve been to it was when I made the vinyl custom cover for it.
So again Jerry, I hate to see you retire your “cap” and have enjoyed all of your segments.
I really appreciate your views and comments. In Roy's defense he intended to take you for ride after we finished the video. We still have another month and there are three or videos I want to do.
There are so many excellent youtube creators out there with the photography and editing skills that make entertaining and professional content that I cannot match. As Dirty Harry said "A man has got to know his limitations."😄
Beautiful bike. Keep 'em alive!!
I was hoping to purchase the bike for a weekend rider but he is hanging on to it....
Same as mine port and cheese orange. 1974 with 4k miles from new. Starts 1st kick. Rides like new. Love it ❤❤
I just saw it....very nice. I'm a sucker for the Suzuki T500 too.
@flatcapcaferacer love the 2 strokes mate. Takes me back to good old days. 😃
@@therealslimshady4555 I'm thinking of diving back in on a two stroke if I can afford it.
Wish I could give you 10 likes. This kind of reignites my desire for a Kawasaki triple.
How about two bars of gold instead?😁😁😁
a beautiful bike i live in the uk i had a 250 in blue wish i had it now i swapped for a kh 250 kawasaki .nice video
Kevin it's not too late, I'll be looking into the vintage two stroke market myself. It has become a little pricey though.
I have a '72 and '73, both in great condition and run great, since I replaced the points with electronic ignition, never fouled a plug after.
Those bikes are being increasingly sought after and prices for them are increasing too .
I think this will remain true for another four or five years so have fun with them.
@@flatcapcaferacer I had a 72 back when I was a Kid, traded it for a go-cart in '80, boy do I regret that stupid move. I ride these bikes just abought every day when weather permits, they are so much fun.
I wish more riders would do what you are doing. I understand that collectors don't want to do that but it seems such a waste.
Some collectors try a shame for riding my 1976 Honda 550 F1 which only had 3000 miles on it. i buy them to ride and respect what you are doing.
@@flatcapcaferacer I like looking at them, but I love riding them. Ride on brother!
👍👍
Apologies but I'm away from WiFi at the moment on holiday but will catch up with this any many more on my return. (Hopefully we're getting some nice future TH-cam footage) cheers and best wishes Richard and Carol
I'm looking forward to watching that video you two are making.👍👍
When aren't you on Holiday 😆
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs When you're about 60 (or a little older like Jerry🤔) You think you need to do as much of the good things like motorcycling that you can while you can.
Hope that new bike of yours is going well.
@@flatcapcaferacer France, Switzerland, Italy and back into France on yesterday's ride. Hope I've recorded something as it was so hot the cameras were shutting down.
Couldn't resist watching on my phone data. Just brilliant. Roy's a good friend letting you out on that beautiful machine. It sounds brilliant, especially in the power band.
Take care and I really do hope you don't stop making vids
he bought one new for 1200 thats what I payed for a 74 125 enduro 1200 back then was still alot of money for kid mowing lawns and delivering the Billings Gazette oil injection was easier but you had to trust it conoco made scat oil back then thats what I used on the enduro I knew a guy in high school who had the 200 twin 2 stroke
I love two strokes Kevin they bring out the inner kid in me😃
Beautiful motorcycle!! In what town was the video recorded? thank you
Boise, Idaho
I love this bike
I got my arms around it too😁
Those bikes thrive next to redline.
@@saxon1177 Me too. I can't resist the redline
Nice
Thanks
Clean
Link to the full video where Roy talks about is Yamaha RD350 .
th-cam.com/video/uw97XJfQ4pY/w-d-xo.html