Still a beautiful machine. The 250 and 350lc out performed everything in their class and many above too. They were game changers that changed the face of motorbikes. 😍😍😍😍
Many Moons ago circa 1980 I was riding my then Pride and Joy a 1978 Blue Honda CX500, out on a quiet Sunday afternoon ride. Suddenly a young whippersnapper came past me two up and accelerated away from me. I gave chase but the CX500 was no match for this NEW style bike that I'd just witnessed leave me for dead in a cloud of blue two stroke fumes. Yes I'd just experienced the 350LC for the first time, Im 55 now as I tell you this tale and I still remember that day like yesterday. The LC has most likely gone along with my old CX but the memories linger on. They were happy times. :-)
@@offthestarboardhull8913 I never had an RD 350LC, but a friend had. Even now he as an RZ350 that I don't think he's ridden for years, so it's probably like new. Me, I too had a CX500T. That was fun, and I managed to sell it before the big costs, including the stator. It went not too long after I sold it.
@@offthestarboardhull8913 I swapped my old LC for a VT 500 twenty years ago, straight swap! It made sense at the time but looking back ......what did I do that for? 😭
I was lucky enough to own the white coloured 1982 J Model 350LC that i traded up from my aging 400 G Daytona Special..The LC just had an engine freshen up and when i bought it and would wheelie 1st 2nd and 3rd gear..it was stock standard but the first few days on it the difference in power and handling got me by surprise..Wish i still had it now..Long live all 2 stroke bikes.
40 years ago I had an RD250, my first post FS1E vehicle. I loved it. Now I have a 3.0Litre Motorhome that weights 3.8 tonnes. It does the same MPG as my old RD.
Hey, just writing to say that I enjoyed your video. In particular, I like how you were able to talk about the details of the exhaust flange issue and the stay bars being added in later models. I like when someone who has LIVED with a bike and knows it intimately, can give details like that. I never had an LC, but I had an RD 400 and an XS 360, and I come from the same generation of kids from the 70s and 80s who went crazy over these small but powerful bikes. Thanks again for your video!
Greatest bike line ever RD-RZ350. Had 81, 2 82's, 83, 2 85's. Got an 84 in my garage now. Think they were always RD's there. 83 and later were RZ in north America. Last year in US was 85 I think. Emissions killed them there. US model RZ's had cat conv in pipes. Heavy and restrictive. Rarely ever seen a 250 here.
In U.S. we took them for granted in 60s 70s they were everywhere , i had the 71 kaw 350 3cyl and a few enduros wish i had kept 1 of them . I miss em so much i now have 2stroke bicycles
Here in the US, we didn't get the LC in 1981. We rode our old air cooled RD's and shamelessly lusted after the LC. Forbidden fruit. When Yamaha announced the LC2 YPVS for the US as the RZ350 there was a sense of redemption. We were getting a second chance at two strokes! Sold my old air cooled RD, and bought an 85 RZ. Still have it, still ride it. Cracking good fun.
Martin....amazing how we has similar interests..... I left school in 79'.....first bike ...Yamaha FS1E DX....77' Model restricted to 30mph!! my elder bro found out...change the exhaust for a old one...adjust carb needle....bang, 45mph, like the originals.... i then rebuilt with my bro...a 1973 RD 250...but had a noisy layshaft Bearing..... Part chopped it for a brand new SR250.....always liked singles....(£760) where as the XS250 was the same as the LC 250....£1030.....HAPPY DAYS.
i had 4 350 lcs, terrific bikes. They handled brilliantly with good power. I also owned 4 250 lcs and 3 RZ 350s. Loved them all. In Australia the ypvs only came out on the RZ models.
I started road racing on one in 82 season, as did everyone else. By 84 Id heavily modified it, then sold it to move to 1000cc super bikes. It was a great bike to start racing on, the only trouble was the rear end shock was pretty bad and resulted in wallowing at the rear when the rear tyre got warmed up. I replaced it with a Bilstien Gas shock I got made up that fixed the rear end. A mate worked at Bilstien and they put the stock Yam chock in the shock dyno and it basically only worked when it was upright not laying down as fitted.
After passing my test on a RD250E in yellow I bought a brand new 1980 Mars bar coloured. Had the exhaust recall done. Sprayed the alloys white and sprayed the handle bars and caliper bright red. Added the chrome crash bars and used to blow off loads of bigger bikes except the Honda CB900 lol. Sold it and bought a GL1000 Goldwing and year later now own a GL1500 Goldwing. Some change I know but happy I owned the 350. Ride safe all.
I never had the pleasure of riding one but my mate Steve had one and I went on the back of his loads of times and it was absolutely amazing. Fantastic video, thank you.
These were amazing bikes, I've never ridden anything else which instantly made me grin like a LC. Wanted one as a teenager but went to university instead and had no money, so eventually I got one in my 30s, it was worth the wait. There's something intoxicating about the change in the engine note when it hits the powerband and takes off. I often wish I still had it, so RD owners don't sell yours unless it's to me.
Great Bike. I never went the Yamaha route but had the Kawasaki 400, 500 and 750 two strokes. I rode with several suzuki water buffalos and RDs though. Man those were the years. Wish i had kept any of those 2 strokes or my Z1R
I had a new white/blue 250 LC in 1980 and bought a new white/blue 350 LC in 1981. Great fun and really nice bikes to own. I remember the exhaust header thing on the 250 - there was a warranty recall to fit wider flanges which seemed to do the trick of stopping them leaking. I think that had been sorted out by the time I got the 350 My last two stroke was an RG 500 Gamma which I bought thinking it would be like the LC but I soon realised it was a scary beast with similar weight but twice the power!
Oh man ! the memories .Had an 1980 RD 400 and a 82 Rd 350 LC. Same color as yours. Paid 1850 for the 400 and 2350 for the 350.those prices were for new in Canada. I loved both of them .
Cracking vid Martin.this has got to be one of,if not the best 2 stroke bikes ever made in my opinion.ive never owned one,but would love one. (Mega bucks for matching number now though. Looking forward to the 400 vid.cheers mate Scott.
Scottbikerdude Thanks Scott. I did have a great collection and here's another I had as well facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202830966468367&set=a.1822113145737.2098692.1027449466&type=1&theater
Cor Blimey Fella....loved the sound, all I needed was the smell. Used to race two strokes late eighties...love em. Got a tear in me eye. Nice one. Oh and of course riding around up here in Lincolnshire is fab....loads of room!
Ahhh, the beloved RD. Now your taking me down memory lane Martin. Great vid mate and you certainly know your RD's. I had a 350 power valve for a few months. I loved hearing the little vivvv vivvv when you turned the key before starting it. They were absolute rockets back in the day & there wasn't much out there that could touch them. Great bikes, I also know many a chap that had bad spills off them back in the day.Wasn't there a 500 power valve model too? I am sure I did see one or two but they were very rare.
Ribbitmefoot Yes, I loved that powervalve noise as well. I had an RD500 as well and it was a pretty quick bike. There is one in this series of vids that I am doing so keep tuned. Cheers Martin
I SMOKED many a CB750F on my RD350 & RD400 on the streets with nothing but a set of Expansion Chambers, Carb Rejet and Air Filter Change. They were a BLAST and my biggest regret is not buying the last year model they were made.
Really nice bike Martin. I think there was a window that we all grew up in. Great technology emerging in bikes we we were growing up. No cameras, electronic surveillance like today. We could really see how bikes could handle flat out. Maybe it's a good thing our kids can't do what we all did back in the day.
Brian Percival I loved those times Bri, Makes you wonder what's the real reason for all this public spying, Technology has been exploited for Corporations to bleed us dry and keep us dummed down but that's another story.
I owned the first 250 in Australia I believe. I’d used our lax laws for years riding and owning several bikes ( Honda 750 etc) with a learner licence being renewed every 3? Months to avoid the test. Then suddenly learners restrictions came around and I thought’no way I’m riding a baby bike’ til overseas mags started raving about this new super bike. I bought one unseen and waited 6 mths for it to be imported . Stuck it into a tree in the Adelaide hills 4 days later on Xmas day
Great video thanks. I had the 250 lc at 17 on 'L' plates then a couple of 350,s. One had Allspeeds and the others had Microns. Boyesen reeds if I remember correctly and the pro am fairing and belly pan. I'm 53 now and would love another one !
Gorgeous,i had the 250lc,the white one with the blue stripes that eventually got painted black with gold wheels and original exhaust.I lost the key and i had to hotwire it and it caught fire when i parked it.I was completely gutted,broke my heart.
Every weekend when I was in my 20 s one of these would chase me up and down a place here in Australia called arthurs seat, it's a highly elevatod tourist rode that's got bike written all over it . I had an Xj 650 and the rd was slow out the corners which are very tight up hill but once it hit power band I couldn't shake it. now all these years later I ride the same spot on my cbr 1000 f with my brother chasing me on his Ducati 848 and remember those days love 80 s and 90s bikes
mattoy123 Yes, I'm always searching ebay as well lol. Here's my other LC that was sold at the same time facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202830966468367&set=a.1822113145737.2098692.1027449466&type=1&theater Cheers Martin
Dunno about England but in N Ireland you could drive a 250 on a L plate, but you needed a full licence for the 350. This resulted in lots of 350s dressed up as 250s. I think the 350 had twin front discs and a little breather pipe on the carb that the 250 didn't have. The traffic police knew what to look for ;) I like old Brits and Kawasaki Zs better.
Have a 250, yes, one front disk but also the pipe connecting the the 2 intake ducts. But had a 250 in 1983 with 350 cylinders, no one can see from outside. Just a little casted mark " 349 cm³ or 4L0 in other countries on the membran case what was easy to mill away ... But I addet a 2. disk / caliper not even the MOT - guy ( TÜV ) noticed or mentioned. Will do that also on my present one, used calipers ordered today from greece ...
Yours sounds just like my then-new bright orange 1975 RD350 air-cooled "pocket rocket". What an incredible bike that was. I've owned many different motorcycles since then and still ride daily here in the tropics but the little RD will always be my favorite. One of my daily adrenalin rushes was to simply start off normally from a dead stop and just smoothly roll on full throttle. At 3500 rpms the power band came in like a tsunami so better be hanging on for dear life 'cause it was straight-up wheelie time. Now if my 2014 Ninja 300 was as spirited! Oh well... probably better at my age that it isn't wheelie prone. ;^)
+Jimbo in Thailand HI Jimbo, Yes, they were basically the same engine but the RD400 had a longer stroke. I put a set of tuned RD350 barrels on my RD250 (it's a straight swap on the 250 but not the 400) and it was so quick at accelerating, a real rush. I still remember it now after 35 years lol. Good times. Cheers Martin
+retrorestore Ahhh... the RD400. It didn't sell well at all in the US. Yamaha detuned it so it wouldn't be so wheelie prone like the 350 was. I think the 400 was only offered in 1976 but maybe in 1977, not sure it's been so long. New two-stroke sales became verboten by the government about that time so the US never got any LC versions or my older brother and I would have bought a couple. In 1978 I met a couple riding an almost brand new 1975 RD identical to mine. It only had a few miles on it and the rider was extremely afraid of it. He offered it to me for $600. Like an idiot I didn't buy it and regret it ever since. I had sold my RD to a friend the year before and was looking for a bigger bike at the time. Oh well.
+retrorestore So true Martin. I'm currently enjoying riding my little Ninja 300. Here in Thailand it's especially dangerous to ride fast, for so many reasons, so the 300 is plenty fast enough! Ride safe Martin! ;^)
Talk about memories, I had the first black one in Newcastle upon Tyne, A few white ones were kicking about, I think I bought it maybe 82 not sure but around then. I was born 63, had an X7 (Suzuki GT250) which got nicked never to be seen again ! I'd only had it around a month but that was what happened back then. The insurance paid up so I went to order a white 350LC from a discount dealer. Cost me £999 the dealer rang to say he had a black one but the other order he had the guy had ordered the belly pan and fairing so he got priority for the white one ! it was black one or wait 3 weeks for a white one ! really just give me a bike. I got toots ! thumbs up the lot ! first black one in Newcastle ! my legacy ! lol I've told my kids wife but they think I'm stupid. I now ride round on an R1200GS but I'm still biking and loving it ! Great review of bike BTW obituary I foolishly swapped it after 3 years to a mate who worked in a Yamaha main dealer for a ! (can't bring myself to say it) Honda CB650 doh
I have a friend who bought one of those 500s. That was an incredible machine. If I remember correctly, it was actually a square 4 with two separate crankshafts. Might be wrong there though. I do remember the carbs attached to the outside of the cylinders.
I had several LCs and Powervalves back in the day great fun cant afford to buy a decent one now theyre ridiculously silly money...……. ill have to do up the basket case in the shed.
Memories, I bought a 250 new in 1981 and have very fond memories of it. The only thing I did was fit Micron Chambers and rode the ass of it. I paid $1483- OZ dollars for it new. Had to sell it to buy my first house. Wish I still had it now.
Nice presentation and beautiful bike. All the mods are from the same era which shows your own values and knowledge. I had an 81 350 from new until stolen (stupidly wasting it for commuting), and now an 82 350. LCs were such a step up from the air-cooled models, so easy to ride slow and so easy to ride fast. Btw, by your accent we could have been neighbours, where are you from?
Thanks for the video. I don't think Yamaha imported that bike to the US. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The only water cooled two strokes I remember were race bikes.
Still got mine. got it in 1983. done 53000m. allspeeds metmachex .micron f brace, matt black, metal rad guard, s damper, hy tech reeds, 1.8 mm btdc timing, It is named vrimp. i also have an h1e, 748r,zx7r,vfr750fg,3ma,sc28,etc .great video mate and go fuckin nuts.
great video....I had 2 of these in my day and would love another but can't justify paying the price...shame...oh and the rd500 and rg500 are fetching upto 40000 on ebay.....
+Mark Healy Wow, the last time I looked the RD500 was about 6 grand. I had one of those as well. I'd be minted if I still had all my 2 strokes lol. Cheers Martin
I got.lost somewhere tween the oil light bieng on, the massive clutch slip, and the god awfull rings trying to snag ports click/rattle... and b4 the replys come in i did own 3 of these 2 250s 2 powervalve 350s and 2 "dodgy rego" tz250s plus numerous other 2 strokes..so a worrying noise is obvoius to me
great bike back in the day. I had a Stan Stevens ex proddy bike FHD 775W. Got chased by the law all the time n raced everyone. Blew it up a lot too. Happy days different times. I had a go on one a few years ago, I don't know why people pay stupid money for them now. they are crap by modern standards.
Nice video Martin .Your a bit of a petrol head on the quiet.I see the gates came back. I am thinking of getting my daughter a scooter at the end of the year . Nothing flash just a runner or a do up project . Would you have any tips what to buy . Cheers Pete.
Peter Froud There's so much choice Pete, depends on how much you want to spend. Parts are cheap, build quality is poor, especially Chinese ones, most have been thrashed, but you can spot them a mile off as they have been modded so steer clear from those ones. I'd choose a standard bike, possibly Piaggio Zip, Peugeot Speedfight, TGB R50X or the Piaggio Vespa but there's plenty out there. Cheers Martin
beautifull machine man !!! i had several of them and few powervalves aswell also built a LC special with Rgv 250 usd forks wheels and brakes JMC swingarm goodridge hoses 2 much stuff to list and a d.r.s./SPONDON framed one aswell ......trying to cobble together one now,.... hard to beat em but theres no way an LC worth 4000-5000 in my opinion.........
Still a beautiful machine. The 250 and 350lc out performed everything in their class and many above too. They were game changers that changed the face of motorbikes. 😍😍😍😍
Yes, I totally agree. I remember when they firat came out. It was like seeing something from a race track.
Giant killers indeed - fantastic bikes
Many Moons ago circa 1980 I was riding my then Pride and Joy a 1978 Blue Honda CX500, out on a quiet Sunday afternoon ride. Suddenly a young whippersnapper came past me two up and accelerated away from me. I gave chase but the CX500 was no match for this NEW style bike that I'd just witnessed leave me for dead in a cloud of blue two stroke fumes. Yes I'd just experienced the 350LC for the first time, Im 55 now as I tell you this tale and I still remember that day like yesterday. The LC has most likely gone along with my old CX but the memories linger on. They were happy times. :-)
Great memories and I remember those times well as well.
Cheers
Martin
Funny, I traded my RD 350LC for a CX 500T
@@offthestarboardhull8913 I never had an RD 350LC, but a friend had. Even now he as an RZ350 that I don't think he's ridden for years, so it's probably like new. Me, I too had a CX500T. That was fun, and I managed to sell it before the big costs, including the stator. It went not too long after I sold it.
@@offthestarboardhull8913 I swapped my old LC for a VT 500 twenty years ago, straight swap! It made sense at the time but looking back ......what did I do that for? 😭
I was lucky enough to own the white coloured 1982 J Model 350LC that i traded up from my aging 400 G Daytona Special..The LC just had an engine freshen up and when i bought it and would wheelie 1st 2nd and 3rd gear..it was stock standard but the first few days on it the difference in power and handling got me by surprise..Wish i still had it now..Long live all 2 stroke bikes.
40 years ago I had an RD250, my first post FS1E vehicle. I loved it. Now I have a 3.0Litre Motorhome that weights 3.8 tonnes. It does the same MPG as my old RD.
Stop telling lies lad
Hey, just writing to say that I enjoyed your video. In particular, I like how you were able to talk about the details of the exhaust flange issue and the stay bars being added in later models. I like when someone who has LIVED with a bike and knows it intimately, can give details like that. I never had an LC, but I had an RD 400 and an XS 360, and I come from the same generation of kids from the 70s and 80s who went crazy over these small but powerful bikes. Thanks again for your video!
Thanks Seth, glad you are liking the vids bud.
Cheers
Martin
Greatest bike line ever RD-RZ350. Had 81, 2 82's, 83, 2 85's. Got an 84 in my garage now. Think they were always RD's there. 83 and later were RZ in north America. Last year in US was 85 I think. Emissions killed them there. US model RZ's had cat conv in pipes. Heavy and restrictive. Rarely ever seen a 250 here.
In U.S. we took them for granted in 60s 70s they were everywhere , i had the 71 kaw 350 3cyl and a few enduros wish i had kept 1 of them . I miss em so much i now have 2stroke bicycles
I was lucky to find one that was raced in Germany, I had more fun on that thing than any other of numerous bikes I owned .. 72 in all.
They were a special bike in my opinion and I remember how I felt when I first saw one. Great times.
Cheers
Martin
Here in the US, we didn't get the LC in 1981. We rode our old air cooled RD's and shamelessly lusted after the LC. Forbidden fruit.
When Yamaha announced the LC2 YPVS for the US as the RZ350 there was a sense of redemption. We were getting a second chance at two strokes!
Sold my old air cooled RD, and bought an 85 RZ. Still have it, still ride it. Cracking good fun.
I like your point about the RD/RZ Yammies delivering fun and excitement at relatively low speeds. Makes me wish to hell I still had my 1990 RZ .
Magic! I still have my 350LC, it's part of the family and I can't see myself ever selling it.
+fortypence I have had a few but I still wish I had my first one when I was 17.
Cheers
Martin
Still got mine to. I wouldn't be without it. Bought it new in 1982 (first of the 3 stripe paint job model)
Martin....amazing how we has similar interests.....
I left school in 79'.....first bike ...Yamaha FS1E DX....77' Model restricted to 30mph!!
my elder bro found out...change the exhaust for a old one...adjust carb needle....bang, 45mph, like the originals....
i then rebuilt with my bro...a 1973 RD 250...but had a noisy layshaft Bearing.....
Part chopped it for a brand new SR250.....always liked singles....(£760) where as the XS250 was the same as the LC 250....£1030.....HAPPY DAYS.
i had 4 350 lcs, terrific bikes. They handled brilliantly with good power. I also owned 4 250 lcs and 3 RZ 350s. Loved them all. In Australia the ypvs only came out on the RZ models.
I started road racing on one in 82 season, as did everyone else.
By 84 Id heavily modified it, then sold it to move to 1000cc super bikes.
It was a great bike to start racing on, the only trouble was the rear end shock was pretty bad and resulted in wallowing at the rear when the rear tyre got warmed up.
I replaced it with a Bilstien Gas shock I got made up that fixed the rear end.
A mate worked at Bilstien and they put the stock Yam chock in the shock dyno and it basically only worked when it was upright not laying down as fitted.
After passing my test on a RD250E in yellow I bought a brand new 1980 Mars bar coloured. Had the exhaust recall done. Sprayed the alloys white and sprayed the handle bars and caliper bright red. Added the chrome crash bars and used to blow off loads of bigger bikes except the Honda CB900 lol. Sold it and bought a GL1000 Goldwing and year later now own a GL1500 Goldwing. Some change I know but happy I owned the 350. Ride safe all.
I never had the pleasure of riding one but my mate Steve had one and I went on the back of his loads of times and it was absolutely amazing. Fantastic video, thank you.
Steve Hardin
@@billybarr7443 Who?
@@ericgeorge5483 are you from Blackpool lad
@@billybarr7443 Nope, not even close lol
wow like everyone else i owned 4 during the 80s, love the sound smell and powerband.
Yes, I'm the same. Still love them now.
The surprise power band was a major part of the addiction to these bikes
These were amazing bikes, I've never ridden anything else which instantly made me grin like a LC. Wanted one as a teenager but went to university instead and had no money, so eventually I got one in my 30s, it was worth the wait. There's something intoxicating about the change in the engine note when it hits the powerband and takes off. I often wish I still had it, so RD owners don't sell yours unless it's to me.
Great Bike. I never went the Yamaha route but had the Kawasaki 400, 500 and 750 two strokes. I rode with several suzuki water buffalos and RDs though. Man those were the years. Wish i had kept any of those 2 strokes or my Z1R
Yes, the Kawasaki's were great 2 strokes but I never owned any. Great memories though.
Cheers
Martin
I had a new white/blue 250 LC in 1980 and bought a new white/blue 350 LC in 1981. Great fun and really nice bikes to own. I remember the exhaust header thing on the 250 - there was a warranty recall to fit wider flanges which seemed to do the trick of stopping them leaking. I think that had been sorted out by the time I got the 350 My last two stroke was an RG 500 Gamma which I bought thinking it would be like the LC but I soon realised it was a scary beast with similar weight but twice the power!
Oh man ! the memories .Had an 1980 RD 400 and a 82 Rd 350 LC. Same color as yours.
Paid 1850 for the 400 and 2350 for the 350.those prices were for new in Canada. I loved both of them .
The RD350LC YPVS was sh*t off a shovel, a true adrenaline ride. Thanks for jogging the nostalgia Martin.
I loved them too.
Brilliant I was lumbered with the Superdream In 81 fun times though,, nice video mate
Cracking vid Martin.this has got to be one of,if not the best 2 stroke bikes ever made in my opinion.ive never owned one,but would love one. (Mega bucks for matching number now though. Looking forward to the 400 vid.cheers mate Scott.
Scottbikerdude Thanks Scott. I did have a great collection and here's another I had as well facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202830966468367&set=a.1822113145737.2098692.1027449466&type=1&theater
Cor Blimey Fella....loved the sound, all I needed was the smell. Used to race two strokes late eighties...love em. Got a tear in me eye. Nice one. Oh and of course riding around up here in Lincolnshire is fab....loads of room!
+Anthony Pettyfer My favourite bikes the RD's, so many memories from the 80's.
Cheers
Martin
More like £10K now! All good RDLC riders rode in trainers, jeans and paddock jackets, well done sir!
Ahhh, the beloved RD. Now your taking me down memory lane Martin. Great vid mate and you certainly know your RD's. I had a 350 power valve for a few months. I loved hearing the little vivvv vivvv when you turned the key before starting it. They were absolute rockets back in the day & there wasn't much out there that could touch them. Great bikes, I also know many a chap that had bad spills off them back in the day.Wasn't there a 500 power valve model too? I am sure I did see one or two but they were very rare.
Ribbitmefoot Yes, I loved that powervalve noise as well. I had an RD500 as well and it was a pretty quick bike. There is one in this series of vids that I am doing so keep tuned.
Cheers
Martin
What was the Power Valve ?
I SMOKED many a CB750F on my RD350 & RD400 on the streets with nothing but a set of Expansion Chambers, Carb Rejet and Air Filter Change. They were a BLAST and my biggest regret is not buying the last year model they were made.
Really nice bike Martin. I think there was a window that we all grew up in. Great technology emerging in bikes we we were growing up. No cameras, electronic surveillance like today. We could really see how bikes could handle flat out. Maybe it's a good thing our kids can't do what we all did back in the day.
Brian Percival I loved those times Bri, Makes you wonder what's the real reason for all this public spying, Technology has been exploited for Corporations to bleed us dry and keep us dummed down but that's another story.
I owned the first 250 in Australia I believe. I’d used our lax laws for years riding and owning several bikes ( Honda 750 etc) with a learner licence being renewed every 3? Months to avoid the test. Then suddenly learners restrictions came around and I thought’no way I’m riding a baby bike’ til overseas mags started raving about this new super bike. I bought one unseen and waited 6 mths for it to be imported . Stuck it into a tree in the Adelaide hills 4 days later on Xmas day
I had a 1982 Yamaha powervalve briliant. I’m tempted to get one again
Great video thanks. I had the 250 lc at 17 on 'L' plates then a couple of 350,s. One had Allspeeds and the others had Microns. Boyesen reeds if I remember correctly and the pro am fairing and belly pan. I'm 53 now and would love another one !
Same age bracket as me Pete.
Gorgeous,i had the 250lc,the white one with the blue stripes that eventually got painted black with gold wheels and original exhaust.I lost the key and i had to hotwire it and it caught fire when i parked it.I was completely gutted,broke my heart.
that brings back memories I had a 250 and 350 I couldn't afford to buy one now
+Peter Allett Yes, they go for silly money now. I loved mine.
Cheers
Martin
Nice tune at the intro! :)
Memories!, mine had a stan Stephen’s 485 engine! It lifted off the throttle easy!
had a 250cc and 350 still love them!!!
Same here Terry. Wish I still had one.
Cheers
Martin
I had an rd400dx .Man it was fun .Great powerband. Max grin factor.
Every weekend when I was in my 20 s one of these would chase me up and down a place here in Australia called arthurs seat, it's a highly elevatod tourist rode that's got bike written all over it . I had an Xj 650 and the rd was slow out the corners which are very tight up hill but once it hit power band I couldn't shake it. now all these years later I ride the same spot on my cbr 1000 f with my brother chasing me on his Ducati 848 and remember those days love 80 s and 90s bikes
Great memories, it was a quick light bike back then and did keep up with a lot of larger bikes of the era.
Cheers
Martin
Martin - Yes I had one too all those years ago - you have made a tidy video and very informative - good on you ( Thumbs up )
Thanks bud, glad you enjoyed the video.
Cheers
Martin
One of my favourite bikes,especially with expansion pipes,nice video Martin ,I always search on eBay ,there are some mint bikes out there
mattoy123 Yes, I'm always searching ebay as well lol. Here's my other LC that was sold at the same time facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202830966468367&set=a.1822113145737.2098692.1027449466&type=1&theater
Cheers
Martin
Loved the RD250LC 170kmph@9500rpm exactly same as this, black.
watched before always interesting to listen to fans of the bike beware its now escalated to even more money
Had one of these in about 89.... white and blue loved it just a shame it only had a drum rear brake could had done with rear disc
I put drop h bars on mine and it was just fantastic
Had a 77RD400 love it back in the day
I have been on these bikes going from Essex to chelsea bridge
+Alan Ashley I did the Chelsea bridge run many times in the early 80's myself. Great memories and then down to Heston Services on the M4.
Dunno about England but in N Ireland you could drive a 250 on a L plate, but you needed a full licence for the 350. This resulted in lots of 350s dressed up as 250s. I think the 350 had twin front discs and a little breather pipe on the carb that the 250 didn't have. The traffic police knew what to look for ;)
I like old Brits and Kawasaki Zs better.
mylo o'hagan Yes at 17, I learn't on an RD250 and when I passed my test, I got the 350lc.
Have a 250, yes, one front disk but also the pipe connecting the the 2 intake ducts. But had a 250 in 1983 with 350 cylinders, no one can see from outside. Just a little casted mark " 349 cm³ or 4L0 in other countries on the membran case what was easy to mill away ... But I addet a 2. disk / caliper not even the MOT - guy ( TÜV ) noticed or mentioned. Will do that also on my present one, used calipers ordered today from greece ...
Yours sounds just like my then-new bright orange 1975 RD350 air-cooled "pocket rocket". What an incredible bike that was. I've owned many different motorcycles since then and still ride daily here in the tropics but the little RD will always be my favorite. One of my daily adrenalin rushes was to simply start off normally from a dead stop and just smoothly roll on full throttle. At 3500 rpms the power band came in like a tsunami so better be hanging on for dear life 'cause it was straight-up wheelie time. Now if my 2014 Ninja 300 was as spirited! Oh well... probably better at my age that it isn't wheelie prone. ;^)
+Jimbo in Thailand HI Jimbo, Yes, they were basically the same engine but the RD400 had a longer stroke. I put a set of tuned RD350 barrels on my RD250 (it's a straight swap on the 250 but not the 400) and it was so quick at accelerating, a real rush. I still remember it now after 35 years lol.
Good times.
Cheers
Martin
+retrorestore Ahhh... the RD400. It didn't sell well at all in the US. Yamaha detuned it so it wouldn't be so wheelie prone like the 350 was. I think the 400 was only offered in 1976 but maybe in 1977, not sure it's been so long. New two-stroke sales became verboten by the government about that time so the US never got any LC versions or my older brother and I would have bought a couple. In 1978 I met a couple riding an almost brand new 1975 RD identical to mine. It only had a few miles on it and the rider was extremely afraid of it. He offered it to me for $600. Like an idiot I didn't buy it and regret it ever since. I had sold my RD to a friend the year before and was looking for a bigger bike at the time. Oh well.
+Jimbo in Thailand Good times though, Not the same riding superbikes now. Too much power to use on today's roads.
Cheers
Martin
+retrorestore So true Martin. I'm currently enjoying riding my little Ninja 300. Here in Thailand it's especially dangerous to ride fast, for so many reasons, so the 300 is plenty fast enough!
Ride safe Martin! ;^)
I had two rd350,s Both 1975 great bikes
Talk about memories, I had the first black one in Newcastle upon Tyne, A few white ones were kicking about, I think I bought it maybe 82 not sure but around then. I was born 63, had an X7 (Suzuki GT250) which got nicked never to be seen again ! I'd only had it around a month but that was what happened back then. The insurance paid up so I went to order a white 350LC from a discount dealer. Cost me £999 the dealer rang to say he had a black one but the other order he had the guy had ordered the belly pan and fairing so he got priority for the white one ! it was black one or wait 3 weeks for a white one ! really just give me a bike. I got toots ! thumbs up the lot ! first black one in Newcastle ! my legacy ! lol I've told my kids wife but they think I'm stupid. I now ride round on an R1200GS but I'm still biking and loving it ! Great review of bike BTW obituary I foolishly swapped it after 3 years to a mate who worked in a Yamaha main dealer for a ! (can't bring myself to say it) Honda CB650 doh
Nice memories bud, you are the same age as me so I can relate to all you said.
I had a stan stephens tuned 350 lc same colours as the one in the vid faster than the average ones kicking about my home town at the time.
Thanks for posting this. I remember these great bikes!
I've had a few of them. Still my favorite bike.
Cheers
Martin
Fantastic Yamaha rd 350 LC, I had the RZ 125 like it so much then bought the rd350, like it even more then bought the RZ 500 v4 love love that bike.
I have a friend who bought one of those 500s. That was an incredible machine. If I remember correctly, it was actually a square 4 with two separate crankshafts. Might be wrong there though. I do remember the carbs attached to the outside of the cylinders.
@@dlittlester I think it was v4. The RG500 was square 4.
I had several LCs and Powervalves back in the day great fun cant afford to buy a decent one now theyre ridiculously silly money...……. ill have to do up the basket case in the shed.
First bike I went 100mph on,happy days
I've had two 125s a 250 and a power valve. I've also had a yds7 250 which is the one before the RD air cooled is it DX?
Memories,
I bought a 250 new in 1981 and have very fond memories of it.
The only thing I did was fit Micron Chambers and rode the ass of it.
I paid $1483- OZ dollars for it new.
Had to sell it to buy my first house.
Wish I still had it now.
Nice presentation and beautiful bike. All the mods are from the same era which shows your own values and knowledge.
I had an 81 350 from new until stolen (stupidly wasting it for commuting), and now an 82 350.
LCs were such a step up from the air-cooled models, so easy to ride slow and so easy to ride fast.
Btw, by your accent we could have been neighbours, where are you from?
SW London Keith, spent many a happy time on a whole range of 2 stroke Yamaha's but my best ever was my 350LC I got new in Aug 1982.
Miss the sound and smell of those machines wow beautiful !
loving your video's can you do the suzuki x5 and x7 next.
I did do the X7, I'll upload it soon.
Cheers
Martin
ok thanks martin.
Thanks for the video. I don't think Yamaha imported that bike to the US. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The only water cooled two strokes I remember were race bikes.
Yes Jim, I think you are right as the emission laws killed the market but You did have other 2 stroke Yamaha models like the RZ 350 ypvs and the RZ500
I used to own 2 of thème but the ypvs models, just magical😊
Beautiful bike!
This is one bike I regret not owing ,
love it ... needs a proper rad guard tho
Haha, yes, I agree lol.
great video, brings back happy memory's nice one. :-)
Cheers bud
just bought a 74 RD350..gonna turn it into a scrambler. I know I know I’m ruining a classic bike
Thx for sharing!!!! Nice bike with a very nice Sound!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍
Glad you like it!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. These were definitely the must have boy racer bike of my youth ;>)
Yes, and mine as well. Great memories.
Cheers
Martin
I passed my test on white & blue one in 82
Flipped it twice 😆
Loving the videos keep it up I'm in striker heaven
You should check out the moped series as well bud.
Cheers
Martin
Nice bike. Nice place...pretty cool guy too.
Thanks Wayne.
If they ever, which they will not, but lets dream- release a rd350 new? Take my money.
Still got mine. got it in 1983. done 53000m. allspeeds metmachex .micron f brace, matt black, metal rad guard, s damper, hy tech reeds, 1.8 mm btdc timing, It is named vrimp. i also have an h1e, 748r,zx7r,vfr750fg,3ma,sc28,etc .great video mate and go fuckin nuts.
Great to have your original LC, I got mine new in 1982 and would love to own it again.
Hey it,s you again. Go and track it down and make yourself happy. What was the reg number?
It was BGK 835X RD350LC
The tax was due in 1992. not a good sign unfortunately but you never know.
Ye I know Rob. It's probably in bits somewhere.
Cheers
Martin
Didn't know how to start mine when I first got it - lots if kicking until I filled the exhausts with petrol 🤣
Great times.
Nice, classic bike. When are you going to rebuild the engine on the scooter, Martin?
Tiger moth Not sure yet. It's still waiting.
Cheers
Martin
Takes me back when he dropped a gear and emptied it Brill !!
great video....I had 2 of these in my day and would love another but can't justify paying the price...shame...oh and the rd500 and rg500 are fetching upto 40000 on ebay.....
+Mark Healy Wow, the last time I looked the RD500 was about 6 grand. I had one of those as well. I'd be minted if I still had all my 2 strokes lol.
Cheers
Martin
I got.lost somewhere tween the oil light bieng on, the massive clutch slip, and the god awfull rings trying to snag ports click/rattle... and b4 the replys come in i did own 3 of these 2 250s 2 powervalve 350s and 2 "dodgy rego" tz250s plus numerous other 2 strokes..so a worrying noise is obvoius to me
Didn't no you had a rd350 nices bike's have you still got it or thinking of getting another one martin
No I sold all my bikes a few years ago.
I had a 72 purple Yamaha rd 200.
Nice bike !
Lovely stuff..
great bike back in the day. I had a Stan Stevens ex proddy bike FHD 775W. Got chased by the law all the time n raced everyone. Blew it up a lot too. Happy days different times.
I had a go on one a few years ago, I don't know why people pay stupid money for them now. they are crap by modern standards.
What, no corners in Pommyland?
What was he saying about power valve? No ypvs till RZ came out
The ypvs models continued as RD models in Europe.
my mate had one dream machine
Trainers and no socks, ideal Winter riding gear....ho ho ho!
Just as I did in the 80's haha
Well: this is my dreambike!
Nice video Martin .Your a bit of a petrol head on the quiet.I see the gates came back.
I am thinking of getting my daughter a scooter at the end of the year . Nothing flash just a runner or a do up project . Would you have any tips what to buy .
Cheers Pete.
Peter Froud There's so much choice Pete, depends on how much you want to spend. Parts are cheap, build quality is poor, especially Chinese ones, most have been thrashed, but you can spot them a mile off as they have been modded so steer clear from those ones.
I'd choose a standard bike, possibly Piaggio Zip, Peugeot Speedfight, TGB R50X or the Piaggio Vespa but there's plenty out there.
Cheers
Martin
Thanks for the advice , Martin.
I will be keeping a eye out for a bike soon.
Regards Pete
Was the clutch slipping on that RD?
Yes it was Paul.
Hermosa , felicitaciones desde La plata Argentina
gracias por ver.
Saludos
Martín
That 350lc is only happy when its wide open on the highway..(or a track)
Nice vid tho i think the clutch needs some attention
+Ni9kye Yes, it was slipping a bit. Cheers
Martin
we want to see the rd400 daytona
Trakkie bottoms and trainers, the proper way to ride a 350 LC.....
Exactly. 80's style
Hmm
How does the LC350 vs the RD350 .? Anyone ?
What RD350? do you mean the aircooled, if so, the LC wins hands down.
That motorcycle has quite a reputation, just like the presenter. Fathers, be sure to lock up your daughters when you see this guy pull into town!!
Lock up your pies, anyway!
Better aero dynamics by now!
hasn't been tax or not since last year
Isaac Knight Ahh, it's probably under a cover in a heated garage lol.
Cheers
Martin
beautifull machine man !!! i had several of them and few powervalves aswell also built a LC special with Rgv 250 usd forks wheels and brakes JMC swingarm goodridge hoses 2 much stuff to list and a d.r.s./SPONDON framed one aswell ......trying to cobble together one now,.... hard to beat em but theres no way an LC worth 4000-5000 in my opinion.........
I agree but nostalgia is a powerful thing lol
With a body like that she`s got to be called Elsie!
🏍👍