Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now?

Vmax1200 · 24th July 2022, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by ku69rd

That’s one good looking build you got there. How is the exhaust notes, internals seem to have changed quite a bit hence the ask. If you have an audio file please do upload of the same.

The sound is same as stock but the bass is slightly high. I bought a used silencer and used as reference for the build. RD has 6 holes in the right silencer and 4 holes in the left (due to the dent for center stand). Thanks @r_nairtvm for the valuable inputs.

The header color is slight gold/bluish now.

shankar.balan · 24th July 2022, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vmax1200

Completed the restoration of my RD. Most parts are handmade from stainless steel

It looks superb. And you seem to have got that Blue shade from the 1980’s nearly right but not absolutely - I remember the RD350 came in just three colours- a Bright Royal Blue, a Red and a Silver Grey.

Vmax1200 · 26th July 2022, 15:24

Replaced the chain and sprockets. Chain is DID brand (made in Japan) and sprockets are RK. The stock sprockets are 15-40. But I bought 14-39 for slightly shorter ratio. The chain cost 1,900 rupees.

Vmax1200 · 7th August 2022, 17:13

Bought Michelins for RD. Good grip compared to MRF Zapper.

r_nairtvm · 15th August 2022, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vmax1200

Bought Michelins for RD. Good grip compared to MRF Zapper.

Bijo 100.90-18 will change the stance of the bike - will look its hunching a bit at back. Diameter is bit small compared to 3.50-18

Actually 110.90-18 is better fit - though a bit tight on OE 1.85" rims. It works well. I just fitted the same on my bike.

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Vmax1200 · 24th August 2022, 12:59

Replaced the points in RD. Got original Daiichi (made in Japan) from a friend.

r_nairtvm · 26th August 2022, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vmax1200

Replaced the points in RD. Got original Daiichi (made in Japan) from a friend.

Lucky you

Feeling jealous of you. Good to see Mr. David in picture. Thanks

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Vmax1200 · 4th September 2022, 11:53

Bought rear shocks, full gasket kit, clutch push rod, steering taper bearing, tail lamps etc. from Yambits. Yambits is a UK based website selling RD parts.

subincb · 4th September 2022, 23:49

Nice to see someone with vmx12 spending so much time on RD. Must be really passionate about RD

Vmax1200 · 28th September 2022, 17:24

The dimensions of RD steering taper bearings are 25X48X13 and 30X48X12.

r_nairtvm · 29th September 2022, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by subincb

Nice to see someone with vmx12 spending so much time on RD. Must be really passionate about RD

Once you have ridden a well-tuned RD350 nothing on 2 wheels ever comes close to that experience

That is a passion or addiction that refuses to go away ever - not even after 37 years.

Its an "RD Thing"

Best Regards and Ride Safe

subincb · 29th September 2022, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_nairtvm

Once you have ridden a well-tuned RD350 nothing on 2 wheels ever comes close to that experience

That is a passion or addiction that refuses to go away ever - not even after 37 years.

Its an "RD Thing"

Best Regards and Ride Safe

I agree and wouldnt have even commented had it been any other bike but vmax 1200; its a different class all together, Even a 1985 vmax cannot be compared. The way it's pulls you when vboost opens after crossing 5500 rpm. Its magical.

Vmax1200 · 30th September 2022, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by subincb

I agree and wouldnt have even commented had it been any other bike but vmax 1200; its a different class all together, Even a 1985 vmax cannot be compared. The way it's pulls you when vboost opens after crossing 5500 rpm. Its magical.

Vmax is definitely faster than RD but in straight line only. RD is more fun in narrow and twisty Kerala roads.

r_nairtvm · 3rd October 2022, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by subincb

I agree and wouldnt have even commented had it been any other bike but vmax 1200; its a different class all together, Even a 1985 vmax cannot be compared. The way it's pulls you when vboost opens after crossing 5500 rpm. Its magical.

My last motorcycle in Dubai was/is a Honda CB1300 in line 4

I suppose I know what I am talking about and why I am holding on to the RD350 I bought new 37 years ago in March 1985

Best Regards & Ride Safe

2StrokeJunkie · 3rd October 2022, 13:21

What is the best way to upgrade the front brake on the RD350 from the stock drum to a disc brake using affordable and locally available parts with minimal amount of machining as well as a mudguard that suits it? Looking for some options with pictures and price points. Also how can one make out the difference between original and fake UNI filters. Thank you.

26th July 2022, 15:24	#153
Vmax1200 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Kothamangalam Posts: 162 Thanked: 730 Times	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? Replaced the chain and sprockets. Chain is DID brand (made in Japan) and sprockets are RK. The stock sprockets are 15-40. But I bought 14-39 for slightly shorter ratio. The chain cost 1,900 rupees. Attached Thumbnails
	(2) Thanks

7th August 2022, 17:13	#154
Vmax1200 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Kothamangalam Posts: 162 Thanked: 730 Times	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? Bought Michelins for RD. Good grip compared to MRF Zapper. Attached Thumbnails
	(6) Thanks

24th August 2022, 12:59	#156
Vmax1200 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Kothamangalam Posts: 162 Thanked: 730 Times	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? Replaced the points in RD. Got original Daiichi (made in Japan) from a friend. Attached Thumbnails
	(7) Thanks

4th September 2022, 11:53	#158
Vmax1200 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Kothamangalam Posts: 162 Thanked: 730 Times	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? Bought rear shocks, full gasket kit, clutch push rod, steering taper bearing, tail lamps etc. from Yambits. Yambits is a UK based website selling RD parts. Attached Thumbnails
	(2) Thanks

4th September 2022, 23:49	#159
subincb BHPian Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 53 Thanked: 107 Times	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? Nice to see someone with vmx12 spending so much time on RD. Must be really passionate about RD
	() Thanks

28th September 2022, 17:24	#160
Vmax1200 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Kothamangalam Posts: 162 Thanked: 730 Times	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? The dimensions of RD steering taper bearings are 25X48X13 and 30X48X12. Attached Thumbnails
	(3) Thanks

3rd October 2022, 13:21	#165
2StrokeJunkie BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wakanda Posts: 316 Thanked: 330 Times View My Garage	Re: Is it worth buying a Yamaha RD350 now? What is the best way to upgrade the front brake on the RD350 from the stock drum to a disc brake using affordable and locally available parts with minimal amount of machining as well as a mudguard that suits it? Looking for some options with pictures and price points. Also how can one make out the difference between original and fake UNI filters. Thank you.
	() Thanks