Originally Posted By: jmac
There's a trip, that RD350 was the first bike that I ever owned, and one that dang sure tried to kill me
.
Those machines should never be a beginner's first ride.
Although physically small and relatively tame looking, the RD350 was based on Yamaha's very successful TD and TZ race bikes. Much of the track technology and performance was transferred directly to their street machines. Despite being a diminutive 350 ccs, the power deliver was very abrupt and the front wheel would reach for the air once the engine hit 6000 rpm. Even today, when I ride these things, I brace myself for the instant rush of power/speed when the tach climbs. In the hands of a beginner, they could certainly be dangerous. Nonetheless, I find them remarkably fun to ride.
There's a trip, that RD350 was the first bike that I ever owned, and one that dang sure tried to kill me
Those machines should never be a beginner's first ride.
Although physically small and relatively tame looking, the RD350 was based on Yamaha's very successful TD and TZ race bikes. Much of the track technology and performance was transferred directly to their street machines. Despite being a diminutive 350 ccs, the power deliver was very abrupt and the front wheel would reach for the air once the engine hit 6000 rpm. Even today, when I ride these things, I brace myself for the instant rush of power/speed when the tach climbs. In the hands of a beginner, they could certainly be dangerous. Nonetheless, I find them remarkably fun to ride.
