2004 Yamaha R1 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?

Kenny Roberts Joins Inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo

We’ve posted several articles over the past few months about the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo (AIME) because the motorcycling public is invited to attend what looks like an industry/trade show. And we’re not the only ones excited to check it out. Kenny Roberts, perhaps the best-known American motorcycle racer of all time, has signed on to the AIME show as “American International Motorcycle Champion.” In this role, Roberts will serve as the proverbial face of AIMExpo, joining in the celebration of the inaugural show with the entire powersports marketplace – industry, trade, media and consumers.

Lorenzo And Rossi Unveil Yamaha MotoGP 2014 Livery

Yamaha’s official MotoGP outfit unveiled the team’s official 2014 livery in front of a packed audience in Jakarta, Indonesia. The team’s two factory riders, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, were on hand to proudly showcase their YZF-M1 motorcycles. As expected, blue, Yamaha’s factory color, plays a major role in the color scheme, but unlike last year where it was the dominant color, it is equally offset by contrasting white swaths on the upper fairing, fuel tank, and throughout the lower fairing.