2000 Yamaha V Star Classic on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Ultimate Trackbike 4: Hizzy's 2003 BSB R1

Occasionally, some seriously trick bikes with a decent pedigree come up for sale on eBay. Here's the first in a small series of bikes that we've dug up for sale on eBay now. Queston is, which one would make the ultimate track bike?

Yamaha Trademarks Logos for YZF-R9

Signs point to an EICMA announcement Ever since we first uncovered evidence of a YZF-R7 based on the MT-07, people started to ask when Yamaha would do the same to the MT-09 and release an YZF-R9 sportbike using the same 890cc Crossplane Triple. The questions picked up a few months later when we dug up trademark filings for a whole range of model names from an R2 to an R9. With the 2023 model launch season in full swing, and EICMA less than two weeks away, we’ve got more fuel for the old rumor engine with two new Yamaha filings, this time for figurative trademarks for “R9” and “YZF-R9.” The trademarks were filed Oct.

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?