1975 Yamaha Rd350 Partial Restoration. Needs Finished. Credit Card Ok. Trades? on 2040-motos

Up for sale is a nice looking 1975 RD350. This is one of the most iconic UJM's (Universal Japanese Motorcycles) of the 1970's. These two stroke oil injected bikes were all the rage back in the day. Most riders my age or older (45) will confirm that these were the weapon of choice for club racing and back road antics. These 350's were said to have had a little more punch than the equally famous and slightly more refined RD400 that replaced it. They are both very light bikes and have a satisfying power band. There's plenty of web articles on these bikes so I won't bore you any more history.

     This particular bike could use an owner who understands how to get an old bike running well again and doesn't mind picking up this project where I ran out of steam. It still needs work to get it on the road and I don't have the time or expertise to take it any further. Here's what I know:

It runs. Sometimes on both cylinders.... Both pipes get hot quickly and it sounds great until I foul a plug or it decides it has other plans. After cleaning the carbs and installing new fuel and oil lines (clear) we were able to determine that the auto lube injection works, as it quickly filled the clear oil lines leading to the carbs once the bike was running. 2 stroke fuel mix was added to the gas tank to ensure a safe start up until the "auto lube" could be confirmed as functional. After our compression test and successful start up (which started on the first or second kick), we parked it for a while to work on other things.  I drained the fuel back out of the tank and carbs and put about 1/2 teaspoon of oil in the cylinders for storage. Knowing that it ran we decided to clean it up a bit and have polished some of the aluminum parts like the lower fork legs and wheel hubs, and sent the body work out for a fresh coat of automotive paint. The chrome in general is nice but not perfect. Maybe 7 or 8 out of 10. There is minor pitting in some of the chrome if you look real close. The rims are very nice. The gas cap has some pitting but overall it looks very nice and we didn't really do any rust removal. It was just dirty and cleaned up well. The pipes are nice. The seat looks great. The rider foot peg rubbers were replaced. The front brake master cylinder was replaced and works great with fresh fluid. Cable actuated rear drum brake works good too. That's about where I ran out if steam. It still needs:

Tires, battery, headlight bulb, right side mirror, and final tuning to get it running correctly. The gas tank has minor surface rust on the inside and could use a coating or liner but it is not loose or bad rust. There is a fine screen in the petcock and brand new inline fuel filters and hoses just to be sure. I have a Kreme kit that goes with it. I decided it wasn't bad enough to fool with the Kreme but is nice to do if you have the time and patience. 

If the "to be done" list doesn't scare you off than give me a call to discuss the bike further or arrange a time to come see it. 

It is a beautiful bike and a timeless classic that is worthy of some restoration work. Although the bike has started in the recent past (4 weeks ago), please consider it as not running and needing some work. It is not a "fly in-ride home" deal. I wish it was, but in the interest of full disclosure I have gone into great detail about the condition and service that still needs to be done. 

The bike looks amazing and has tons of potential. A great winter project!

My auction start price is way less than I have invested thus far but it is a fair and realistic price.

The bike has been stored in my climate control garage with a cover on it.

I will also be selling my RD400 in the same state of tune (ran when parked, nice chrome and paint). Needs battery, tires...

And I have a bunch of other titled non running RD's 125,250,350,400. One of each, if you want some projects.

I'm selling all of my Yamaha 2T and focusing on my old Honda's. Two of which are shown in the pictures and not for sale.

Trades considered!

 

Feel free to contact me by calling or texting 717-443-3488. Messaging through ebay is fine too!

Thanks for looking, Chris

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