Giant Killer

The Yamaha RD350LC (for liquid cooled) was known as the street bike "Giant Killer" in the USA at the time.
A 350cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder engine gave the sort of performance that at the time was only found in pure race bikes with much of the architecture like the company’s TZ racers. The RD350 was able to keep up with many four stroke 750’s of the period with the benefit of lighter weight and more nimble handling. In fact, many of them found their way on to the racetrack including the entertaining carnage of the UK’s 350LC “Pro-Am” series.

At the Cologne Motorcycle Show in late 1982, Yamaha unveiled their new RD350 YPVS, featuring the breakthrough Yamaha Power Valve System, which utilized a servo motor to change the height and size of the exhaust valve at different engine speeds, revolutionizing their two-stroke engines. Known as the RZ350 in North America, the 58-hp, 374-pound YPVS would be the most sophisticated two-stroke street bike ever known to man.

Good original examples are now priced well north of € 10.000, - and if you are after a bike or project just make sure the engine and frame numbers match then enjoy the ride!

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