2008 RD350 is the retro Yamaha should build

Image: Oberdan Bezzi

We’ve got a confession to make. While the 2009 VMax is really cool and we look forward to riding it, it’s not a bike we’d ever be interested in owning. At $17,990, it’s not one we could afford either. No, our tastes tend toward the lightweight, the responsive and the challenging; enter the RD350.

This design concept from Motosketches envisages a new model from Yamaha, one that takes a similar approach to the VMax in that it reinterprets a cult model with contemporary pace and parts. A simple, lightweight, high-specification, medium cost, naked two-stroke would satisfy enthusiasts left cold by the extreme competence of modern sportsbikes while still being capable of tackling a back road or a racetrack with aplomb. A steel tube framed, two-cylinder RD could compete on price and performance with something like an SV650 or FZ6, but offer much more involvement and reward to the experienced rider.

via Motosketches

Wes Siler. June 7, 2008 — Permalink — Deli.icio.us — Digg

(12) Comments

I do own a liter bike and I love it, but I gotta say I think this is the future of motorcycling. A sporty, attractive, LIGHTWEIGHT, fun, fuel efficient piece of motormetal. I would love to have something like this in the garage.

Matt on June 8, 2008 5:02 PM

Yeah, it's not that we don't love liter bikes (we really, really do), it's that sometimes it'd be nice to hop on something small and simple and challenging.

600s now are as fast as liters were five years ago, there's just a gap for something with less outright performance, but just as much intention.

Wes on June 8, 2008 9:19 PM

I don't understand. Is there anywhere in the western world that still allows two-stroke engines on the streets??

I love the idea though.

Jeff on June 8, 2008 9:47 PM

Anywhere that doesn't begin with a U and end with an SA.

We know it's totally unrealistic to expect to see any future two-stroke road bikes, but that can't stop us from dreaming.

Wes on June 9, 2008 12:43 AM

I dont get it tho, they dont allow the use of 2 stroke engines but they do allow the use of 7000 cc cars...
thats irrational isnt it?

Alb on June 10, 2008 1:58 PM

Selling a couple thousand strokers would have less impact on spotted owls than one of Al Gore's private plane trips. Don't get us started on the hypocrisy of the green movement.

Wes on June 10, 2008 2:37 PM

LOL good point there! ^^^

Alb on June 10, 2008 3:56 PM

Wish there were more smaller displacement, lighter bikes available in the US. This looks badass. Hopefully somebody at Yamaha, or at any of the companies really, will get a clue.

Peter on June 11, 2008 12:49 AM

I've had FZR1000's to R1's and my best memories are with the smaller 2-stroke bikes. RZ 350's are with no doubt one of the finest to come out of Japan!

larry on June 14, 2008 10:27 AM

I own a Yamaha Y/B RZ350 and a Suzuki GT750 (Waterbuffalo) I love my 2 strokes. I would totally jump on the 2008 model pictured. That bike is Bad.

We have the largest 2 stroke show in the USA coming up in August in CA. See link at WWW.2-strokers.com

Alan Pulsifer on June 27, 2008 1:13 PM

THE 2-STROKE HOOLIGANS RULE

Kage on July 23, 2008 2:36 PM

im searching for a rd350 but this impressed me a lot..it should be launched and hit the street roads.what would be its cost

karthick on August 1, 2008 6:35 AM