Yamaha RZ350 Looking Back At It Now It Is One Of The Greatest Motorcycles Of All Time

In 1983 Yamaha launched the new RZ 350 as an unspoken successor of the RD 350 line up, The motorcycle gained popularity and success as a great value for money deal. With the perfect blend of good looks and a lot of power, the RZ 350 became worthy of a Kenny Roberts badging, Kenny Roberts was the name that came to everyone’s mind when they thought of a successful café racer. Sadly the bike also became known as the last of the 2 stroke engine motorcycles in the United States. This is where the magic of the Japanese truly came to life, Normally when we talk about a bike’s engine and road performance, there is usually a set tone of whether it is good or bad. However here two points are equally opposed to each other, The element that makes this bike’s performance so good is the reason behind its equally negative point. The RZ 350 featured a 2 stroke liquid cooled engine with parallel twin cylinders, and it has a 347cc capacity. The engine not seen later in the US except in dirt and motocross bikes. Looking back at it now it is one of the greatest motorcycles of all time, The reed intake water cooled engine made 52 horsepower at 8750rpm, The difference in a 2 stroke engine is just what the name suggests. Modern engines are generally 4 stroke, meaning the pistons would complete 2 up down movements in one cycle. In a 2 stroke engine the pistons would only perform one compression and decompression movement in 1 cycle, This way the delivery of power was more spontaneous, You will get less top speed, but better acceleration. The bike had a standard conventional telescopic fork in the front and a mono shock suspension in the back, In terms of braking, the bike had twin disc brakes on the front wheel with a single disc in the rear. The tubular frame connected the steering head with the swingarm pivot point, which resulted in better handling. The aforementioned 52 Horsepower delivery is on par with today’s 400 class sports bikes, which is quite an achievement for the 350 class offering from Yamaha, When equipped with OE catalyst exhausts, the bike finished the quarter mile drag in 13,19 seconds at 99,22mph.
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[@Rollin_L]

Bought mine new from the local Yamaha dealer in December of '85, when they were on sale to clear floorspace for the '86 model year. Still have it today, with something over 50,000 miles on it, most of that in its first 10-15 years. Getting it ready now for a local motorcycle show in August.

[@rampartfishing]

Really wanted this for my first motorcycle but my dad bought me a 83 Honda 250 Custom. I knew how to ride at a younger age since both older brothers had motorcycles. Oldest brother had a RD350 as his first. Dad was smart, I probably would've hurt myself.

[@user-bd8je6cb9z]

To much power and deadly, I am in love 💕

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

That engine is so fun. I've never ridden the RZ but Yamaha put that engine in the Banshee (without the power valves) and it is a blast. A bit weak on the bottom, but once it's on the pipe it just builds power and never seems to sign off.

[@desertmonsoon1]

It is the best motorcycle ever built and I have owned most of them.

[@Evilroco]

One bike I wish I kept my RD350 YPVS , a square head lamped Brazilian production bike with full fairing , my mates had bigger bikes but couldn't keep up in the twisty stuff such a fun machine.

[@dannyferguson9415]

Sweet!

[@jamiejmasters4818]

Stop with the AI narration, it sucks, it's off putting, it detracts from a good video on a legendary bike.

[@Profabdesigns]

I hate these computer voices!!!

[@GOAT-HEAD]

Naaah, the beginning of the end when they went water cooled, RD was better

[@Scott-ph2yk]

I have owned both the RD and the RZ, and I have to disagree. The RZ had more power, a broader powerband, better brakes, better suspension, and better ergonomics. The RD was fun to ride, but the RZ was faster, handled and stopped better, and it was all day comfortable, to ride, thanks to the rubber mounted engine. The RZ benefitted from being 10 years newer than the RD350. Yamaha kept improving the 350 as they went along.

[@podilasrinivas7847]

How can I got this bike