I'm thinking about getting a 1973 Yamaha RD 350
They're small, simple, light bikes. The one I'm thinking about has 10k miles and I could get it reasonably cheap
But it is a 36 year old bike and I'd need it to be atleast moderately reliable. I'm torn on it, I really like the style and its fun to ride. It starts consistently within 2 kicks. But it lacks any modern features and its, again, 36 years old.
It'd be my only bike, would I be better off finding something a little more modern, or do these old bikes go on forever?

3/10/2009 9:08:28 PM

if it runs fine, what's the matter how old it is?

3/10/2009 9:10:27 PM

for a daily driver? depends more on the quality

for a garage queen? the older the better

3/10/2009 9:13:07 PM

If its your first, you're likely to drop it so I wouldn't worry about cosmetics.

Old bikes can certainly be reliable, but just like today's bikes, it varies model to model. Google will tll you if it's reliable. After all, if something does break, what's easier to work on than an air-cooled parallel twin? Finding parts may be an issue. I say if you're getting it cheap and you don't have your hopes up about functional electrics, go for it. The only major advantages to a modern bike, aside from HP is electrics and superior brakes. UJMs FTW!

3/10/2009 9:15:42 PM

its a solid fuckin bike, almost any yamaha or honda through about 84 are unkillable

the only problems they typically have are the cd igntion boxes and the voltage regulator, both are easy and cheap to find, because they were the same on all kinds of jap bikes of that era

two other considerations you can pick up cheap are an early 80's yamaha xs650 (electric start with a kick backup) or a virago 750/920, both are reliable warhorses that will get over 60 mpg

don't expect much power though, and a 350 from that era is gonna be anemic at best

i love the sound of the virago v-twins, i used to have an '83 xv920m midnight edition that i picked up for $850 in perfect condition, just needed tires, it was a beautiful bike, the only problem i ever had was a slight oil drip from the starter housing that i never could figure out

3/10/2009 9:24:31 PM

might run good, and smoke a little. only thing that unit will need is maybe a tweekin of the carb and it should run like money, maybe a few gaskets here and there, oh and im sure the fork seals are gone on it.

cool bikes though,

3/10/2009 9:28:01 PM

How much do they want for it?

3/10/2009 9:29:39 PM

a honda cb250 is also a good bike similar to the above listings

[Edited on March 10, 2009 at 9:36 PM. Reason : you better learn how to tune and synch carbs because you will be doing it every spring and fall]

3/10/2009 9:35:44 PM

Nothing is too old if it's been taken care of.

I drive a '77 CB550 every fucking day.

3/10/2009 9:36:13 PM

you should make a cafe racer out of it

3/10/2009 9:38:10 PM

biggity biggity wheeeeeEEEEEEEE poppoppoppopbiggity biggity

3/10/2009 9:38:29 PM

I have a cb250. I imagine it makes a similar amount of power to the rd350. It is a fantastic, versatile bike. A lot of people think of it as the only surviving direct descendant of the UJMs from the 70s. Know that you will likely get bored of the power very quickly, but its much safer to start small.

3/10/2009 9:46:19 PM

Quote :

"I have a cb250. I imagine it makes a similar amount of power to the rd350."

I think the RD's have a bit more? probably negligible, but the RZ350 has ~35whp stock

3/10/2009 9:52:29 PM

Its one of my dad's bikes, said he'll sell it to me for what he's got in it, which isnt much.
He is a little concerned about its age, thinks I'll end up doing repairs more often than I would with a more modern bike.
Which is likely true... plus parts could be hard to find.

It is my first road bike. I've had a dirtbike for a while, I dont have too many hours on it but I can ride alright. Still learning how to drive on the road. Took the RD out to a rural area over the weekend and rode around for about an hour, it was fun. Bike weighs around 300, I weigh around 135. For that combined weight it has more than enough pep to get around.
And if I do drop it atleast the RD is small enough that I can comfortably pick it up.

Small bikes are better for me, even if its slightly anemic. I'm not a big guy, would hate to get in trouble with a big bike.

Simplicity is one of the things I really like about it, there's not much to it. Turn signals, brake lights, headlamp all work fine. Haven't tried the horn, other than that what other electronics are there on it?

It's the red version, looks just like

Only with a faded tank

3/10/2009 10:34:18 PM

Fuck that. A dad should pass on the bike free of charge. Perhaps as some sort of man-ritual thing.

3/10/2009 10:37:35 PM

^Ahah. He's of the opinion that people take better care of things if they have something invested.

3/10/2009 10:41:51 PM

^ that sounds like something my dad told me when i was 16 looking to buy my first car. come on, a motorcycle is more than just another vehicle. you're inheriting the tradition/lifestyle, thats something a man should be proud to pass off to his offspring.

3/10/2009 11:32:22 PM

I had an RD 250 one time. The two stroke motor was extremely aggravating.

3/10/2009 11:35:27 PM

^^That's what I was getting at.

I think it would be pretty awesome to go on a ride with my pops. Too bad he doesn't own a bike.

3/10/2009 11:41:55 PM

^ lol my mom and dad both have bikes

3/12/2009 6:42:05 AM

with you only weighing 135 you would still have enough power and room left to fit a fat chick on there with you

3/12/2009 8:35:36 PM