1986 Yamaha RD350 YPVS

Registration No: D109 OMW
Frame No: 1WT 000457
MOT: None

• Later 350cc YPVS Power Valve model
• Original Yamaha 1UA14721/2 exhaust
• Matching numbers, supplied with V5C

The Yamaha Motor Co was formed in 1955 as the powered vehicle division of the massive Yamaha Corporation more famous for making musical instruments. The first bike produced in 1954 was the YA-1, like the BSA Bantam a copy of the German-made DKW RT125 but in typical Japanese fashion this was soon improved upon with the launch of the YA-2 in 1957. This proved to be an immediate success in sporting events starting a long tradition of achievement that goes on to this day in Moto GP. The arrival of the RD range in the seventies cemented Yamaha’s reputation for high-performance two-strokes and the launch of the LC 250 and 350 models in 1980 revolutionised medium capacity motorcycling. The famous Pro-Am televised race series made for exciting and sometimes frightening Saturday afternoon viewing and kickstarted the careers of many a famous racer such as Niall Mackenzie and even future Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill. The later models were fitted with Yamahas race developed YPVS, Yamaha Power Valve System that helped spread out the powerband and improve performance.

This matching numbers 1986 350 YPVS was originally a fully faired F2 model, but at some stage the fairing has been removed and the bike is now fitted with a LC type round headlamp. Bought by the vendor in 2011, it was last MOTd and used in 2005 at 34051 miles and at the time was fitted with new brake pads, chain and sprocket and fork seals. A UK supplied bike from new, it is still fitted with its genuine Yamaha 1UA-14711/2 stamped exhaust system. Now showing 34196 miles on its speedo, it has been in storage as part of a small private Yamaha collection for the last 15 years. Supplied with a current V5C, it will need recommissioning after being in long term storage, but will make a good starting point for a bespoke cafe racer or race replica project.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189