How does the Yamaha RD350 stack up against today’s 350cc bikes?
Although a design from decades ago, Yamaha RD350 is a bike that is still remembered for its motorcycle history. Its two stroke engine design provided excellent power output for its size and on many occasions it would outperform larger capacity four stroke engines of the day. However, the RD350 was from a different era: Motorcycle technology has evolved quite a lot since the heyday of the RD350. Fuel injection, advanced frame designs, superior suspension, and much improved braking systems are just a few of the things modern 350cc bikes now have. After all, the RD350 wasn't about monstrous raw performance numbers, but rather about reliability, typical fuel efficiency, emissions, riding experience and so on. That’s a question any enthusiast should ask themselves how does an iconic piece from the past stack up against its modern equivalents, both based on objective performance parameters and the intangibles that truly make a motorcycle great.
No comparison. Most modern 350cc bikes would be smoked in a straight line by the RD350. That two stroke power was something else.
Bikes are way more refined and easier to live with on a day to day basis. The RD350 was a blast, but I wouldn't commute on one.
Apples and oranges. All the RD350 was about was raw power and simplicity. They're more about balance and technology these days.
In terms of fun factor, the RD350 is still quite good. New bikes are more efficient and reliable, sure, but they don’t have that two stroke character.
It’s not really fair to compare. The RD350 was a timepiece, the RD350 was a product of its time. They are so much more modern 350cc bikes.
A well maintained RD350 is worth more than any new 350cc bike. There’s nothing like that classic styling and two stroke sound.
A modern 350 might perform similarly but there’s no comparison to the riding experience of the RD350. It’s like digital versus analog.
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Discussions and Questions How Does The Yamaha Rd350 Stack Up Against Todays 350Cc Bikes
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