Was the Yamaha RD350 truly a "widow maker"?

Over the years the Yamaha RD350 has gained a reputation as a 'widow maker' with its powerful two stroke engine and basic brakes for the time. The meaning of this nickname is that the bike was dangerous and could even kill an inexperienced rider. But opinions on this matter range from wildly divergent among motorcycle enthusiasts. A few contend the RD350's power-to-weight ratio and quick acceleration made it difficult to tame, while others say it was no more deadly than other bikes of its time if ridden sensibly. Arguments rage as to whether current safety standards have done a disservice to the memory of the older bikes, or that the 'widow maker' tag is an unjustified exaggeration born of the bike's renown.