Bike World Dream Rides | Yamaha RD350LC Ridden

[@backontwowheels9469]

Loved this, I had one of the first RD350LC’s in the country, after passing my test on a DT250 the plan was to get an RD400 and then I saw the RD350LC advert and that was it, money down and HP sorted. It was the blue and white one, there were only the two options initially, blue or red on white. I sold it 3 years later to go back packing around europe, nearly 30 years later, i saw the guy who brought it in a pub and he told me he still had it, it had pride of place in his lounge, it was mint condition. Many happy memories. Thank You

[@boostaholic7116]

Ring a ding ding! ELSIE my teenage years were made of these! The sound and smell of strokers happy days!🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

[@jonathanlaw6888]

Got my red and white 350lc in 81, then rushed to get the YPVS in 83, because it looked so modern at the time. Loved the YPVS but now 40 years later, I’d choose the LC. Just so iconic and watching this makes me feel so damn nostalgic. There wasn’t many things that were as cool as having an RD in the early 80s.

[@Nunodeo]

Every rider should get a chance to ride a 2 stroke. Rode my 1984 RZ350 last Saturday, always puts a big smile on my face. The sound and the smell, amazing!

[@anthonycunliffe]

I have a RXS 100 yam ,on a H plate .Owned her since 1992 .Unreal rebored engine etc 12 volts electrics .But still on Drums front and rear.And 4 speed ,12 grand on rev counter lol

[@MadChalet]

Now that was a treat! Great to meet your Dad, and it's great that you two share the passion for riding. 🤘

[@peterturnham5134]

I never forgot being bounced by my friends RD350LC coming out of a corner onto a short straight. I was riding a 900cc Desmo Ducati and had to rev the nuts off of it to get back in front. I now have two in the garage, one to ride one for parts, both standard looking with original paint. What I like about the one you_ were riding is the standard pipes. So many RDs were butchered, fitting expansion chambers and then regularly crashed. Boys do what boys do. This bike is so much fun. It is still fast on B roads can surprise anyone. Nowdays people think a two stroke is a 125cc this babe is not. There is more than 50BHP availiable looking completely standard. On mine exhaust ports were raised 1.5mm from memory. The layered head gasget stripped back to give 1mm squish band, carbs overbored to slider diameter, Reed valves gently pushed wide. OK the front brake has a wooden feel. Braided steel hoses look standard if you get them PVC black better feel but will not bite you back with two finger braking. Enjoy!

[@Banditmanuk]

I had the RD250LC back in 81. Great memories. I currently ride an XSR900 with a Velocity moto RD350LC body kit as a reminder of those days. All of us that had the 250s really wanted the 350s.

[@clivechandler8817]

Your so young. Glad to see young blokes who appreciate classic motorcycles.

[@SnowiLuxi]

This is heartwarming. The connecting between father and son is just special to see. Keep it up guys. Love the Dream Rides series. One of my favorite things to see on YT

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@MikerBiker55]

Back in the mid 80s a huge gang of us hung around the local industrial estate me on my DT 125. Always envious of the lads on the LCs. One night a guy turns up on one of the first Power Valves. It was like something from the future, cause it made a whirring noise when you switched the ignition on 😊. Don't think I could afford a good one now, nostalgia is pricey.

[@davidchiarletti4648]

Sounds similar to my story in dulwich when i saw YPVS I COULNT GET IT OUTTA OF MY MIND IT WAS INSANE I DIDNT CARE ABOUT NOTHING ,BUT THE BIKE ,!GATE13SW6CREW cfc

[@howardfreedman4289]

Fantastic video. Brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face watching your dad talk about the 350 and riding it. I regret never owning a 2-stroke in my day. I bought a Honda 360T as the RD350 was too expensive for me. I did get a chance to ride a friend's Kawi H1 and OMG what a blast when that hit the power band. Should have's, would have's, and could have's.

[@caldervallycamper2024]

Great video Chris, loved seeing your dad on the LC! I remember having a go on my mates 350LC when I was still learning on my Yammie RS100 (as you did back in the day 87’). It hit the power band and blew me away (obviously I had only ridden 12bhp up to then). I really wanted one when I passed my test, but ended up with a Z550 instead, always regretted not getting a 350 LC instead….😀👍

[@yonniboy1]

Thanks for the memories! I raced an LC and Power valve in the 80s, even in the open (up to 1000cc) the LCs and power valves won 9 out of 10 races against ,GS1000s, Z1000s and CB900s and did so till the arrival of the GSX-R750 in the late 80s.

[@da72ma]

I had one and loved it. The sound, smoke, vibration, and smell was making you feel like Kenny Roberts in the 500cc class… smoked bigger bikes in the serpentines, just to be passed by an angry 750 GSX rider on the straight… the 88 Euro model had over 60 hp…

[@Jimmy_Watt]

SO many bike people wish they had any family who looked at motorcycling as a fun adventure instead of a dangerous, degenerate behavior, wish they could have a ride with their dads. You're quite lucky, and your dad was great on the show. Thanks for this one.

[@davapod]

At 17 years of age I bought a RD350 YPVS N2 brand new (1986). It was awesome 👍

[@hallmichael132]

Passed my test on a RD125LC and then jumped onto a 350LC. It was so awesome. Then it was nicked within a few months. Bought another which was equally awesome. That was nicked a few months later so I got Z750 instead. A few years later I bought a RD500LC which was probably the best bike I ever owned. Kiddie No 3 came along so it had to go. Sold it for £1,850 as at the time you couldn't give them away. Wild.

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

Amazing to see Chris with his Dad, he is so proud of his Dad and his Dad is so proud of him. You can see it in their eyes.

[@granty1150gs]

This brings back great memories I had a RD250LC and then moved up to the RD350LC when I turned 18.

[@tornadoknut]

What a lovely episode and how he enjoyed riding the RD. A really cool Dad, take care of him 😃

[@stableianF1oracle]

I had the 250 LC and the 350 lc and the 350 ypvs …. Perfect fun and the lean angle was mental

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Love this series Chris. Your Dad is a legend.. Absolutely love the RD, what a bike that just invokes so many special memories watching the lads rip round three sisters with my Dad back in the day.

[@vorbert]

Oh man! This really was a special episode! What a tripple A video. Everything was in it. History, fun ride, beautiful machinery, heritage, nice chatting and a special flavour on top, family. It was truely a Dream Ride. Thanks for sharing.

[@Scott-ph2yk]

In the US here. In '79 I bought a used '74 RD350. We didn't get the LC in the US, but we watched with envy. When the YPVS came out in '84 I was elated. Saved my money and bought a new '85 YPVS. Still have it and ride it regularly. So grateful Yamaha decided to bring the YPVS to the US. They are fun bikes to ride.

[@WyattWillis88]

Coming from a similiar multi-generational motorcyclist family it was truly a pleasure to see your pops step in this episode! Would be great to make it a more regular thing on dream bikes videos and get a take from a more distinguished generation of enthusiast🤝 cheers guys!

[@Slingshotgixxer]

What a fantastic episode ! Your Dad on your show and he's on an LC, what could be better than that!

[@altruida]

You're a lucky boy to have such a heartfelt and real man as a Father! He's just as lucky to have such a heartfelt and real man as a Son! It's a great energy to display and a tonic to enjoy, so please do more stuff together ❤

[@Rondo2ooo]

I bought one (350 YPVS though), used, when I was 21, while studying. I had a small classic 50 cc late 70s bike before, and became obsessed with the RD. All savings were towards that bike, and I never forget the first ride. The RDs are forever in my heart. Great video, thank you so much!

[@maxgrim1672]

My big brother bought an RD 350 LC in 1983. I was 17 and really excited! great bike

[@paulhopkins5296]

Fantastic vid guy’s. I raced a 350 YPVS in 84 and managed to win the Bemsee championship and got the lap record round Snetterton 1.16.7, hard racing but these bikes are so much fun, thanks so much for the memories 👍🏻ride safe!!

[@medler2110]

This made me smile, love the Elsie, although I got the later YPVS back in the day, I know how your dad felt being back on a bike from his youth, I restored my old bike from the 80's after it had sat in a barn for 20 years and just being on it, looking at that instrument cluster, hearing the noises brought back that feeling from my youth. I hope you got to ride an RD350LC when your injury healed up?

[@jimmarshall807]

Loved that, seeing Chris and his dad ride a great old bike and share some memories

[@hstefan]

I loved this! Please bring your dad more often on test rides, you make an awesome duo!

[@bobz1736]

Same here. In the early 80s I went from a 250LC to a couple of 350LCs then YPVSs... affordable, great fun, easy to fix. Super days.

[@ashoksinghnegi5415]

This Yamaha 350 CC is a legendary bike, in India as well Yamaha RD 350 CC bike was a legendary bike & Yamaha RX 100, Both were my dream bikes, but got discontinued in late Eighties (RD 350CC) and in mid nineties (RX100). really enjoyed watching your video on your youtube channel, God blesses you always and enjoy your safe ride....

[@ronniejaye1]

Absolutely nothing like a 2 stroke engine kicking your ass everytime the powerband hits. No better rush ❤

[@SteveMuir]

Love the Mick Doohan helmet at the start too. Read that he just put 250 side covers on his 350. .

[@TheHowardski]

Chris, I think a lot of us would love to see how a two stroke bike from the 80's like the 350 LC would stack up against a modern Four stroke bike with similar Horse power, like a R3 or a duke 390 etc. Performance, handling etc would make a very interesting video as there are None on KZbin that I can find. Cheers ❤

[@michaelhayward7572]

350 2T would walk all over either.

[@bradcobb3418]

I had all the yam 350s and totally loved them but the Ducati that is 23 years old has the better tyres,brakes and handling that the yams didnt have in the 80s.

[@peterherrington3300]

Handling is miles better on modern stuff & brakes are superb compared with 40 years ago. LC makes good power & they are light enough but virtually no torque on the 2 stroke. Evolution is your friend

[@peterherrington3300]

​@@michaelhayward7572nonsense. Your rose tinted glasses need cleaning

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@peterherrington3300 nonsense. We are talking pure road performance here. If you think 350/400 2 strokes have no torque, you've not ridden one. Acceleration and top speed, a well sorted RD 350 (not even an LC) would piss all over a KTM 390 or R3.

[@S-Ltd1000]

Thanks for this. I had one from new in the same colour at the age of 19. Fitted mine with a belly pan and a set of microns and it looked and sounded fantastic. Did a few crazy things on that bike and when I think back on it I'm amazed I lived to tell the tale.

[@ENLSN77]

What a treat. Dave was the perfect sub. 13 mins flew by. I could've watched a longer version. Thanks team

[@firebladeclements]

Special days back then when most could afford to race! Here in Canada there were 200+ just in the 400 production class, 6 qualifer races with at least 1/2 being rd350lc's! Probably the best bike ever to start racing on because of it's characteristics. Nowadays there's not 200 rider's in all classes at a national. It's a shame really! Very enjoyable, brought me back! I got an rg500 after racing 2 years on the lc! Two strokes still rule the heart!

[@SladeRenegade]

Absolutely epic. I cherish every km of the 400- 600km I do with my old man every weekend during riding season.

[@UrbanoModa]

just got even better when you see the RS2000 in the old photos, what a great humble story.

[@hebespa]

Great vid. Reminded me to my youth when I bought a used RD 250 in white/red and even used it for a 2k camping holiday trip to Corse with my former girl friend.

[@lorenzofrau3342]

Absolutely beautiful machines, I own a 350 LC 81 model, I will keep it forever

[@petebennett7008]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing.. I’m one of your dad’s generation used to proddie race LC’s in the 80’s now have a fully restored 250. And 350LC amongst my stable happy days and many visits to A&E 👍🏻

[@brianharradine8130]

Had RD350B air cooled 2 stroke back in 70’s what a fun bike it was

[@williamcb78]

Still one of the best sounds in biking , a good old 2stroke !!

[@BibtheBoulder]

I remember being on my GL1000 Gold-Wing, waiting at a set of traffic lights when this dude knocked up next to me on his RD350LC. No problem for the Wing...I'll soon show him how larger displacement is superior. The lights changed.....and he was gone. Actually laughed out loud as I watched him disappear.....

[@vitornunes7041]

Just like me!! When have a father that was a racing pilot, it's awesome seeing those old photos...my father had a ducati 125cc and he raced that here in Portugal...loved this episode...congrats guy's! Your father is also a cool guy!!👏✌️

[@GoUSA68]

GREAT video, and great to have your father's perspective. Hope that he finds RD for himself and you guys go for some rides together!!

[@DH-ns5lh]

I was a pillion on this back in the 80’s. Travelling from Surrey to Chester with a massive rucksack. Great bike!

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Don't forget the YPVS

[@bradcobb3418]

absolutely, I had the great 350B, superb 350LC & the amazing 350YPVS with endurance racing tyres on...we toured on them and went crazy in the IOM TT.Bullet proof missiles that only take 2nd place to my 23 yr old Ducati 916 engined ST4...

[@clivechandler8817]

Oh yes and the 500ypvs👍

[@chrislambert505]

By 1983 it was restricted to 125 at 17 on learner licence. In 1985 my mate that bothered to take the test got a 1972 RD350 for £80 (air cooled). I was still on a Fizzy at 16. He let me “road test” it several times up and down our cul-de-sac; telling me to rev it out to feel the power band, it was amazing and seemed like it had unlimited power (maybe about 40hp?)and blew out clouds of lovely 2 stroke smoke that thing flew even two up. Year later I crashed my rxs100 into a wall and didn’t get back in a bike until I was 50 (and back on a Yamaha too).

[@michaelscott1060]

Bought an RD400F in 1979, peeled the stickers off and no one knew it wasn’t a 250 apart from my mates on Honda 750’s. I rode the 350 LC back in the day, nice ride.

[@timothymills733]

Great video. Had one from new in the 80s. Back then Kenny Roberts was the man and a two stroke Yammie was the dream; great memories.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Most excellent! The sheer, effortless speed of these things is impossible to describe to anyone who hasn't sat on one. And although you are slightly dismissive of the brakes, they were absolute mustard on the public highway. If you were NOT on an Elsie, the Elsie behind you would get into the corner faster, brake later and whip out of the bend way more swiftly than you... If something was big enough to have the same power (or more) then it also had mass. And probably the power was just not easily accessible. The Elsie was simply a profound shock to motorcycling. In era, it was simply peerless as a scratcher. They were common because they were good. I recall that many had "upside down" gear changes, suggesting they may have been track refugees. My passion was Italian twins, but these things (whisper) were more fun.

[@garyjackson7183]

I had one in the 90s. Every time I rode it, it put a smile on my face loved it

[@richbrett7268]

This is a nice video guys good on you for putting out such a personal account.

[@keithscott9844]

Love this, a great "dream ride". Like your dad, I owned and raced an RD350LC in the early '80s. We had a series here in Aus a bit like the pro-am series in the UK. Great memories (inc of "unofficial" test rides on the road!). And I still have my old racing leathers and licence too! I've just written a feature article on the RDLC for Australian Motorcycle News, expected to be published in late August. Interest in the legend continues! Thanks for doing this! 😊👍

[@phiilyphil8900]

Awesome bikes sound 🔊 smell, and sound is such a so recognisable! Just like 🇬🇧

[@phiilyphil8900]

When our neighbour used to race them dail hanlen

[@m1a1hm]

Cool video!! I'm about the same age as your father and here in the US we didn't get many of the RD350LC thank you EPA. So alot of us kids got and worked on the old air cool RD350 and 400 and use to raise hell on the roads man we had fun!! And your right there not as fast and not as nice as newer bikes are but when that power band kicked in man you felt like you were going fast.

[@ottomondo1368]

Oh my man- In the 70s my dad bought me (US) it’s predecessor with drum brakes. Unreal fun. A couple near death experiences, learned exposed bone looks like pearl, scars to prove it, but what fun. Wobbly rear suspension with my bike, but that added to the experience. Awesome awesome awesome!!!!

[@MrCSutton]

Hindsight, eh? I had two 350LCs, then a YPVS and then an RG500. I did a straight swap with the RG for a 1972 Harley Sportster because I was fed up with scaring myself not being able to change into top below, um, 100, er, 70mph, officer.... I'll save you all the trouble and say it myself. What a berk!

[@craigm7240]

Best video I've ever seen on this channel. Brought a tear to my eye honestly.

[@yumyumbaboon]

Absolute pleasure watching this - brought back memories and made me smile too watching Dad enjoying that elsie! Many Thanks.

[@Enviros]

Im in my 50's now and my Dad had one when i was 20? He kindly referred to the "RD" as the sound it makes. Ring ding ding ding!

[@Dan-56]

Best episode of Dream Rides to date 👍! And I have to agree with your Dad, I loved the smell. My first bike was a ‘72 Suzuki T250 Hustler, and I can still remember the difference in smell between Castoroil and Belray two stroke oil 😆. (Yes, I’m an old fart too 😉.)

[@ROCKSTAGT]

A modern Iteration of this is exactly what Yamaha should launch immediately.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Back in the late 1980s I had a white/red 350LC. Awesome bike. I wish I still had it.

[@Rupe]

That was wonderfully wholesome. I love this series, keep up the great work.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers, lots more to come...

[@kiztime1234]

@@BikeWorldTVshow Hey mate how are you getting on with the tshirts?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

@@kiztime1234 We've had to wait to sell the current ones, we have a range that have been designed for us by someone special. Won't be long!

[@CrouchyOnBikes]

Great video Chris, and amazing to see your Dad on the Elsie. Nice picture of an RS2000 in the photos as well! What a cool Dad!

[@luddite6239]

Another cracker! (Both the bike and the video.) Great to have the perspective of someone who raced one back in the day. Hope there will be a raw footage vid for this one too.

[@craigtruelove444]

i have recently had a few through my hands, a couple of 250s and a nice 350, i put a load of miles in on the 350 both solo and with pillion, great fun, and they can still hold there own against a lot of modern bikes

[@petehook2866]

Well that brought a tear to my eye! What a great video. I had an air cooled RD250E as my 1st proper bike & then a YPVS 350, but the 350LC was always a bike I would have liked.

[@duncanmachell4044]

Awesome video ,one of the best bikes I ever owned , great to see your dad ride for you , keep up the great work , one bike you might want to check out is the rd350b , it was the bike that started yamaha's 2strock dominance, I had one of them too , all the best

[@markleadbeatter6196]

Nice upload, I love my 350LC and my RD400, which both give me a huge grin whenever I take them out for a ride. I also have an XJ650 for longer runs and love the fact that it looks like an LC on steroids.

[@orical2832]

Had one in the 80's. Utterly loved it.

[@jeanpaultown5065]

Sorry to hear you’re banged up. I wish you a speedy recovery

[@johnnyboy1586]

In the early 80s motorcycling was very popular and on sundays guys would rip over our remutaka mountain road here in wellington NZ and the fastest bikes over the hill were these LCs and because four strokes were quite heavy back then they couldn't match the lightness,and proformce of the two stroke 😊

[@ChuckChrome]

Wonderful shared moment with your dad. Great stuff!

[@colinschofield1808]

Still the best bike I ever had. I had one the same colour as this, this video really took me back. 😊

[@festol1]

I had a 350LC. I miss that bike, had such a time with it!

[@motorcyclin]

Nice to see and more importantly listen to the old RDs.

[@carlokun]

I had the white & blue RD350LC back in1986. Such good memories.

[@martymiller4300]

Off on a tangent but……I got to go to Long Beach in ‘80 and’81 for the Formula One car race. They had a support race that was either dedicated to or dominated by TZ 250s. Unlike the cars the bikes were pretty wide open to inspection in the paddock and along with the excellent show they put on on the track I was just knocked out by the purity of the rough cast water cooled engine cases. I still get there when I’m washing my 2019 XSR 700 looking at the same texture and finish those old race bikes had, like I said, off the subject but this article brought it to mind.

[@yveslaurier950]

I bought the first RD350(H)LC that came in Canada in 1981. That bike could outperform all the 750cc. of the time. I used to rev mine up to 11,000RPM (way up in the red) to get the most out of it. I'm I ever sorry I sold it. One of my friend had a Yamaha Seca 550, and his motorcycle couldn't keep up with the little 350. At the time, I paid $3600.00 for it(Canadian $ was on par with US $ then). That was a steal.

[@nigelthomas8315]

I had a 250LC and it was great and never missed a beat

[@DukeOfTwist]

I started my Motorcycle life at 17 in Adelaide South Australia aboard an RD250LC. A few years ago I bought a KTM RC390 & a lot of memories came flooding back. I ride V4 Aprilia Tuono's now but one day I'd love to ride an RD again other than the brakes n tyres worry me lol.

[@davidcottom7750]

Yeah man love it,I used to have a black and red Rd 350lc mine was tuned and ported by Stan Stevens it had a steering damper bikini fairing belly pan all speed exhausts k&n filters was dynoed at59 HP one of the best bikes i ever had, great video OH BTW I used to watch the 350 production racing at brands may have seen your dad if he used to race there, love 2 strokes man they're thrilling to ride, nice one all the best Dave

[@dougiep2769]

Best bike ever made I think. Had an Rg 500 as well but the rz350 here in Canada was by far the most reliable and pretty fun to ride anywhere.

[@LiquidAudio]

Yeah! My first bike was known as the RZ250 here in Australia. I had the last YPVS version of this bike and absolutely loved it!

[@theblytonian3906]

Nice! By the time the marque had evolved to the final naked RZ250 and RZ350, they were sorted and superb bikes to ride. The RZ350 (& 250) was a far nicer handling bike than the more glamorous RZ500L (late 1984) The ultimate RZ350 was the fully faired final RZ350F2 which appeared here circa last first quarter 1986. After riding the RZ500, despite its drop dead gorgeous aesthetic, disappointed in its handling I didn't buy it. I recall lusting after that RZ350F2 when it appeared, but by that time the legendary Suzuki RG500 Gamma had appeared and had already got my money. RD250LC through final RZ250, a -really nice- legendary design. Easy to ride, but easily a handful in the hands of the inexperienced if pushed to the edge of its envelope which you had to to extract its full performance.

[@LiquidAudio]

@@theblytonian3906 I always wanted a RZ500, but I bought an older RD400 and then a Kawasaki KH400 triple. It also didn't handle but wow, that thing was a rocket! I went 4-stroke after that.

[@theblytonian3906]

@@LiquidAudio The KH400 handled like a shopping trolley, but for its time it was a rocket with a peaky powerband. As you know, the RD400 was much more civilised to ride. I rode the KH350 triple -not mine. Very similar to the 400. Totally different gen 2 strokes.

[@LiquidAudio]

@@theblytonian3906 Yep the KH400 was a scary handler, but I preferred it to the older Yammie as a bike. So much character, bad brakes, the sound and the smoke!

[@nickrider5220]

Nice twist to the video - Northover senior relives those great days 👍🙂

[@simonallan9941]

I remember riding the blue brand new 350LC in 84, Iron Maiden Tshirt and Levis, but there was definitely no such thing as "stone wash jeans" 🤔 I think girls started wearing them in the late 80's, anyways, the RD was so nice and crisp, as awesome 2strokes are when new and perfectly tuned 🤗, plenty of power for such a lightweight motorcycle, I clearly remember that nice smell.

[@edwardorourke3024]

I had the RD 250 torque induction on a learners license, awesome bike

[@michaelhayward7572]

People who never rode these 70's early 80's Jap mid weight two strokes, do not realize how torquey they were, Yamaha RD 350/400, Suzuki GT 380/550, KH 500, fast, fun, reliable and torquey. Brilliant bikes. I had a teardrop tank air cooled RD350 and "upgraded" to the later coffin tank RD400, still aged 17, and the earlier bike was the better bike.

[@fs3994]

Had a US version of this bike when I was a kid. Very fast for its time. Brakes did seem adequate at the time for a light bike.

[@daveo9844]

Great memories of the 2 stroke days. The RD’s had great midrange power compared to my Suzuki RG 😎🍻

[@gsd32i]

Blue and White LC 250 was my dream bike back in the day, but couldn't afford one, so went for the RD200 and then quickly blew it up!

[@SamSparks-h8g]

Great video about iconic 80s bike.Couldnt believe it when you showed us you're old leathers, exactly the same as i had .Got them from ilkeston shop cheep as it was all i could afford 😂😂😂.

[@beetleything1864]

When i was 15-16 (1980) this bike was the bomb.