1972 Yamaha RD350
This bike was the love of my 2010 summer while staying at MIT doing undergraduate research. I picked her up for a dime when it looked like a mix between a vintage tracker and a kid’s dirtbike. Terrible shape, really, but a diamond in the rough if you know how to hold a wrench right.
I spent quite a few nights laboring long and hard to bring out what I wanted to see in the bike. She’s almost there now, and the work I’ve put in has completely transformed the look.
To date I’ve:
- Replaced the rear shocks with some beautiful Marzocchi Strada Ducati adjustable shocks
- Found a new side cover and oil tank with the retro R5 chrome accent
- Picked up a set of cafe handlebars
- Bought a new cafe seat
- Installed reasonable (not-70′s-enormous) turn signals and brake light
- Completely tore down and rebuilt both carbs
- Added a new four piston Tokico front brake caliper with custom mounting bracket
Have to say I’m pretty proud. Next up? New seat, Aluminum this time, and maybe some head work to boost performance a bit.
Full on of the bike's left side.
Nice four piston Tokico brake caliper and custom mounting plate
The new Strada shocks. So nice