1974 Yamaha RD350

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Clean build with lots of polished parts and bold, contrasting colors

What motivated you to start your project?

I wanted to build a simple cafe racer.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

The bar switches, designed and machined them both and fabricating the ignition switch mount on the back side of the headlight bucket.

What are you most proud of?

The overall look, everything is complementary.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

Beautiful” “great build” “looks awesome”

3 Comments

  • Jonny Thumper says:

    Really digging the look and craftsmanship. Working on an SR500 cafe and am definitely inspired.

  • Dean Blakley says:

    Great looking RD, excellent job ! I learned to ride motorcycle on an RD, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. I remember at the time while riding down the road what a “big” bike it was, and the freedom I felt.
    I still get that same feeling today, some 40 years later. Thanks for showing us this great bike !

  • Rug says:

    Stock 74′ RD engine? that must have really been a babied low mile engine….most people can’t resist the urge to twist, on those things, and they get trashed..

    nice attention to detail….looks Spectacular !!!

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Submitted by: James B

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: Yamaha RD350 1974
Fondly known as: The Deuce
Time spent: 300
Motorcycle cost: 300
Money spent: 3500
Engine: Stock 350 2-stroke, Converted to Electronic CDI
Intake: Stock 28mm cabs
Exhaust: Stock, Ceramic coated
Transmission: 6 speed
Frame: Cut tail to add rear hoop
Suspension: XS650 Fork conversion with CNC triple YSS rear shocks
Wheels, tires and brakes: Stock rims with Avon AM26, polished hubs with Full Brembo front brake conversion
Finish – Paint: Paint-John at Collision Masters Powder coat by New Image Coatings

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