Yamaha’s policy of selling off the back of racing success is self evident with the introduction of the reed valve RD series of models. Introduced in 1973 to replace the popular YDS7 the engine sported the same 7 port barrel/piston assembly as the race engines, along with six speeds giving class leading performance, and when tested by the American ‘Cycle World’ magazine, gave a standing quarter time of 15.64 seconds. The frame was based closely on the production race machinery, and was set up for fast road work rather than long distance touring. Many were converted into race machinery, and when they eventually stopped production in 1975 to be replaced by the less successful XS250 four stroke twin, this itself being dropped for the now iconic RD250/350 LC models, based closely on the TZ race machinery.
1975 YAMAHA RD250
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