Page 30 - Jan Edition 2025.cdr
P. 30
Yamaha RD350 YPVS Restomod: A Classic
Two-Stroke Icon with Custom Traits
The Yamaha RD350 YPVS is a motorcycle.
motorcycle that holds a special The RD350 YPVS quickly became
place in the hearts of two-stroke an icon in the motorcycle world,
enthusiasts. Launched in the early b o t h f o r i t s i m p r e s s i v e
1980s, the RD350 YPVS quickly performance and its cutting-edge
became a symbol of high- technology. Its handling was sharp
p e r f o r m a n c e , l i g h t w e i g h t and precise, its engine offered
engineering, and exhilarating incredible excitement with every
riding dynamics. Its sophisticated twist of the throttle, and its
YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve lightweight chassis made it an
System) technology added a level RD350 YPVS ideal choice for both track riders
of refinement to the two-stroke To fully appreciate the restomod and street enthusiasts. But as the
engine, offering better power culture surrounding the RD350 years went on, the RD350 YPVS
delivery and more usable torque YPVS, we must first understand began to fade from production, and
across a wide range of engine the bike's history and legacy. Yamaha transitioned to more
speeds. In the years since, the Yamaha's RD series, which began modern four-stroke models,
RD350 YPVS has earned its status with the RD250 in the early 1970s, leaving behind a motorcycle that
as an iconic motorcycle, adored by was a groundbreaking line of two- many riders still longed for.
v i n t a g e b i k e e n t h u s i a s t s , stroke motorcycles that became
collectors, and racers alike. beloved for their lightweight The Rise of Restomodding
design, sharp handling, and high- As with many classic motorcycles,
However, time takes its toll on all
machines, and as the years pass, revving engines. The RD350, the Yamaha RD350 YPVS
classic motorcycles like the RD350 introduced in 1973, took things to eventually became a bike that was
YPVS begin to fade into obscurity. the next level by offering more either no longer in production or
This is where the restomod power and a thrilling riding had aged beyond its prime. For
(restoration + modification) experience. It became a popular some enthusiasts, the solution
m o v e m e n t s t e p s i n . choice for racers and enthusiasts was clear: restore the RD350
Restomodding allows the timeless who were looking for a competitive YPVS to its former glory. But for
appeal of the RD350 YPVS to be edge on the track or an exciting others, simply returning the bike to
preserved, while simultaneously motorcycle for spirited street its stock form wasn't enough. Enter
introducing modern touches that riding. the restomod movement.
enhance its performance, comfort, Over the years, the RD350 The term “restomod” is a
and reliability. This approach evolved. Yamaha kept refining the portmanteau of “restoration” and
ensures that the classic two-stroke engine, suspension, and overall “modification.” Restomodding
motorcycle is able to keep up with design, and by the early 1980s, the i n v o l v e s t a k i n g a v i n t a g e
contemporary riding conditions company was ready to launch the vehicle—whether it's a car or a
and meet the demands of modern- RD350 YPVS. This new version of motorcycle—and restoring it to its
day riders, all while retaining the t h e R D 3 5 0 f e a t u r e d t h e original condition, but with some
essence that made it so great in revolutionary Yamaha Power modern modifications that improve
the first place. Valve System (YPVS), which was p e r f o r m a n c e , s a f e t y, a n d
a game-changer in the two-stroke aesthetics. These modifications
In this article, we'll explore the
Yamaha RD350 YPVS in depth, engine world. The YPVS allowed often enhance the vehicle's overall
delving into its history, its for variable exhaust timing, usability without compromising its
significance in the motorcycle meaning that the exhaust port classic charm. In the case of the
world, and how the restomod could be adjusted to optimize the Y a m a h a R D 3 5 0 Y P V S ,
culture has contributed to keeping power delivery throughout the rev restomodding offers a way to
this two-stroke legend alive. From range. This system provided a preserve the bike's nostalgic
the mechanics of the YPVS smoother powerband, better mid- appeal while also adapting it to the
system to the modifications that range torque, and a more forgiving needs of modern riders.
can breathe new life into the bike, ride at lower revs, addressing one Restomodding has grown in
we'll examine what makes the of the most common drawbacks of popularity due to the increased
RD350 YPVS restomod a true traditional two-stroke engines. The availability of aftermarket parts,
m a s t e r p i e c e o f m o d e r n R D 3 5 0 Y P V S , t h e r e f o r e , the advancement of motorcycle
customization. represented the culmination of technology, and the desire for
Yamaha's efforts to create a well-
The Origins of the Yamaha rounded, high-performance riders to personalize their
30
LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 09 January 2025
