Yamaha RD350LC
If bikes such as the Desmosedici and RC30 are motorcycling’s supermodels, then the RD350LC is the saucy sixth-former that all the boys fancied at school — and it’s no less appealing for that. In the early Eighties there was nothing on wheels that matched the Elsie’s blend of clean good looks, razor-sharp performance, racetrack cred and down-to-earth price. This was the blonde bombshell that teenaged leather-jackets could take home to meet the folks — and which was a total blast to ride.
Despite its humble status the LC had class in its genes. The liquid-cooled two-stroke twin was descended not only from Yamaha’s line of superb aircooled roadsters such as the RD350 and RD400, but also from the all-conquering liquid-cooled TZ350 and 250 racers. Adding the water jacket to the RD’s cylinders allowed Yamaha to boost output to 47bhp, good for 110mph with a thrilling kick as the power came in with an orgasmic six-grand shriek.
The simple but attractive styling matched the shapely tank, seat and sidepanels with eye-catching curved spokes, plus black engine and pipes. Competent forks, a cantilever monoshock rear end and sharp twin-disc front brake combined with light weight to make the Yam ace in the bends. It was the ultimate poor boy’s superbike; the star of a million teenage fantasies.
