YAMAHA

RD350 coffee racer by Moto Exotica

That the Yamaha RD350 is every two-stroke enthusiasts' wet dream, would not be overstatement in any case. And to further that thought, Dehradun-based Moto Exotica has released its new cafe racer that is based on the erstwhile Yamaha RD350.Such is the cult of the Yamaha RD350 which is rare to find a well-maintained model in the second-hand market. The motorcycle was way ahead of its time regarding technology as well as features when it debuted in India in 1983. That said, Moto Exotica has gone ahead and given a complete makeover to the RD350 with a brat cafe racer design. The motorcycle features custom-made parts like a handcrafted leather seat and a larger tear-drop fuel tank.

The chassis is redesigned and strengthened. The modified bike has a custom swingarm.

The modified Yamaha RD350 by Moto Exotica gets custom handcrafted front fender and CNC milled triple clamp and bottom connector. The motorcycle is finished in a shade of sparkle blue with gold pinstripes. The modified RD350 comes with hand-welded stainless steel dual exhausts with an expansion chamber, which provides improved low-end and mid-range torque. The stock handlebar is replaced with low-set clip-on bars.

The custom Yamaha RD350 comes with a small round headlamp and a single-pod instrument cluster. The bike is shod with upside down front forks while the rear gets an adjustable mono-shock. The stock front disc is replaced by a larger disc unit with 4-piston radial callipers, while the stock rear drum brakes make way for a disc brake setup. Moto Exotica has used custom-made sprockets at front and rear. The modified RD350 runs on uprated 18-inch wire-spoke wheels. Interestingly, even though the motorcycle is a coffee racer, the modifier has used broader knobby tires.

The battery box and LED taillight on the custom Yamaha RD350 are placed below the seat. The motorcycle features a matte black finish on the rims and headlamp and engine, while engine-cooling ends get a machined finish. Moto Exotica has not released details on the performance figures or mechanical changes done to the bike. That said, the stock 347 cc, air-cooled, twin-stroke, twin engine produces a maximum power of 30.5 bhp at 6750 rpm and a peak torque of 32.3 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission.

 


As a reminder, the Yamaha RD350 was manufactured in India from 1983 to 1989. It was available in two versions - HT (High Torque) and LT (Low Torque). The RD350 could not find many takers owing to its high maintenance costs and low fuel economy.



Source: Ajinkya Lad, A motorcyclist at heart, I love going on long rides; especially the Himalayas