Beschreibung:

One of the final Japanese-built models • Only 0.5 'push' miles from new • Unused and effectively 'as new' No motorcycle of recent times has achieved 'cult' status to the same extent as Yamaha's legendary 'LC'. Launched at the Tokyo Show in 1980, the RD250/350LC marked the introduction of water cooling to Yamaha's range of potent middleweight two-strokes while also bringing mono-shock rear suspension and – in the 350's case - twin disc front brakes to the package for the first time. Water cooling had been a feature of the Hammamatsu firm's TZ racers for some years, and the LC's family resemblance was obvious. The 350LC continued the Yamaha tradition of giant-killing performance established by the air-cooled RD350 and RD400, and although its circa 110mph top speed was inferior to that of the larger, multi-cylinder opposition, over twisty going a well ridden 350LC could show almost anything the way home. It was also relatively inexpensive, endearing itself to impecunious younger riders, whose high-street stunts rapidly established the easily-wheelied LC's 'hooligan bike' credentials. The availability of noisy expansion chamber exhausts and a host of other tuning accessories – some of dubious merit – only served to further enhance the LC's 'bad boy' image. This capacity for easy personalisation remains an essential part of the LC's appeal; few remained standard for long, a state of affairs that has led to the few totally stock survivors becoming highly prized. After only a couple of years in production the original RD350LC was superseded in 1982 by the RD350 LCII, a model better known by the initials 'YPVS' standing for 'Yamaha Power Valve System'. Developed on the firm's Grand Prix bikes, the electrically operated power valve varied the effective exhaust port height according to engine revs, enabling Yamaha to tune the engine for increased top-end power while maintaining mid-range tractability. Keeping pace with the times, Yamaha slotted this heavily revised engine into a new frame equipped with linkage-operated mono-shock rear suspension, while the old rear drum brake was replaced by a disc. After little more than a year the LCII was dropped, being replaced by the fully faired RD350F and naked RD350N models. Production continued in Japan until 1988 and then in 1992 was revived in Brazil. Displaying a total of only 0.5 'push' miles on the odometer, this late Japanese-built RD350F2 is presented in unused and effectively 'as new' condition. There are no documents with this Lot, therefore prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the mileage covered prior to bidding.