Riding an old Yamaha RD350LC reveals the true feel of a classic bike
A ride on the rare, liquid-cooled RD350LC, never officially sold in India, shows why the two-stroke classic still stands apart today.
The name Yamaha RD350 brings to mind, for most Indians, the air-cooled, twin-cylinder bike of the 1980s. But foreign markets at the same time also got a liquid-cooled version of the RD350, known as the RD350LC, which was never officially sold in India. Its engine, chassis and design were quite different from the RD350 sold in India.
LC in RD350LC stands for Liquid Cooling. The bike has a 347cc twin-cylinder engine, which uses liquid cooling for better performance. Special effort also went into the chassis. The frame was inspired by Yamaha's TZ350 racing bike, and the bike also got a monoshock rear suspension and lightweight cast-alloy wheels. This makes its handling feel far more controlled compared to the older air-cooled RD350.
Riding this bike, its real fun is felt in the upper RPM range of the engine. Revving the engine up to its 9,500rpm redline gives both an exciting turn of speed and sound. The bike can easily reach speeds of 100 to 120kph. But below 4,000rpm, the engine's performance feels quite limited, so riding this bike requires maintaining the right gear and the right RPM.
The sharp exhaust note from this bike's 2-stroke twin engine is a distinct draw even today. The chassis also holds up better than expected through corners. The suspension feels comfortable, though the brakes are comparatively weak.
At a time when bikes are packed with electronic features, the RD350LC's simplicity creates its own distinct appeal. Its analogue meter, kick-start, and riding that depends entirely on the rider's skill make the experience very different from other bikes. Since it was never officially sold in India, it is also rare. It is said to be one of only a few examples privately imported into the country.
Despite the bike's age, its maintenance costs, emissions and some old technical limitations, the RD350LC still offers a special riding experience. It matters less as a practical everyday vehicle and more as a living experience of a distinct era in motorcycle history.
