RD350
Sounds plain compared to names like Bullet, Pulsar, Karizma and even those puny motorcycle wannabes such as VIctor, splendor etc.
But on the road she’ll (RD350) blow all these bikes to hell and beyond.
How can I start talking about this bike? Where do I start. Well I guess I’ll start from the history.
Back in the good old days when 2 strokes were not banned in Uncle Sam’s land, the rD350 was born. The streetbike was an exact copy of the Race bike hence the name RD350 RD standing for Race Derived.
The bike made 39 bhp , and with custom pipes would go beyond the sane limit for such a small bike.
These bikes were raced around all over the US and the later avatars of this bike such as the RD350 LC called Elsie and the RD400 Daytonas took power upto 70-85 bhp
These bikes were callled giant killers as they used to humble larger 750cc bikes from Ductai etc.
The first version the RD350 was released in India, came in 2 versions Hight Torque and Low Torque, one making 32 BHp and the other making 28 bhp, figures that are still the best for INIDAN bikes.
too much of history..
The RD350 to me is my god. Years ago when I used to ride a hero ranger, my neighbour had a red Yamaha 350. Whenever he started it I would run out of the house to listen to the sound, although I had little knowledge about bikes at that time I knew from the roar that this bike was different.
Later when I learnt about 2 stroke & 4 stroke engines I understood that roar, this was no ordinary bike. unknowingly I had already fallen in love 2 stroke engines. I just made a vow that one day I would have that bike.
years passed, I am 22 and I was riding a roadking, purchased with my own money.
Got a better paying job and bought an RD350 along with my friend. This would be our second bike.
Since I had been riding a roadking, the bike did not feel heavy, but the performance was AWESOME!!!!!!!!
This is a bike on which you slow down to hundred (not speed up to hundred), I have touched 135 a couple of times and 120 is very easy.
Its not just the speed, but the way the speed id delivered.
You will never experience accelaration like this on most indian cars too.
Keep the bike in the right gear and youll never have to look back. The sound is different, it is very low at low RPMs and builds beautifully as you pick up speed and when you are at 5000-6000 rpm everyone on the street will turn their heads towards you.
The bike blows away competition new and old. With this bike I have done everything.
I have scared people on the roads, make them feel jealous and humbled many a pulsar/karizma rider(especially guys with a girl riding pillion).
If you have the bike in the right gear , which will take some learning as this is a 6 speed ( its true) bike , the bike will accelarate the way it does in the 1st or the 2nd gear.
The bike is a gas guzzler, doesnt make a difference to me.
There is so much to write about this bike , that I am lost. Maybe Ill write a book some day.