The Yamaha RD350 was sold in India in two variants,
a low torque and a high torque version. The bike has been modified as a
scrambler by Moto Exotica.
The Yamaha RD350 Scrambler by Moto Exotica is
nicknamed ‘Eight’ and tips the scales at less than 100 kg. The upside down
forks up front and monoshock in the rear are by WP and have been sourced from
the KTM Duke 200. The latter has a different mounting angle to make off-roading
easier to the rider’s spine. The swingarm has been custom made and has been
extended by 6 inches.
The 347 cc air-cooled, parallel twin, two-stroke
mill is capable of producing 39 bhp (US market). The Indian trims of low torque
and high torque produced 27 bhp and 30.5 bhp. The drum brakes have been
replaced by the 4 piston disc brake in the front from the Honda CBR250R. The
rear brake setup too has been sourced from the same motorcycle.
The engine has been tuned to now peak at 9,500 rpm.
While the exact output is not known, the top speed is above 200 km/h. The TKC
80s tyres by Continental are dual sport while the exhaust system has been
crafted in-house with stainless steel.
The Yamaha RD350 was the first sports motorcycle
built in India and was discontinued in 1990.
