Get ready to embark on a journey through time and nostalgia as we delve into the captivating world of the Yamaha RD350LC, a motorcycle that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of riders and enthusiasts alike. This iconic machine, once a symbol of teenage dreams, has been reimagined and reborn as a powerful hybrid, blending the best of the past with cutting-edge enhancements.
The Teenage Dream Machine
In the mid-1970s, if you were a teenager with a bike in the shed and a television, chances are you were captivated by the liquid-cooled Yamaha two-strokes tearing up the tracks. The Yami TZ liquid road racers were setting the pace for the next generation of two-stroke performance, but for those on the streets, the air-cooled RD350s and 400s seemed like a step back in time. However, Yamaha had something special up its sleeve.
The RD350LC: A Quantum Leap
Enter the RD350LC, launched in 1980 to an eager audience. While it may not have been a direct descendant of the TZ racers, it represented a significant leap forward in performance. The 350LC's exhaust, port timing, and carburetors were optimized for high-rev performance, offering a thrilling ride that was a world away from the watered-down two-strokes of the past. This bike was a game-changer, and riders across Europe quickly fell in love with it.
A Nostalgic Hybrid
Patrick Lyall, a rider who came of age during the LC's heyday, has crafted a remarkable hybrid that pays homage to the original while pushing the boundaries of performance. Inspired by the LC's frantic powerband and the desire to create something special, Patrick set out on a journey to build a bike that would capture the essence of the original while offering modern upgrades.
The Build Process
Starting with an LC frame sourced from a friend, Patrick teamed up with Nigel Kimber at NK Racing to create a chassis that would maintain the compact stance of the original while enhancing its handling. The choice of a Honda NC29 swingarm over the more common Suzuki RGV option was a deliberate one, aiming to preserve the bike's proportions. Kimber's expertise in machining and fabrication resulted in a chassis that dramatically improved the riding experience.
Powering Up
The engine, sourced from Italy via eBay, was rebuilt by Patrick's friend Stephen "Rocket" Roberts. The cylinders were sent to Ron Phillips at Faron Engineering for porting and resleeving, with fresh pistons increasing the capacity to 375 cc. A pair of 32 mm Mikuni flatslide carbs and hand-built expansion chambers from Jim Lomas Exhausts provide the power and the perfect soundtrack. Despite the challenges of rust, Patrick's decision to lacquer the pipes proved to be a wise one.
Overcoming Setbacks
Like any ambitious project, Patrick's build encountered its fair share of bumps. A painful setback occurred when the rebuilt engine, cylinders, and modified swingarm were stolen from the back of his car. However, the specialists at NK Racing and Faron Engineering stepped up, recreating their work and keeping the project on track.
Attention to Detail
Every aspect of this build exudes care and attention to detail. The seat, shaped and stitched by Dave the Trimmer, features Kenny Roberts' signature, complementing the classic Yamaha race-inspired paint scheme. Andy Woolrich of Electro34 handled the electrics, including a bespoke wiring loom. Modern digital gauges from Smiths were adapted to fit the original LC housing, with custom dial artwork by Patrick's son Matthew. The hydraulic clutch setup, another masterpiece by Kimber, ensures a modern riding experience.
Performance and Tuning
The engine, tuned at RHR Motorcycles, delivers an impressive 80 horsepower in race trim, a figure that Patrick toned down slightly for a more road-friendly experience, resulting in a lively 64 bhp with stronger mid-range performance. Even so, the motor spins to an astonishing 13,000 rpm, a speed that outpaces the tachometer's range.
A Hybrid Done Right
The finished machine is a testament to Patrick's vision and the expertise of those who contributed to the build. It embodies the look, attitude, and nostalgia of the original RD350LC while offering a riding experience that is sharper, more responsive, and safer than Yamaha could have imagined in 1980. This hybrid is a time machine that transports riders back to the golden age of two-strokes, but with the added benefits of modern braking and suspension systems.
So, there you have it—a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of a motorcycle that has left an indelible mark on the history of riding. This Yamaha RD350LC hybrid is a perfect example of how the past can be reimagined and improved upon, creating a machine that is both a work of art and a thrilling ride.
