

This edition of the Yamaha R5 B 350 is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1971. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV and the 1971 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV.This particular Yamaha R5 has a 347cc Air cooled, Four stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
The 1971 R5 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1966 Norton Dunstall 750. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the R5's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf | 1988cc.1978 Suzuki GT 250 Two Stroke | 1978cc.
Weighing in at 154 kgs (339 lbs) this makes the Yamaha R5 B 350 in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2024 Suzuki GSX 8 S 8 Kevin Schwantz Tribute, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 347cc 14 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 36 bhp (26 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The Piston Port Four stroke unit throws out torque of 27.9 lb-ft (37.8 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha R5 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1971 Yamaha R5 B 350 has a Power to weight ratio of 233.7 bhp per ton and 181.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1971 R5 competing with the 1977 Honda CB 750 A Hondamatic [258.6 bhp\ton] and the 1976 Honda CB 750 A Hondamatic [258.6 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha R5 generating around 181.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT [206.4 lb-ft per ton] and the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder [206.4 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 15.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 16.2 secs, this makes the Yamaha R5 B 350 similar in acceleration to the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 SE (15.8 secs) and the 2018 Honda NC 750 X DCT (15.8 secs). This Yamaha R5 B 350 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1971 Yamaha R5 B 350 and the 2008 Suzuki AN 650 Burgman
When talking about the performance of the 1971 Yamaha R5 B 350 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.5 secs @ 81 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2008 Suzuki AN 650 Burgman (15.5 secs) and the 2000 Yamaha XVS 250 DragStar (15.5 secs).
The 1971 version of the Yamaha R5 B 350 has a maximum speed of 95mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1971 Yamaha R5 B 350 then how about a 2020 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Bolt R Spec (106 mph) and the 2018 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Bolt R Spec (106 mph).
Yamaha XV 1900 Raider S
Engine Capacity: 1854 cc
Top Speed: 120 mph
Quarter Mile: 13.3 secs @ 103 mph