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Edition:
Yamaha RD 350 F - [1987]
This edition of the Yamaha RD 350 F is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1987. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf and the 1988 Suzuki RH 250 X.This particular Yamaha RD 350 has a 347cc Liquid cooled, Four stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 1987 RD 350 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the RD 350's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 155 kgs (341 lbs) this makes the Yamaha RD 350 F in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2024 Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade SP, give or take 50kg.
The 1987 Yamaha RD 350 shares the same bhp with the Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025]
In terms of power the 347cc 10 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 63 bhp (46 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The Reed Valve Four stroke unit throws out torque of 36.2 lb-ft (49.0 Nm) @ 9000 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 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha RD 350 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1987 Yamaha RD 350 F.
The 1987 Yamaha RD 350 F has a Power to weight ratio of 406.4 bhp per ton and 233.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1987 RD 350 competing with the 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 [430.8 bhp\ton] and the 2000 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK2 [430.8 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 RD 350 generating around 233.6 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 2009 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder M 90 [258.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600 Yoshimura [258.5 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 9.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.3 secs, this makes the Yamaha RD 350 F similar in acceleration to the 2024 Suzuki GSX 8 R (9.1 secs) and the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder (9.1 secs). This Yamaha RD 350 F 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 1987 Yamaha RD 350 F and the 1979 Kawasaki Z 1000 ST
When talking about the performance of the 1987 Yamaha RD 350 F on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.4 secs @ 104 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1979 Kawasaki Z 1000 ST (12.4 secs) and the 1986 Yamaha FZ 600 DOHC (12.4 secs).
The 1987 version of the Yamaha RD 350 F has a maximum speed of 120mph.
Top Speed of the 1987 RD 350 equals the 2013 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1987 Yamaha RD 350 F then how about a 2013 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC (131 mph) and the 2012 Suzuki GSX 650 F DOHC (131 mph).
