Yamaha RD350LC/YPVS

by Phil West

Published 11 March 2004
The RD350LC/YPVS family of water-cooled, race-derived, two-stroke screamers has become a motorcycling icon of the 1980s. It was the first mass-production bike to use the now commonplace monoshock rear suspension, and in racing it instantly became the production racer of choice. The LC marked the end of an era, as tightening emissions regulations ensured that it was the last of the middleweight, no-compromise performance two-strokes. This book describes the full development, production and racing history of what was the dream bike for a generation of teenagers. The book covers: details of the 250cc version, the RD250LC, which sounded the death-knell for the 250 learner law; the behind-the-scenes development and evolution of the road and race bikes. The impact of the RD350 on biking culture: the "Cult of the LC", and the "LC Johnnies" with their "uniform" of paddock jackets and Doc Martens; a full history of the RD350's racing career, including the Pro-Am series; and full technical specifications and worldwide sales figures for all RD350LC/YPVS models.