RETRO REBOOT
If Yamaha put the RD350LC into production again, it might look like this: well, we’d hope so!
Check out this re-invention of the LC!
The RD350LC has been rebooted before, but as the Kawasaki Z900 and the Suzuki Katana have both been officially reborn, we thought we’d bring Elsie back again. Back in 1980, Yamaha launched both the RD250LC and a bigger 350LC to an unsuspecting world. The smaller of the racedeveloped, liquid-cooled duo was a learner legal (at the time) 247cc, but it was the bigger 350 that hooligans lusted after. The power delivery, the looks, the handling, the bad boy attitude… this bike had it all. Almost four decades later we’re still lusting for the modern-day equivalent and while the Velocity Moto XSR900 Lc-rep comes close, somewhere in a parallel universe people are still tazzing around on big two- strokes… just like this. Probably.
47bhp may not sound much in today’s money, but in 1980 it was good enough for 110mph. A 21st century engine with modern fuel injection and even lighter engine internals could easily add another 30bhp and maintain reliability. Lighter chassis components, especially un-sprung parts like the wheels, swingarm and suspension, would improve acceleration even more.
Styling would remain faithful to the original Elsie, though we’ve added a few modern detail touches, such as air intakes to the airbox either side of the tank, and rear indicators that are faired into the tail unit. While it is unlikely two-strokes will be making a comeback, should Yamaha build a tribute-styled bike with an MT-07 engine? We’d love to hear what you think, let us know.
The original Italic wheels are redesigned too, and mated with modern USD forks and brakes from the MT-09, our 350LC is a virtual corner slayer. A chunky alloy banana swingarm is more than capable in handling the extra power tuners like Stan Stephens would perform on it.