What to buy and how much to pay

As always, panel work is the key to purchasing a viable and successful Japanese classic; if that’s there then you’re on to a winner. A vast amount of RD250/350S swap over with little if any effort so it’s worth doing some research to ensure what you’re looking at isn’t a hybrid. Many a YDS7 was upgraded back in the day to become a YR5 but, as well as barrels and pistons, both the oil pump and primary rive are also different. Easiest way to spot a changeling is by the frame and engine numbers; YDS7 250s start 280 or 281, YR5 run 278 or 279. It’s also equally possible to run YR5 motors in RD chassis so do your research before handing over your money. The 350 RX PRO is mega rare so don’t be succoured into handing over cash for a YR5 someone has lamped an RD front end on to.

The market for YR5S seems to have gone a little flat of late as everyone chases RD400S, and this plays in our favour. A complete, but unkempt example can be had for as little as £1500, with a decent runner in need of some TLC beginning at around £2200-£2500. We’ve seen mint or immaculately restored examples being touted north of £5250, but they’d have to be nigh on perfect for that sort of money. If we were in the market for a YR5 we’d probably be looking for an early model with the seemed silencers and in the less common white and candy red, simply because it’s an unusual combination, and looking to pay

£3500-£4000. Regardless of aesthetics, we at

CMM know it’d be money well spent on the grandfather to the giant killer RDS.