Yamaha RD 250 LC

The Yamaha RD 250 LC is like the Yamaha RD 350 LC a two-stroke motorcycle the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha , which was produced from 1980 to 1983.

The naked bike , trimmed for performance , has been significantly modernized compared to the air-cooled predecessor models RD 250 and RD 350 . The RD250LC had a two- cylinder - two-stroke engine with water cooling and separate lubrication. The two-stroke oil was carried in a separate container inside the frame and added to the fuel depending on the load and engine speed. The rear swing arm was guided by a central strut model cantilever .

For the German market, the RD 250 LC with 38 HP could be throttled to 27 HP / 20 kW, which at that time was insurance-favorable, by means of reducing sleeves in the exhaust manifolds and changing the main carburettor jets. The successor model RD 350 YPVS was available from 1983 . The RD 250 LC was discontinued on the German market because a peculiarity in the insurance classification was omitted: Since motorcycles with up to 250 cm³ were previously classified in the class up to 17 HP / 13 kW, the unthrottled RD 250 LC was 38 HP / 28 kW was the best-selling motorcycle in Germany for a while.

Strengths and weaknesses

The test reports of the trade press and the experiences of the owners showed some weaknesses after the market launch: The swing arm bearing of the rear wheel was mounted in plastic bushings that could be worn out after a few thousand kilometers and caused the rear suspension to swing. The accessories trade then provided bronze bush bearings or a conversion to needle bearings. Engines that were not warmed up carefully could require an engine overhaul (boring the cylinders to an excess) after about 20,000 kilometers.

Technical specifications

Surname	model	Construction period	power	Displacement	Front brake
RD 250 LC	4L1	1980-1983	38 hp	247 cc	disc
RD 350 LC	4L0	1980	49 hp	347 cc	Double pane
RD 350 LC	4L0	1981-1983	46 hp	347 cc	Double pane