Finding an investment grade 1980 Yamaha RD350LC 4L0 for sale is more than challenging. This example was fully restored by us three years ago and has not turned a wheel since, so we will recommission it fully for your enjoyment. In 1980 Yamaha took the TZ250 and TZ350 racers and brought the public road going machines derived directly from their incredibly successful racers and transformed small to medium capacity motorcycling permanently. Once the RD250LC hit the shops the motorcycling press ran headlines such as “Buy one before they’re banned” and how prophetic those headlines were. By 1983 learner motorcyclists could no longer ride a 250cc motorcycle on a provisional driving license, they were lumbered with 125cc machines until they passed their full motorcycle test. The RD250LC has not become anywhere near as collectible as the RD350LC, because the 350 is just so much more fun. Indeed back when they were new, many provisional rider bought the 250LC and put the 350 barrels and heads on so that they had a 350cc machine which was registered as a 250cc with DVLA. The 4L0 was only produced for 1980 to 1982 and in small numbers for Europe, as riders wanted tohe 250cc machine so they could ride them on provisional licenses. You can read more about these incredible machines in this celebration of forty years of the RD350LC by Motorcycle News. Anyone who bought these iconic banshees immediately cut down the rear mudguard, ditched the airbox, threw away the original exhausts, bolted on expansion chambers and tuned the living day lights out of them. Consequently, there are very few original examples left in tact today.
Frame off restoration
This 1980 Yamaha RD350LC 4L0 has had a full frame off restoration by us, although it was completely original when we sourced it in Belgium in 2018. We bought this machine because all of the original components were present and correct and it had been very well preserved. It had clearly not had the terrifying life that nearly all UK examples endured during the 1980s and was in incredibly good condition, having always been well kept in a heated garage. Despite leading a cosseted life, time had taken its toll and we were asked to undertake a full frame off restoration. Prior to stripping the motorcycle, all colours were perfectly matched and the type of finishes were noted through out the motorcycle. The machine was then stripped and every component was taken back to the bare substrate and carefully repainted, no powder coat was used except for the rear suspension spring. The motor was fully rebuilt with the crank reconditioned by Grampian Motors, every bearing and seal was replaced with new items and the barrels rebored to accept new +.50 mm pistons. The rear standard shock absorber was stripped and fully rebuilt and re-charged with nitrogen and zinc plated. Every painted component looks exactly as they did when they were new and the original nuts and bolts were retained and replaced. Even the parkerised green zinc plate was correctly re-created and new brake lines were made up with parkerised green banjo bolts. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail when we restore machines and this 1980 Yamaha RD350LC 4L0 is no exception. The machine comes with free UK mainland delivery and will deliver its new owner pure joy.
Investment grade 1980 Yamaha RD350LC 4L0
This investment grade 1980 Yamaha RD350LC 4L0 runs perfectly, as it did when it left the factory and still requires further running in. There is a full due diligence and photographic report of the restoration spanning 80 pages, which is included with the motorcycle. There are very few of these iconic two strokes left on the planet and this is a great opportunity to own one of the finest and most authentic examples. If you wish to own this investment grade 1980 Yamaha RD350LC 4L0 call The Motorcycle Broker.
