Yamaha RD
Stemming from Yamaha's two-stroke racing success, the 'Race Developed' RD series offered incredible performance that let it outrun much larger bikes. It's now a collector's favorite for its thrilling, unfiltered riding experience and budget-friendly origins.
Yamaha RD sold for a median of $6,000 over the last 12 months, based on 13 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $4,300 and $6,800. 3 currently for sale.
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17 listed in the past year. The last was 3 days ago.
Yamaha RD prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | $4.7k | $3.5k–$6.7k | 5 | 0 |
| 1974 | $5.5k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 1975 | $6.2k | $4.4k–$7k | 16 | 1 |
| 1976 | $7.2k | $5.9k–$11k | 12 | 0 |
| 1977 | $5.5k | $5.5k–$6.4k | 5 | 0 |
| 1978 | $6.3k | – | 2 | 1 |
| 1979 | $8k | $6.1k–$11k | 11 | 0 |
| 1980 | $5.9k | – | 2 | 0 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The Yamaha RD series was the street-legal result of Yamaha's two-stroke Grand Prix racing success. Known as 'Race Developed', these bikes offered incredible performance for their size, with models like the RD350 and RD400 easily outrunning larger four-stroke competitors. Their combination of a lightweight chassis, potent two-stroke engine, and sharp handling made them a favorite for riders seeking thrills on a budget.
Collectors prize the RD for its raw, unfiltered riding experience and its famous 'power band' rush. It represents the pinnacle of air-cooled two-stroke technology before emissions regulations forced a shift in the industry. The later RD400F Daytona Special and the liquid-cooled RD350LC are especially desirable for their performance and iconic status.
The market for Yamaha RDs is strong, with an average sale price of over $7,000. While project bikes can be found for less, exceptional, low-mileage, or perfectly restored examples regularly exceed $20,000. The active trading shows a sustained appreciation for these giant-killing two-strokes.
Buying Tips
- Perform a compression test. Low or uneven compression can signal worn pistons, rings, or a needed top-end rebuild.
- Inspect the crankshaft seals. Bad seals create air leaks, leading to a lean condition and potential engine seizure. Look for oily residue behind the front sprocket or magneto cover.
- Check the frame for cracks or repairs, especially around the headstock and swingarm mounting points. These bikes were often ridden hard and raced.
- Original exhausts are difficult to find and expensive. Most have aftermarket expansion chambers, which can hurt rideability if the carburetors weren't re-jetted to match.
- Verify the 'Autolube' oil injection system is functional. Many were disconnected in favor of premix fuel, so restoring a non-working system can be complex.
Prices range from $970 for projects to $24,026 for pristine, concours-level examples.
141 Yamaha RD vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 3 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Yamaha RD cost?
Over the last 12 months, Yamaha RD sold for a median of $6,000 across 13 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $4,300 and $6,800. There are 3 currently for sale.
How many Yamaha RD listings are for sale right now?
There are 3 Yamaha RD listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.