YAMAHA RD 250 (1973-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha RD 250 was a standard motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha from 1973 until 1987 when it was replaced by the Yamaha TRZ250. The bike was also known as the RZ 250 in the Japanese and Australian markets.

The bike was manufactured over four generations, including the air-cooled models from 1973 to 1979 and the liquid-cooled ones from 1980 to 1987, RD 250LT, RD 250 LC-II, and RD 250 YPVS. The RD suffix came from Race Developed.

In 1983, due to the high output power of the RD 250 motorcycle, the UK government reduced the maximum cc regulation for learners from 250 to 125cc. The RD 250cc was considered dangerous to be handled by new and inexperienced riders.

In the visual department, the bike was as simple as it gets, with standard features, such as a round headlight with two instrument gauges on top, a one-piece dual seat, a dual exhaust system, side-mounted shocks, chromed fenders, and wire-spoke wheels.

As for the power figures, the 1973 Yamaha RD 250 had installed a 247cc two-stroke parallel-twin air-cooled engine managed by two Mikuni carburetors, delivering 30 hp at 7,500 rpm and 28 Nm (21 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The power generated by the engine was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch and sent to the rear wheel through a final chain drive.