Up for sale is my vintage 1975 Yamaha RD200B. I bought it in July of 2017. It was exactly what I was looking for: Complete, running, but neglected. I’ve done a lot of work on this bike while riding and enjoying it. It was my re-introduction to motorcycles after 30 years away from riding and unexpectedly turned into a COVID project, and I took it farther than originally intended. Now I’m ready for a bigger bike and the time has come to move it along.

A big plus with this bike is that it’s California registered through June of 2022, so no hassles with the California DMV and I have the clear California title in hand.

The cosmetics are fair and consistent with other unrestored bikes of this vintage. The tank was resealed inside by some prior owner (to my eye, it was done well). There are some small dents and paint chips outside visible in the photos and some obvious gouges on top, probably from someone’s belt buckle. Decals are all intact with nicks and blemishes but still presenting nicely. Side covers are also intact and present in similar fair condition. Brightwork (fenders, pipes, chain guard, etc.) is complete but pitted and scratched; it might respond to a good cleaning and polishing, but will always be far from perfect. I recovered the saddle using a correct Yamaha replacement skin, but from an earlier year so it’s not exact but looks great. I mounted Renthal road bike low bars with new grips and bar-ends (The original bars will come with the bike). Finally, an Emgo Viper bikini faring was cleanly mounted by me and completes the café racer look.

All electrics are functional including: Headlight (high & low), turn indicators/brake lights, horn, starter, charging system, etc. I fabricated a new battery box to accommodate a slightly larger, modern sealed battery (modified in a way that retains the stock outward appearance of the side cover). I also re-did the battery wiring with new, correct gauge wires and crimped connectors and a new fuse holder.

Both the speedometer and the tach function properly and accurately including the odometer which reads 8800 or so; I can’t affirm this is true mileage for the bike, but I have no reason to think otherwise. All gauge lights (neutral indicator, turn signal indicator, generator and instrument back-lighting) are functional.

In addition, I have performed the following work:

  • Cylinders professionally machined and top-end rebuilt with 0.5 over-bore Wiseco pistons
  • Fully rebuilt clutch including new friction and metal plates
  • Carbs rebuilt using Keyster kits then properly adjusted & synchronized with pod air filters (stock air box was removed and cannot be replaced without significant re-working)
  • Ignition parts replaced and tuned to factory specifications
  • Oil injection pump adjusted with new oil lines, fittings, etc.
  • Case resealed using Yamabond so no leaks
  • New vintage-style tires & tubes in correct stock sizes
  • New fork seals, 20wt oil
  • New rear shocks, stock type units
  • New cables all around

It comes with two keys, an original and one I had cut and the saddle lock works off the original key.

I have done other miscellaneous maintenance work as well e.g. cleaning and re-packing wheel bearings, adjusting brakes, adjusting chain tension, replacing fuel lines, etc., etc. I have gone over this bike with an eye toward safety and, while I offer no warranty expressly or implied, my work is good and the bike is solid in my opinion.

Here are some things to disclose:

The front fork tubes have some pitting so even though the seals were replaced, there is still some mild seepage. It’s expensive to have them restored so I just live with it. They function fine with good dampening.

As noted above, all electrics function well and I have tested the charging system and it falls within factory specifications. However, an hour of city riding (headlight on for safety, using the turn signals like a good boy) will run the battery down and the bike then runs on the magneto and performance turns crappy. I have read on the blogs that the charging system is notoriously inadequate, even from new, so maybe this is normal or maybe there is a problem that is beyond my ability to diagnose. I keep it on a trickle charger in between rides and that works for me. There is a quick-connect pigtail installed under the saddle to make this a no-fuss proposition.

If you’re looking at this auction, you probably are an enthusiast and know what you’re getting into but, for those who are new to this, keep the following in mind: This is a vintage two-stroke motorcycle that is over 45-years old. It runs great TODAY, but might not run tomorrow and, while I feel it is reasonably dialed-in, it still requires tweaking and adjusting on a fairly constant basis. If you’re not up for this, please don’t buy the bike because you won’t be happy. On the flip-side, it’s a fun hobby-bike and there is a lot of internet support and parts availability (eBay is your friend here), and I have a link to the original factory workshop manual that I will happily give to the new owner; it’s invaluable.

Also, this bike has 10 hp (give or take) and the top speed is maybe 60mph on a good day, tucked and with a good tail wind. It’s a town and country bike only. I have never and would never take it on the freeway.

Price: Auction

More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1975 Yamaha RD (Affiliate link)

Seller's other items: ruthlindstr

Location: Altadena, California, United States