Yamaha RD350LC

The Yamaha RD350LC stands as one of the most significant motorcycles ever to grace British roads. Launched in 1980, this liquid-cooled masterpiece didn't just represent an evolution in motorcycle engineering, it sparked a cultural phenomenon that would define an era of motorcycling. And it's one of many classic bikes that Venhill offers a range of replacement cables and brake hoses to fit, all precision manufctured in our UK factory.

Real Racing DNA

By the late 1970s, Yamaha faced an interesting crossroads. Their air-cooled RD series needed replacement, and with U.S. emissions regulations tightening, the Japanese manufacturer made a pivotal decision: they would develop their new machine specifically for the European market.

The familiar RD initials stood for Race Developed, and that wasn’t just marketing speak. Yamaha had been winning world championships with their two-stroke twins throughout the 1960s and 70s - first with air-cooled engines and then on the liquid-cooled TZ250 and 350. The development brief for the new machine was simple yet ambitious: build a TZ for the street. 

The LC's creation involved significant British influence, with Paul Butler, then Product Planning Manager for Yamaha Europe, playing a crucial role in gathering market intelligence and shaping the new machine's direction. Even former Norton Commando specialist Bob Trigg contributed design studies that would influence the LC's distinctive appearance, from its reverse cone expansion chambers to its signature belly pan.

Technical Innovation

The 347cc parallel-twin engine represented a masterpiece of engineering. While sharing some DNA with its RD ancestors, the liquid cooling system allowed for tighter tolerances and more consistent performance. The result was 47bhp at 7,000rpm; impressive figures that actually understated the bike's real-world performance potential.

The chassis drew direct inspiration from the track too. Gone were the traditional twin shock absorbers, replaced by a TZ-inspired monoshock system angled diagonally under the seat. The 18-inch cast wheels featured stylishly curved spokes. Although conventional for the time, the twin-downtube steel frame and non-adjustable front forks provided a handling package that punched well above its weight class.

The Culture-Shifting Impact

At just 140kg without fluids, the LC offered a power-to-weight ratio that made it a giant-killer. Its performance - 0-60mph acceleration that could shame many larger machines and a genuine 110mph top speed - made it the weapon of choice for speed-hungry young riders. 

But raw numbers tell only part of the story, the LC's character was what truly set it apart. Below 6,000rpm, it was docile enough for commuting duties. But twist the throttle past that magic number, and the LC transformed. The high-pitched shriek of the exhaust combined with an urgent surge of power created an intoxicating riding experience that few motorcycles, before or since, have matched.

This split personality made the LC remarkably versatile. It could cruise comfortably on motorways, carve through mountain passes with sports bike precision, and even handle touring duties (albeit with frequent fuel stops: range was limited to about 90 miles per tank).

Its impact on British motorcycling can’t really be overstated. A generation of young riders, raised on a diet of GP racing and cafe culture, was looking for affordable performance. The LC delivered this in spades, offering genuine 100mph+ potential at a price point accessible to working riders.

Racing Legacy

The RD350LC's reputation was cemented by the spectacular Pro-Am racing series, which pitted professionals against amateurs on identical machines. Future GP star Niall Mackenzie - amongst others - cut his teeth in these battles, which were broadcast on ITV's World of Sport and showcased just how capable the LC platform could be in the right hands.

The series was briefly resurrected in 2015 - Venhill being among the sponsors - with many of the original riders taking part. 

Enduring Appeal

Today, four decades after its launch, the RD350LC's appeal has only grown stronger. While later versions like the YPVS offered more power and sophistication, they never quite captured the raw magic of the original LC. Something about its combination of racing heritage, accessible performance, and perfect timing made it more than just a motorcycle; it became a cultural touchstone.

For those who experienced the LC firsthand, whether as new machines in the early 1980s or as cherished classics today, the RD350LC embodies a period when performance motorcycling underwent a fundamental transformation, becoming more accessible and, arguably, more exciting than ever before.

Today, surviving RD350LCs command strong prices on the classic market, particularly original, unmodified examples. This appreciation reflects not just the motorcycle's historical significance but its continuing ability to deliver pure riding enjoyment. For riders of a certain age, the distinctive aroma of two-stroke exhaust and the rising wail of an LC at full throttle remain the definitive motorcycling experience.

Motorcycle cables and hoses for the Yamaha RD350LC

For enthusiasts maintaining or restoring the legendary RD350LC today, quality replacement parts are essential to preserve performance and safety. 

Venhill offers a comprehensive range of cables and brake lines specifically for the RD350LC, including throttle cables, clutch cables, and high-performance front brake hose kits. We can also supply two-hose brake kits for racing. 

All our cables and hoses are manufactured in our UK factory to the highest standards, while maintaining complete compatibility with original specifications, ensuring your LC delivers the same precise control and feedback that made it famous.

Images courtesy of https://global.yamaha-motor.com/