Enlighten me Oppo: Yamaha R5

"GhostZ" (GhostZ) 05/19/2015 at 22:37 • Filed to: None

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I know nothing about bikes. A friend showed me one of these, in really clean restored condition, for sale at $3600. The seller had it listed as a “1971 RD350”. Teach me about 2 wheels bad, because it looks like two wheels badass. What other, similar bikes are there like this?

TheHondaBro > GhostZ 05/19/2015 at 22:44

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That’s a bike.

TheOnelectronic > GhostZ 05/19/2015 at 22:50

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Well, uh, what are you wanting to know?

Are you thinking of getting into riding? Do you just think the bike is cool and want to know more about it?

As far as similar, the ones that come immediately to mind are the retro Triumphs (Bonneville, Thruxton, Scrambler) and the Ducati Scrambler. Of those, the Duc is more of a modern take on a classic style, while the Triumphs are all about that retro, even down to having fake carbs.

Xyl0c41n3 > GhostZ 05/19/2015 at 23:20

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That photo gives me the pantsfeels. All the pantsfeels.

GhostZ > TheOnelectronic 05/19/2015 at 23:35

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I think I want to know where the intersection between “totally impractical” and “great utility and style for the price” is.

I’ve never thought about getting into riding, but a bike like this makes me change my mind. So I want to know if they are something a novice could pick up, or if they’re really too old or too uncomfortable to start with.

VincentMalamute-Kim > GhostZ 05/20/2015 at 00:31

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I used to have a Kawasaki H1 - 2 stroke 500 cc triple. That was ridiculous peaky power. It was hard not to do a wheelie every time you tried to leave a stop. It couldn’t turn to save it’s life but was scary fast in a straight line with the frame wobbling left and right. Same era as the above bike so I’m going to guess it’s similar, i.e. too much peaky power and not really that much fun for a practical daily driver compared to just about anything else. Get a 4 stroke CB500 or 750

TheOnelectronic > GhostZ 05/20/2015 at 04:22

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I don’t know much about this particular bike, but most people start with something that’s easy to learn on and easy to develop core skills with before selling it (usually for the same price) and getting whatever it is they originally wanted. Learning on an old bike with a wobbly frame, nearly useless brakes, and what appears to be a combination useless/lethal torque curve probably wouldn’t be a good idea. 250 starter bikes (ninja, CBR, etc...) can usually be gotten for about $2500 and, like I said, you can probably sell it a year or two later for the same or even more.

But, like I said, if you’re looking for a similar style without the 30-year old 2-stroke deathtrap fun times, check out Triumphs retro line.

You get what is outwardly the same bike they’ve been making since the 70’s, but with lovely things like disc brakes, EFI, and modern electrics.

And again, there’s also the Ducati Scrambler, but being brand new it will take a while for used ones to show up.

It’s kind of hard to say, without knowing what exactly about that bike appeals to you. If you want something small with a small engine, There are several 250-300cc sportbikes out there from Honda, Kawasaki, etc...

KTM also makes a 390 Duke and a 390 sportbike if you feel like having something Austrian.

GhostZ > TheOnelectronic 05/20/2015 at 15:06

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Given the other comments, looking at something like that Triumph. I’m mostly just expanding my tastes and possibilities here, rather than seriously considering a purchase.

I wouldn’t trust myself in a bike that was fast by any means.