Any conversation about The good old days of motorcycles will eventually include the words “they don’t make them like they used to.” And then someone will mention Yamaha RD350.
fire two phases was loved when it was released, became even more rave as it evolved, and has been missed ever since it was discontinued. Given the motorcycle industry’s current obsession with nostalgia, the time is ripe for a modern iconic RD model—but there’s no sign that Yamaha has any plans for a revival. it. After all, ever-tightening emissions laws have made the development of two-stroke engines banned.
Tuner Renato Frateschi remembers the RD350 very well—especially the later RD350 YPVS F2, the car that made waves in his native Brazil when it was released in 1987. (If you didn’t know already, then the car made waves in his native Brazil. it’s called the RZ350 in the United States.) With over 60 horses on tap and light weight, it was an instant success.
Like many people, Renato misses the RD350. So when he and a client couldn’t work out the direction for a custom build, he made a radical proposal. “Look, I have an RD350 chassis and tank here,” Renato tells his customer, “and I think we can do something great with it.”
The customer agreed and Renato began sourcing the bike’s motor. Since the cost of an original, RD350 engine in good condition is budget-friendly, the idea was to create a modern tribute to the Yamaha icon. So he decided to use the 4-stroke, twin-cylinder engine from the low-end Yamaha R3 sportbike.
Fitting a modern tandem duo in a classic RD350 chassis took some work, but that wasn’t Renato’s only challenge. Project watchers were quick to point out that the performance of the R3 is far from that of the RD350. So Renato did the only sensible thing possible: add a turbocharger.
A small turbocharger is imported from Japan and discreetly installed right in front of the engine’s exhaust. Renato put it there to integrate it into the bike’s design—but the placement also helps minimize turbo lag.
Next, he has to find space for the air intakes, injectors, sensors, and the ECU chip that allows him to adjust the car (via smartphone). So he designed and 3D printed a neat box to hold everything. The R3 engine still looks petite, but now carries a stealthy power.
As for the chassis, Renato made a series of modifications to match the engine and reinforced the frame for safer driving. He also managed to pull it off without damaging the classic lines of the RD350.
The modern theme continues with a series of upgrades to Yamaha’s running gear. It now uses 17” wheels (unlike the original 18” wheels of the RD350), with a Triumph Daytona 675 rear swingarm and rear shock absorber. Front brake calipers are Brembo type; they are mounted on CNC machined aluminum spacers and 300 mm pinch discs.
As for the bodywork, Renato turned to digital methods to get things right. First, he creates a complete drawing of the bike so the customer can see exactly what he’s buying. Once signed, the bodywork, tail section, front fender and belly panel are all 3D printed with hard ABS plastic.
The tail section is inspired by Yamaha’s iconic racetrack TZ series and features a unique wraparound taillight design. The front fascia carries the design of a Suter MMX 500 race car, while the twin headlights pay homage to the 1987 RD350 YPVS F2. Center stage is the original RD fuel tank, modified to match the RD350 YPVS F2 race car. fuel pump of R3.
The complete kit includes a CNC machined top yoke, with new clamps, handles and side mirrors. Exhaust system is customized; its twin mufflers provide a small cap tip to the RD350’s twin pipes.
Renato named his piece ‘RD Turbo’ and wrapped it in a paint color to match. glossy red ‘speed block’ against a matte black background; another nod to the bike that inspired this work.
It took Renato two years to build the RD Turbo, expanding the limits of his and his suppliers’ skills. There are many hurdles — from figuring out how to match a new motor to an old frame, to 3D-printed parts with unusually large surface areas.
But in the end, it all came together—proving that it To be can build a modern version based on the legendary RD350.
Frateschi garage Facebook | Instagram | Photo of Gustavo Epifanio
