1975 Yamaha RD200, Frame no. 397202177 Engine no. 397202177

1975 Yamaha RD200
Frame no. 397202177
Engine no. 397202177
• Original, unrestored condition
• Showing 3,500 miles from new
• Serviced by Marbles Motors, new tires
• Electric starter works reliably

It's an irony that commonplace motorcycles sometimes can become rarer commodities than better-pedigreed exotics. Used for their intended purpose, these bikes had a relatively short life span, and the scrappage rate was high. Not that some weren't worth saving. In a class dominated by humdrum ride-to-work bikes, Yamaha's sporty RD200 appealed to commuters determined to have some fun on the way to the office. Like all Yamaha two-stroke twins, the RD200 was a willing performer, its 22hp capable of propelling the nimble lightweight to over 85mph. Precise, predictable handling and strong brakes were just a few of its assets. Said the U.K.'s Bike magazine back then, "The RD is happy to cruise at 60 to 70mph all day."

The RD200 was a development of the CS3, a 180cc two-stroke twin with modern accoutrements such as metered Autolube oil injection and a handy electric starter. In 1972 the engine grew to 195cc and the model name was changed to CS5E, with overall styling that resembled the newly introduced RD model line. By 1974, with Torque Induction reed valves for the cylinders, the undeniably handsome bike assumed "full citizenship" status and became the RD200.
In a recent retrospective article, Motorcycle Classics summed up the RD200's considerable technological advantages: "Compared with the RD250, the 200 was as much as 50lb. lighter and also physically smaller, with a seat height of just 29.5in. and a 49in. wheelbase. Yet it had plenty of big bike features. Inside the 195cc, 180-degree two-stroke twin was a four-main-bearing crankshaft with needle roller small- and big-end connecting rod bearings. Lubrication was by Yamaha's Autolube system, fueling by a pair of 20mm Teikei carburetors with the fuel/air charge pulling through four-petal reed valves. Helical primary gears drove a wet clutch and five-speed gearbox. Electrics included a combined 12-volt DC generator/starter motor unit for push-button starting, though the kickstarter was retained. Interestingly, none of the other RD models had electric starting."

This 1975 RD200, on offer from the Marbles Motors stable, is doubly rare in that it is both a low-mileage example and unrestored. Lights, horn, electric starter, etc. all function, with only a small indentation in the left-side exhaust pipe and a couple of nicks in the original High Spark Blue paint giving an indication of the bike's true age. In Marbles' care, the RD has had new tires, a fresh battery, plus a few minor service items replaced.