Yamaha RD250
The Yamaha RD250 is a 250 cc (15 cu in) two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation between 1973 and 1987.
 RD250 B | |
| Manufacturer | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Also called | Yamaha RZ250 |
| Production | 1973–1987 |
| Successor | Yamaha TZR250 |
| Class | standard |
| Engine | 250 cc (15 cu in), two-stroke |
| Related | Yamaha RD350, Yamaha RD350LC, Yamaha RZ350 |
Four generations of RD (also known as the RZ250 in the Japanese and Australian markets) were produced: the air-cooled models from 1973 up to 1979, and from 1980 until 1987 the liquid cooled models; known as the RD250LC, RD250LC-II and RD250 YPVS. The name RD stood for Race Developed.
The standard bike weighed 152 kg dry and had a 247cc 2-stroke twin engine that produced 30 hp.[1] It had a 5 speed gearbox. There was 6 speeds but 6th was blocked off and very difficult to reinstate and chain final drive.
In 1983 the UK government reduced the maximum cc for learners to 125,[2] killing off the 250 cc motorcycle class in a stroke. At the time, it was considered that the reason for the sudden change in the law was the RD250 which put a high-speed vehicle into the hands of inexperienced users.
References
- "The RD 250. This is what the fuss was about | Biker and Bike". Biker and Bike. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
- "History of road safety, The Highway Code and the driving test". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2018-11-30.