Deux-temps
The Yamaha RD500LC (RZ500, 1984): the Grand Prix bike for the road
In 1984, Yamaha put a Grand Prix machine in the hands of the general public: the RD500LC. A 499cc two-stroke V4, four exhausts, YPVS valves, and the soul of Kenny Roberts' YZR500. This is the story of a road-legal replica that became a legend.
The Yamaha RD350 LC (1980): The big-bore killer two-stroke
Liquid-cooled, featherlight, and built for racing: the 1980 Yamaha RD350 LC humiliated much larger motorcycles. A look back at the "giant killer."