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Yamaha RD250

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Yamaha RD250
RD250 1976
ManufacturerYamaha Motor Company
Also calledYamaha RZ250
Production1973–1987
PredecessorYamaha DS7
SuccessorYamaha TZR250
Classstandard
Engine247 cc (15.1 cu in), two-stroke
Bore / stroke54 mm × 54 mm (2.1 in × 2.1 in)
Compression ratio6.7:1
RelatedYamaha RD350, Yamaha RD350LC, Yamaha RZ350

The Yamaha RD250 is a 250 cc (15 cu in) two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation between 1973 and 1987.

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 were 6 speeds, 6th was blocked off but very simple to reinstate by removing a blanking plate on the gear selector drum. The motorcycle had 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

[edit]
  1. ^ "The RD 250. This is what the fuss was about | Biker and Bike". Biker and Bike. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  2. ^ "History of road safety, The Highway Code and the driving test". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2018-11-30.