Yamaha RD 250LC

Key facts

Year

1981
Country

Japan
Capacity

247cc
Cylinders

2 cylinder
Output

35.5bhp at 8,500rpm
Maximum speed

100mph
Price new

£1,030
Loaned by

Private Collection
Manufacturer

Yamaha Motor Company, Iwata

The RD 250LC and its larger sibling RD 350LC are widely regarded to be among the most exciting motorcycles of the early 1980s. Introduced on the UK market in May 1980, the learner legal 250 proved an instant hit with younger riders and soon achieved ‘cult’ status. The much loved ‘Elsies’ took styling cues from Yamaha’s successful competition bikes and incorporated racing technology adapted for road use such as the water-cooled engine and the mono-shock rear suspension. Many components were interchangeable between the 250cc and 350cc models. RD 250LCs and 350LCs proved successful in production bike racing, befitting their ‘Race Developed’ heritage.

At the time of its introduction the RD 250LC was, somewhat controversially, legally classed as a learner’s bike. New legislation introduced in October 1982 would restrict learner riders to 125cc machines of 12bhp, effectively killing the market for 250cc bikes in the UK.