Welcome to my RD200 site, I hope you will find the information here interesting and helpful. On a personal level I have had an interest in the RD200 since I owned a 1975 RD200B way back in 1978 (see the about me page for more details).
In
1970 Yamaha introduced the CS3C, a 195cc Motorcycle. It featured a five speed transmission and an electric start. It was out
fitted with chrome fenders, and could comfortably seat two adults. The
engine had no problem carrying two full size adults on this motorcycle.It was this motorcycle along with the CS3B in 1971 and the
CS5 in 1972that would give birth to the RD200 series of motorcycles. There
was a short gap in 1973 when Yamaha discontinued it's 200cc model. However,
starting with the 1974 model year, Yamaha returned with their new and
improved 200cc motorcycle, the RD200A. The RD was an abbreviation for "Race
Developed". Anyone who has pulled the throttle back on one of these machines
can understand why that term "Race Developed" fit: this motorcycle had
plenty of power and very quick acceleration.
The RD200A got it's styling from some of it's larger counterparts of that
year. It was equipped with a 195cc engine that had a top speed of 90 mph,
but was designed to cruise at 70 mph all day. It was also equipped with a 5
speed transmission and electric start just like it's predecessors.
The RD200A was also equipped with oil injection (also referred to as
Autolube). A pump fed oil directly to the fuel mixture so that oil did not
need to be mixed along with the fuel in order to achieve proper engine
lubrication. Yamaha saw this as a major improvement for its customer base.
The Vin Numbers for the RD200A started with 397-010101 for North America and
397-110101 for Europe.
The RD200B which followed in 1975 was identical to the 1974 model, except
for a change in colors and some cosmetic changes. The plastic Yamaha tank
badges were removed and replaced entirely with decals. The gas cap was
replaced with a locking model. It was, after all, the mid 1970's and there
was a gas crisis!
The list price on the 1975 model was $598.00, a real steal for the type of
transportation, quality, and style it provided.
The Vin Numbers for the RD200B started with 397-200101.
The Sales brochure sums it up nicely, "The RD200 combines the easy-handling desired by the beginning rider with the responsiveness necessary to satisfy enthusiasts. An economical family machine for commuting, the RD has a lot to offer...from electric starting, to the quickness of speed necessary on today's busy highways"
I can tell can tell you from my experience searching for this bike - it is a rare find, and if you can find one in really nice shape that is rarer still. When I was still looking for a 1975 RD200, I rarely saw one on eBay and when I did it either had mechanical issues or was such a basket case that it wasn't worth a second look. I found one locally that was in mint shape but the dealership wanted $2,500.00 for it. The dealership was trying to sell it over the internet, and the pictures of the bike made it look new. Not wanting to go as high as $2500.00 I thought I could go in to the dealership (which was about 75 miles from my home) and do some negotiating, but by the time I got there to look at it in person, it had already been sold. I did get a chance to look at it since it was still in their showroom and it was mint, and in retrospect I should have jumped on the deal because it was easily worth the $2,500.00. So while it is still relatively easy to find an RD250 or and RD350, finding an RD200 is a different matter altogether. The only thing harder than finding the bike is finding the parts to get it back in shape - but it can be done!
.