Description
This motorcycle is Lot 25 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 25
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 25
1982 Yamaha RD350LC
Registration no. LAE 983X
Frame no. 4L0-202576
Engine no. 4L0-202576
No motorcycle of recent times has achieved 'cult' status to the same extent as Yamaha's legendary 'LC'. Launched at the Tokyo Show in 1980, the RD250/ 350LC marked the introduction of water cooling to Yamaha's range of potent middleweight two-strokes while also bringing mono-shock rear suspension and in the 350's case - twin disc front brakes to the package for the first time. Water cooling had been a feature of the Iwata firm's TZ racers for some years, and the LC's family resemblance was obvious.
The 350LC continued the Yamaha tradition of giant-killing performance established by the air-cooled RD350 and RD400, and although its circa 110mph top speed was inferior to that of the larger, multi-cylinder opposition, over twisty going a well ridden 350LC could show almost anything the way home. It was also relatively inexpensive, endearing itself to impecunious younger riders, whose high-street stunts rapidly established the easily-wheelied LC's 'hooligan bike' credentials. The availability of noisy expansion chamber exhausts and a host of other tuning accessories some of dubious merit only served to further enhance the LC's 'bad boy' image. This capacity for easy personalisation remains an essential part of the LC's appeal; few remained standard for long, a state of affairs that has led to the few totally stock survivors becoming highly prized.
According to the accompanying V5C document, this RD350LC was previously 'registered and/ or used' and first registered in the UK in April 2023. No previous history is known. The machine was purchased by the private vendor in 2023 and has been restored by IDP Moto. Presented in beautiful condition, the LC has been dry stored and will need running in after the restoration but we've been advised by the private vendor that it was started and a new battery fitted. The odometer reading is circa 0. 6 kilometres. The machine is offered with a dating certificate from the Air-cooled RD Club and the aforementioned V5C (where it is noted as Historic tax exemption).
£8, 000 - 12, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
