When the new Yamaha RDLC 350 was introduced in the market in 1980, this sporty machine was meant to become the counterpart of the mythical TZ 350 World Championship bike in the category of street bikes.
It was the leading model for the European market at that time, the sporty positioning and the importer’s communication was ambitious and high expectations were put in the bike.
One of the leading and most promoted French motorbike events then was the “Tour de France Moto” organised by the French motorcycle federation.
An eight-day road race covering 3,000 km combining stages, hill climbs and circuit challenges. This race was at that time dominated by our collaborator, Hubert Rigal (3rd, 2nd and twice winner of this race). In 1980 he also directed the communication and competition department of “Sonauto Yamaha”.
To accompany the market introduction a 350 RDLC should be engaged in this event, ridden by Hubert Rigal.
With the goal to win the overall ranking, a standard 350 with 47 HP facing the 1000 Kawasaki or Honda with 100 HP was disproportionate.

To the extent the regulation allowed, a serial 350 RDLC was entrusted to the Sonauto Yamaha tuner, Jacky Germain (Pons / Sarron) in order to prepare a prototype with a weight / performance ratio that would allow to look for a victory.
Based on the frame of the RDLC the front was adapted (forks, brakes, Campagnolo wheels of a TZ 750 OW 31, identical to Patrick Pons’ 1979 Championship winning 750, team Sonauto). The rear brakes and Campagnolo wheel were also from an OW 31. The engine received a Höckle crank, the upper engine parts were TZ 750 (cylinder head, cylinders, pistons, carbs, etc.). The exhaust (including silencer) was tailor-made. The tank was enlarged conserving the original design. The dampers were revised and Dunlop Racing tires mounted.

The prototype bike was looking like a 350 RDLC, but had a 375cc engine, 75 HP for incredible 140 kg; a true challenger for the 1000 with 100 HP and 200 kg.
Hill climbing on the small roads the bike showed its effects. After the first timed stage over 20 km on the proto Yamaha, Hubert Rigal advanced the second Maurice Chomat on a Honda 1000 with one minute.
The duo Hubert Rigal / Yamaha RDLC 375 dominated all hill climb races until an unfortunate fall due to an unreported gravel plate.
The race was over at this point and the prototype was conserved in the collection of Sonauto Yamaha.

This Yamaha 375 RDLC has been recovered 30 years after. It was entirely restored (the engine by its designer Jacky Germain, and the frame by the specialist Yves Kerlo).
This extraordinary Yamaha RDLC 375 is now available for sale. It disposes of a European road registration and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Hubert Rigal himself. It’s now available in France.

This vehicle is available immediately. The price includes all European Union taxes and commissions.