I’ve received a few mails in the past couple of weeks with questions about what happens to BikesZone* now that the RD 350 is sold. (Click here to read the page I put up, just before I sold the Yamaha RD350 off). I even received one offer to buy this site and a bunch of hate mails. BikesZone* will remain and continue to grow as it has in the past couple of years. I have only sold the RD, but not quit riding. 🙂 All the sections related to RD 350s will remain as they are, and will go on to include stuff for other bike(s) too.
I plan to mark out the sections and/or articles clearly with the keyword ‘Yamaha RD 350’. So, if you’re looking for something, just add this to your search string. This would make life a little easier for people looking for stuff that’s RD related. This is still a plan and knowing me and how lazy I am, I may never get around to actually doing it.
So, here’s a picture of the motorcycle that I bought as a replacement for the RD.
It’s a 350cc, 2004 model Royal Enfield Thunderbird. A bike that is very well suited to touring India, because of many reasons.
- It’s a bike whose spares are easy to find due to the large dealer network
- A simple bike to work on and known to most roadside mechanics for when something happen
- A relatively common bike(!) that not many would like to fiddle around with when left in the parking lot
- Lots of lower end grunt and can chug along for long distances without stopping
- Lugs you and your luggage without much complain or change in performance
- More comfortable to ride over longer distances
- A very decent mileage for a bike of this size, at least 500 kms between fuel stops
- And the list goes on….
Before I forget, I would like to say is that nothing compares to the RD in India at the moment, if what you want is sheer acceleration and bike that gives you a high. It still is the bike in India to have for the best bang per buck value. But, I don’t see a reason (speaking for myself) to own an RD if what I seriously want to do it travel, more and comfortably. Having two or more motorcycles was not an option for me for the moment at least. (So, stop sending me hate mails 🙂 )
Lastly, one thing I’d say to all the fans of the RD out there, if you own an RD, ride it like how it’s supposed to be ridden! On the limit, eyes popping, balls in your mouth! Don’t putter around; it’s an RD.
Ride safe! :-p
*BikesZone: As old time readers will remember, that’s what this website used to be called before MotorCycl.in