1983 Yamaha RD125 LC *Sold £1,550*

Description

• 125cc
• Water cooled two-stroke
• Six speed
• Completely original
• Previously owned by a VJMC Committee Member

The RD125 LC known to many of us the ‘Elsie’ is a delightful machine, easily the best of the 125cc bikes from the period. With its mix of ultra-light weight and super performance, it isn’t hard to see why this machine was so popular. While Honda was messing about with sedate four-strokes like the CB125 and Suzuki was three years away from getting its act together, the Elsie was the bike everyone badly wanted.

They are now the most sought-after bike in this sector.

When the new regulations were announced Yamaha continued making the air cooled RD125 twin, with its coffin tank and wibbly-wobbly frame. But the modern times demanded a modern machine. The first machines hit the Yamaha Dealer showrooms in 1982 costing £820.It was the best seller by far.

It was spec’d like a big bike too, echoing its bigger 250cc and 350cc siblings:

• OE Bikini faring
• OE Belly pan
• Speedo
• Rev counter
• Temperature gauge
• Ignition switch with steering lock
• Turn signal switch
• Headlight /dimmer switch
• Neutral indicator
• Rear pegs
• Fuel valve
• Helmet lock
• Italic Spiral alloy wheels
• Graphics

Many were cynical about the ability of a single cylinder design to match the previous twin. But when it was shown to produce a whopping 30% more than the old machine, there was humble pie being eaten for months afterwards.

The new RD also out stopped, and out handled, the old twin. It was a proper bike.

The handling was sharp, with a quick steering action, connected to competent and efficient brakes. The chassis being more than capable of holding it all together and pointing the right way at scary speeds. The bike is a scaled down copy of the bigger LC twins, which in turn is a complete take off of the legendary 1977 racing TZs.

Engine

• Single cylinder water-cooled two-stroke, reed valve induction
• Capacity 123cc
• Bore & stroke 56mm x 50mm
• Compression 6.4:1
• Carburetion Mikuni VM 24SS
• Ignition Hitachi CDI
• Max Power 12.2bhp @ 7500rpm
• Torque 8.68 ft lbs @ 7000 rpm
• Transmission six speed wet clutch
• Frame twin loop steel tube
• Suspension 30 mm telescopic forks Yamaha De carbon monoshock rear
• Wheels 2.75 x 18 front 3.00 x 18 rear
• Brakes 220mm disc floating single piston caliper. 130mm SLS drum rear
• Weight 98kgs
• Wheelbase 1295mm
• Top speed 80 mph

This Yamaha is a French import. We’re unclear whether the French had the same learner laws as the UK. The ‘full power’ RD 125 LC had nearly 25bhp. Either way, our vendor purchased this from the then Secretary of Vintage Japanese Owners Club (Aberdeenshire Section) or VJMC as its commonly known.

He describes it as “a nice, useable, very enjoyable bike. It is a bike I would use, not leave sitting in my kitchen to look at. It isn’t that type of bike but could be if that was your thing”.

He has around 15 bikes, some of which are coming to market. He thinks this bike may have had a replacement engine. That is not uncommon after this length of time. Aside from that, it is unrestored and unmodified, which is rare. The eagle eyed among will you spot he hasn’t hidden the small damage to the tank. We suspect a good SMART repair guy would deal with that if you needed them to.

Our vendor has the French docs for it. It is kick start only. Our vendor has put a reliable lithium-ion battery on it and apart from riding and enjoying it, has done nothing else to it.

Summary

Yamaha’s Elsie broke the mould. It was light years ahead of other bikes. It’s no surprise everyone wanted one. Equally, it’s no shock that today these little pocket rockets are in demand. Reserved very realistically by our vendor.

Vehicle Location: Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Yamaha RD125 LC? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

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Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So, we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

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