2009 Yamaha Xv1700a Xv17 Standard on 2040-motos

Yamaha Other tech info

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Moto blog

Retirement is rife but thankfully not for Vale

The racing season may be over but the winter nights will surely fly by as we watch reviews, debate events of 2012 racing and relish the excitement that lays ahead in 2013. Unfortunately retirement seems to be popular right now so with major names leaving BSB, WSB and Moto GP things will never quite be the same. I’m still in shock that Casey Stoner has decided to head back home for a spot of fishing.

Air time Kenny Roberts-style

I can’t get enough of pictures that capture a specific, hard to define moment; the successful encapsulation of the absolute balls-to-the-wall, life or death commitment that riding a motorbike as fast as possible involves.  We all know. We’ve all been there – even if it’s only a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Maybe (for us mere mortals) it’s that rapidly, yet unexpectedly, tightening left-hand bend with a shitty, mud-covered veneer just at the apex.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?