R5 YR5 1970-72

Yamaha R5 History & Specifications

Prior to 1970’s motorcycles were fairly expensive. Each model was innovative and parts were specific to each and every models. However as popularity of racing bikes and demand for their street versions grew, manufacturers were looking for ways to produce in bulk and save cost. Yamaha therefore started factory produced racers - modular motorcycles with interchangeable parts. The great example are the motorcycle classics - Yamaha DS7 R5

1970 R5 Yamaha - 1972 Yamaha R5B - 1973 Yamaha R5C

The Yamaha R5/YR5 was introduced to the market in 1970 - developed as a successor to the 1965 305cc YM1, 1967 350cc YR1, 1968 YR2 & 1969 YR3 / R3 models. It was a street bike designed around the race track success of Yamaha two stokes.

The 1970 R5 Yamaha motorcycle was a slightly larger sister of the DS7 250cc twin. It was lighter and slimmer than earlier Yamaha motorcycles and it had excellent handling and engine performance. The fact that it was modular meant, that R5 350 spare parts were interchangeable with other models and thus cheaper to replace.

Yamaha R5 Specification

Yamaha YR5 350 had air cooled 350cc twin two stroke engine with piston port controlled fuel injection. The horizontally split crankcase housed 5-speed gears and the front wheel as well as rear wheel were fitted with expandable drum brakes. It came in a range of bright colours as well.

1970 Yamaha R5 / YR5 - R5-000101 – 013649 - Metallic Purple/white

1971 Yamaha R5B - R5-015101 – 042209 - Mandarin Orange/white

1972 Yamaha R5C - R5-100101 – 130606 - Mandarin Orange/black

The popularity of the 350cc engine R5 Yamaha started the biggest era of Yamaha motorcycles, continuing 2-stroke program into air cooled reed valved Yamaha RD350 R5 series and in 1980’s the water cooled RZ350 (USA) or RD350LC (Europe).

Yamaha R5 350 Parts

As motorcycles evolved so did their parts and factories had to adapt. Some parts are just not economical for Yamaha to produce anymore, so we have decided to stock some high quality reproductions as well as original OEM parts for this classic two stroke bike.

We understand that especially rubber parts and seals disintegrate over time. We now stock over 70 essential Yamaha R5 parts required for your restoration project.

• Air Cleaner – If your motorcycle loses power, it is usually sign of intake issue. We stock most of the essential rubber items for R5 airbox repair such as airbox dampers, airbox strap, carb. manifold, and well as intake joint with matching clamp and spring band.

• Stand, Footrest & Brake Pedal – If exposed to element, footrest rubbers crack, we therefore stock front & rear footrest rubbers, gear lever as well as kickstart rubber. We also have footrest dampers, stand stopper, tension spring and various nuts and bolts in stock.

• Crankcase & Transmission – If you need to rebuild your crankcase, you should not opt out for cheap oil seals. We supply ARS Japan original crank seal kit with smooth seal edges ready to be fitted in. Add new gaskets or breather and your restoration is set for success.

• Oil Pump & Tank – Rebuilding an old oil pump is certainly easier than finding a new one on the market. Through we don’t supply hardware for it, we have a full kit of seals and gasket to help you restore your classic Yamaha lube oil pump in no time. We also stock replacement oil tank windows, dampers, pipe holders or even blanking plugs if you decide to remove the pump altogether.

There are many more essential rubber parts in our collection, from cush drive rubbers, fuel tank dampers, seat pads, battery bands and straps, exhaust mounting dampers with matching bolts and washers,  to fork oil seals and dust boots. Many of these parts have been discontinued for decades!

We don’t aim to provide a complete list of spare Yamaha YR5 parts, but we hope to supply the majority of the essential rubber and plastic parts that you might need.

If you can’t find a specific part on our website to fit your restoration project or you need a parts list, please email us.

Here are also some handy links:

Twin road test article at Motorcycle Classics

Few helpful links: Renovation Project of 1972 YamahaYR5 & 1970 Yamaha R5 Restoration Forum tips 

Inspirational 4 part video of 1972 Yamaha R5 350 Restoration