I grew up in the 1970s, and remember all the 2 stroke motorcycles you have showcasing in this video. Thank you for sharing this incredible video with us.
This meet is comprised of some incredible bikes and some wonderful guys. One of the most fun places to ride in America and most all the attendees often bring spare parts and tools so that nobody is ever stranded. Great place...great fun. John Lutz/Mid Atlantic Cycle
My first street bike was a 1968 Yamaha YDS3 250cc Scrambler with 305 jugs in high school. The Autolube 2-stroke oil injection pump failed so I found jugs off of a YM2C Scrambler and put them on the YDS3. Then I had a 76 Kaw H2 750 when I was in the USAF. Loved them both. Wish I could find an H@ now. The H2 could pull a wheelie at 70 MPH. I rode the H2 from SC to Mardi Gras and my teeth didn't stop rattling for 2 days. 🙂 Started riding @ 13 on a Bultaco Pursang 250, had a Yamaha YZ360 after that which would throw you offa the bike if you didn't kick it over correctly. My favorite hill climber was a Suzuki RM125, peaky and a screamer, needed to keep the revs high and hold on for dear life.
Great to see old smokies . Live in Australia and have owned a 2 stroke of some sort since 1972 . Started with a 250 Suzuki Hustler , Gt 380 in 73 , Rg250 WE in 1984 , now back to a Gt380 and a RG400 square 4 1986 model . Ride the RG 400 every weekend and at 69 don't see any end to riding a 2 stroke in the near future .
As a 19 yr old in 1983 I had a 1975 RD 350 that was built to drag race. My competitors were mostly KZ900's at that time. It ran in the high 11 sec 1/4 mile. Those KZ900 guys were no happy at the fact a little RD 350 could take there lunch from them. I have a Hayabusa now but that little RD was so much fun to ride. Best years of my life! Thanks for bringing back good memory's.
That bought back a lot of memories. 64 years now got my first 2 stroke at 16. I own about 8 different 2 strokes and rode a lot more of my mates What a great vlog Be safe from nz
I cut my teeth on a 71-h1. Then bought a 72-h2, and yes the h2 almost killed me, a power band that came on like a light bulb. Those were days when two strokes were better than four.....
I had chambers and carbs on the h1 and used to drag race it at the local strip. I had a 6 inch over front end and pull back bars on the h2 and used to cruise it between P.A. and Florida. ( late 70s).The good times were rollin back then for sure.....
They RD350s were quick. They made a Daytona 400 that was bad for then. I had a trick RZ with PROPER portwork, Toomey's, TZ 250 carbs with all the rear sets, clip ons, Telefix fork brace n Fox Shock. It STILL would get ill and sling yer arse off if ya weren't careful. I wanna build one on an FZR 400 frame with a wider swingarm and 600 forks with 1000 brakes. Then we might have something. I've machined FZR 1000 brakes to fit 600 forks so it can be did. 👍 I love 2 strokes
Gosh he doesn't look old enough to remember those old stinkies! But he nailed it, great video, obviously passionate and I'm sure he's got quite a few stories of his own. Extra respect for pointing out that when you're on two wheels, or four for that matter, have fun, but stay focused, and respect the road. I'm in the UK, so unfortunately I won't be showing my bikes over there. I've got a very tidy, low mileage Yamaha DT125R that I've owned since 2004. It's my favourite. And an S2A engine'd KH250B2. I've had that since 1990, and it's one of those bikes that fights you every step, but it looks fantastic, sounds awesome and when it's running right, you forget about the times it tried to kill you! (that's not an exaggeration, a "mechanic" missed off a tab washer from the front sprocket, and the nut came off at speed last summer...). Thank you, sincerely for a great little film made with heart.
@@oceanhome2023 Not only do I love the vid... I used to know Alan! Lost touch with him (he's always very very much in demand, and used to disappear over to California for months at a time) but he's based around Newbury where I live. He wasn't keen on my much modified triple, said "It was all wrong... but a good daily rider" He was building his Viper engined monster when I knew him (we're talking 00's) and tried to sell me a big Husky he owned for off-roading, but I'm more than happy to fall off my little DT! Last time I saw him (but he was being somewhat mobbed, and my son was embarrassed about meeting him) was at the Newbury Classic Car Show when he rocked up with Henry Cole selling stuff my dad (who was in the motor trade) would have happily thrown out 50 years ago! Take care mate, and hope you have a chance to get out on two wheels before the winter saps the fun out of it!
Love them old 2 strokes. Started with a 1970 Yamaha DS6-250. Then I got a 1972 Kawasaki H1-500. They were sweet road bikes. Then my attentions went off road for a while. 1973 Yamaha 360 Enduro, 1976 Can-Am 125, 1977 Yamaha YZ125, 1978 Yamaha YZ125. After that, I went back to road bikes. 1980 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim and my last bike was a 1981 Yamaha XJ750 Seca.
Two strokes are the one which are close to our heart beat. Love the bikes, they are surprisingly well maintained. Love the noise. Could have smell the smoke as you said. Sweet memories. Great job 👏 👍
Oh, 2 strokes are growing in popularity ! Nothing like turning someone on to a 2 stroke bike ! The look on their faces after their 1st ride is priceless !
Thanks, great show, made me very nostalgic! In the UK in the seventies from 17 years you could ride up to 250cc on a provisional (learner) licence, so the 250 two stroke was king. I had the Suzuki T250 and friends had the GT250, RD250 and we craved the Kawasaki triples. Later we could step up to GT 380 and 550 and RD400 whilst those with lots of money for bike and insurance went z750 or Z1! Crazy times.
Yes me to and coming from the UK to it is great to look back. I would love a stroker again especially now as they are so rare as a daily. A 4 stroke though at the time for me was the GS thou 😎
HELLO ONELOVE FROM WALES 2STROKES MMMM. GOT A SOFT SPOT FOR THEM. IN MY TEENS AND EARLY 20S I HAD A FEW ... STARTING WITH A YAMAHA FS1E, I BUILT MYSELF FROM A SCRAP YARD...... LOL THE BEST OF MY BIKES WAS A SUZUKI GT750 A..... UNFORTUNATELY A BACK INJURY STOPPED ME RIDING...... SEEING THE RD 400 I HAD A SPIN ROUND CADWELL PARK IT WAS MY MATES WHO I WAS THE GREASE MONKEY..... LOVE2ALL THE CYCLEDRAG FAMILY. AS ALWAYS OUTSTANDING POST JACK
Thank you for this wonderful video. It makes a 67-year-old emotional. My island is small, but we did have a lot of those models here. In those days we always outran the few 4-stroke guys. CBs were dead meat ! I had a first model Yamaha CT1 175, Suzuki GT550, Yamaha CS2E electric start 200, DT175, DT250. I still ride a Yamaha FZ25, Indian made/market 250 single. Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.
Me too very emotional myself , I guess riding is a very important issue for a lot of us . Not everybody can say I did that , all by myself against everybody's advice . Living to tell the tale.
@@robertevans9354 Yes. In my country the general public do not like motorcycles. For a third world country we have very few bikes. People prefer to remain for hours in traffic situations..........in their cars. And for a small island, and a population of 1.5 million we have hundreds of thousands of cars and bumper-to-bumper crawling traffic in peak hours. 51 years on bikes, and I cannot live in this country without one ! Historically, everything motorcycle here is imported and very expensive. Recently I bought brake pads for the 250 Yamaha, front and rear. Cost me about US$140 both pairs ! But I have to keep sane. So I still ride ! I would have loved to own an RD400 of all the bikes ! Cheers. Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.
I bought a '74 GT 750 water cooled triple brand new in '74. The "Water Buffalo" was with me for about 5 years during which I toured N. America on it, The US and Canada. Once crossing coast to coast from California to Massachusetts in 5 days. I've owned a number of motorcycles over the years, and still ride a BMW. The Water Buffalo was the only one I wish I hadn't parted with. Hard to believe it was nearly 50 years ago when I had mine.
I got a brand new 1974 H2 when I was 16 years old. Now at 65, looking back on those times, how I survived is a mystery. Thanks for this video it brings back great memories.
Wow, a super fun video. I'm 73 years old, and haven't owned a bike for years, but I still love bikes. This makes me want to find a 2 stroke. My first 2 stroke was a new 72 Yamaha DT1 250 that I loved. I even took it on a trip from LA to Palm Springs on I-10 and it was fine. But I was a student and couldn't afford to keep it. A couple of years later my dad found a 73 Yamaha RD 350 that was loads of fun. Making a quick trip up to Lake Arrowhead on the legendary Highway 18 Rim of the World Highway was an absolute blast. I did get it up to 115 miles per hour on a deserted road in the California desert. Unfortunately, I fell in love with the new Honda CB 550 and traded in the Yamaha. Over 50 years later, I still love the sound, smell, and feel of those 2 strokes. I should add that in 1971 my brother picked up a used RD 250 in Minneapolis and rode back to LA, along with our cousin on his old Honda 450. They have talked about that trip for decades. Mike Swanson, Mesa, Arizona
I graduated High School in 1977. The RD350 was the curver. Remember the Dunlap K81 tires? They fell over like a rock. I had a 1968 Suzuki 250 2 stroke with rotatory valve induction. I bought it for $50.00 it was a beater and never got it fixed up. Never rode more than up and down the street if I recall.
I bought a 1972 Kawasaki s2 in the overbrook neighborhood of Pittsburgh for $500 last summer. It’s a completely functional, running, riding bike with a title!
Just imagine how fabulous 2-stroke bikes would be now if it weren't for all this 'green' legislation we have today. The sound, the smell, the power....fantastic. Great show by the way.
I have owned three two strokes and ridden one a lot and test rode a Suzuki 750 triple waterbus ...in order they were a BSA Bantam 150cc, single, later a Yamaha 200 twin, followed by a Suzuki 380 GT triple. While the 380 was being assembled the dealer lent me a Suzuki 550 triple. Later I was very tempted to buy the Suzuki 750 triple. My brother had one. I worked with a guy who had a Kawasaki 750 triple and he was nuts, those frames really did flex! The Suzuki 38 0 got over 180 kmh at least once but it was modified with K&N air filters and a lighter three into one pipe...also clip on handle bars...
Oh Wow !! just came cross this great show, I live in the UK and started my 2 stroke life when i was 11yrs old on a 175cc BSA Bantam, then a 50cc yamaha FS1E, RD 125, Suzuki GT250, yamaha YR5 350, then a Suzuki GT750 Kettle !! I think in the States you call them a "water buffalo", how come ya havent got one at the show ???
I was 4. My father bought it for me. Honda z50, I'm not sure what year but was a 3speed with a metal gas tank. Rode off road all my childhood and teen years. My first road bike, a 2000 suzuki sz650 in 2008, i was 17.
1972 H2 750, bored, ported, chambers, stripped, clip-ons. Couldn't keep the front end on the ground. Dunlop K 81s with Bel Ray injector oil. I couldn't get 80 miles on the 4 gal. tank. Friends with built Harleys hated this bike. We'd start at 100 mph, I'd kick it into 3rd gear and power wheelie, leaving them like they were standing still. My 72 RD 350 was built too. I could beat a 750 Honda SS to 100 mph. Those bikes were so light and nimble. I've never had as much fun on anything as that 750 triple. I could get the front end off the ground while still coming out of the corners, crossed up. Very predictable. We got airborne all the time at high speed while cruising the deserts in Arizona. I'd love to have one again! Thanks CycleDrag!
Excellent! Over the years, I’ve owned / ridden a Kawasaki KR-1, RD400, RD 350LC, RD250LC, RD350YPVS, Suzuki GP100, Suzuki GP125, RD500LC, Suzuki 250X7, Suzuki SB200….all great machines in their own way.
I'm betting that you reside somewhere other than the US. I did have the chance to ride an RD500 once - approx 10 miles on public roads. It was neat. But the bike was nearly brand-new and I didn't have the opportunity to do much with it.
Thanks for that, I love 2 strokes and absolutely loved the Kawasaki S2 at the show, I started on a little RD200, then RD250E, RD400E, RD 350L/C RD 500L/C, apart from these Yamahas I also had an H2 Kawasaki ,the only bike I ever had that scared me on a regular basis till I bought a Magnum frame and rolling chassis into which I dropped the H2 engine which by then had a stage 2 tune and turned from a nightmare into a beautiful dream machine that handled sublimely and went like a Saturn rocket. then later I bought an RS250 Aprilia even though I had a GSX-R750 at the time simply because it was such a beautiful little bike and probably the best handling bike I've owned, I've a Triumph street triple RS these days but still miss the sound ,smell and power band of strokers, the smell alone takes me back to my youth even though I'm now in my sixties..
Our greatest accomplishment in life as kids was obtaining an H1, keeping it running was an entirely different matter. God life was good and fast . Extremely fast . Still chasing that dream .
The 350's were super super rare , you are so fortunate to have had one .I want to ride all four sizes eventually but I had the 500 . I was 15 back then and started riding the 500 at 10 .with my big brother on front .
I owned the Kawasaki Trilogy! Was fortunately able to own the 350 Triple, 500 Triple & the 750 Triple and 24 other bikes between 9 years old to 60 years old.
OMG i feel like crying because when i was 18 i had the Green Widow H2 just like the first one on this video , i am old now but still pine for a 1974 Green mean machine the exceleration was out of this world for a 18 year old in 1979. I had been riding dirt bikes since i was 6 years old , my RM 370 was cray fast fun for a boy of 16 but two years later i learned how to Respect the H2 in Green , yup she almost kept me dead as i crash in 2nd gear without Helmit yup i was a idiot hanging out with some crazy azz harley bikers , well you know how we partied UGH . But thank GOD i was shocked back to life and into a two month Coma , but when i healed after a bit over a year i fixed her up and enjoyed her for 5 more years :) GOD i want one now just to cruise the weekends on PCH :) no more showing off well atleast Not buzzed lmao True to the core story :) im a Miracle walking TY Lord God
@@cycledrag Sorry just noticed this today , ah yes the first was a 3.5 hp Cat mini bike from The pep Boys in 1969 i was 8 years old , well while riding at the local horase stable trails a big guy jumped out of the bushes punched me in the face and stole my red mini bike :( . well about two months later my pops got me a 1970 bluegreen honda ct70 4 speed clutch type :) that one never got stolen i rode the wheels off and in 1974 i got a used Suzuki TS 185 the 1973 yellow orange one :) . the next one was one i paid for at 18 years old it was a honda cb 350 1975 model at 19 i got my 1974 Green H2 and loved it for many years even tho i had a crash and almost stayed dead , was in a coma 2 weeks and released from Kaiser Hospital abot 2 months later looking like a monster , my face was piaaz scabbed and crooked broken clavical cracked skull fractured ribs messed up knee OMG i should be dead ! . But God said not yet and about 14 months later i fixed the H2 up mostly cosmetic , and rode Sober safely for another 5 years . Bro i would give my left nut to have that mean green machine now at 62 i Know how to Not be Fast or stop i know how to Cruise lol :) all true and fun except for the crash :(
Thank you Jack! It was an honor to meet and talk with you. Thanks for featuring our bikes and helping us keep two strokes alive. Outstanding video and great job.
My pleasure! Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
Awesome Bikes..I have owned several H1 and H2 in my younger years, now I sit on a 72 H2 awaiting restoration. I have heard of Deals Gap.This gives me inspiration
My first bike in '76 was a '73 RD250 that I had for about a year before a friend sold me his '75 RD350 that was basically a track bike with a headlight and taillight. I had to premix that bike and loved doing it. My room mate had a 350 LC that I got to ride often and loved that bike as well. I eventually switched over to 4 strokes with an FZ600 that I raced in '86-'87 but, had a YSR50 2 stroke put bike that had some mods done to it. With pipe and carb work and gearing change it did about 60-65 MPH. The last 4 stroke I owned was a Buell 1200 Lightning SCG that was about the best handling bike I ever rode but, my love of 2 strokes brought me back to now owning a '76 RD400C. It was original when I bought it however, I did do all the mods that I couldn't afford to do when I was a kid. I will never part with the stock parts so my bike can go back any time I want it to.
Only a few, but all Yamahas. R5350. RD400C RD300D RD400F Daytona. And, a wrecked RZ350 that gave it's motor and front end to the Daytona. There was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that could take me in an intersection! I'd LOVE to find another 400F model, and a wrecked RZ350! steve
Started with Honda ct70 then onto to a Hodaka Super Rat then RM250 then the RD400 then 79 Z1000 MK2 then onto several Harleys. Take care and keep ‘em coming Jack. 👍🇦🇺
@@cycledrag My brother taught how to ride on a Honda XL100 way back 1978, then shifted to a Honda XL125S, 1979 where I also learned and raced it on a motocross track. Then my dad bought us a brand new 1979 Elsinore 125R which I now have in storage and plan to restore it one day. I am now 59 years of age, and presently own a unrestored but running 1998 Yamaha DT125 and a 2006 XT225 which is actually my father inlaw's but he has passed away that is why I'm taking care of it. Financially I'm not really well off, but when I'm on my bike feeling the wind in my face makes me feel I'm one of the richest person in the world. You now what I mean sir, FREEDOM OF THE OPEN HIWAYS OF LIFE.....
Wasn’t much for 2 strokes but did own a couple in the 70’s. First one was a ‘73 Yamaha 175 enduro which traded in one a ‘74 Kawasaki Mach 250 triple, yes they did make a 250. It was alright but rode rough and terrible gas mileage. It did go 85 mph top end. Got a ‘72 Honda 500 Four which rode smoother and got the same mileage as the smaller 250.
Properly tuned 2 strokes are easy to start. I had rotary valve Avenger and H1 and H2 and GT 750 water buffalo. My blue H2 was exactly like the one showed and my favorite by far. Regretably always wanted but never had an RD. Great video. Thank you. PS Rode the Dragon on my FJ 1200.
True, but we have all had those struggles. lol. Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
I had a two hour do you 350s and two Kawasaki 750 H twos both super super fast and fun! Also had a 1973 Bridgestone 350 also a super fast bike and rare wish I had kept them all.
@@cycledrag I started my motorcycle life by RZ50 2 stroke single exhaust .Maybe this was Japan domestic model. Top speed of other 50cc motorcycles were under 80km/h.RZ 50's top speed was near 100Km/h.Now I ride several motorcycles RD250LC,Ninja H2 and GSX1100S sidecar which was engine swapped to GSXR1100 oil cooled engine.If you interested in them please check my YASUKE CHANNEL of youtube. Thanks.
Loved to see the old two-strokes. I hoped to see a Suzuki X6 Husler, I took my first drivers test on one and kept running away from the car that the officer followed me with. Almost failed because the officer said I rode jerky, it was just hard to keep below 30mph, In the 60’s the only bike that could keep up with me was a Norton Altas. I hoped they could bring back two stroke street bikes with the new direct injection technology
I had a 1968 Hustler at the last meet. Ran it hard and developed a seal leak, by the end of the day. Recomissioning these old bikes when they've sat a long time is a process, and that's part of the fun. (Here old beast, I fixed your boo-boos). 🤣
Wow Bro I had A Suzuki 250 “ Scrambler” with 2 up pipes I loved it and I wish I would have put the 350 engine in it (not a big modification) and some chambers ! Sure brings back memories now ! Thanks for yours !
1973 RD350 1979 RD400F Daytona Special 1984 RZ350 Wasn't able to make the meet this so I was very happy to see my old buddies in this well made video. You really caught the atmosphere of meet.
Cool video. I had a Suzuki T500 Titan in the late 1970s, a Kaw 500 triple in the mid 1980s, and bought another Titan in 2004. Great bikes, fun to ride.
@@cycledrag A sweet yellow EX250(Ninja) and i bought dual Yoshimura exhuast for it. Taught myself to ride in a parking lot. Rode it from VT to NYC and back when I was in my 20s.
My friend, I’m 66 and back in 1976 I bought myself a brand new RD400c,(Canadian version), and drove the snot out of it for 2 summers, until my girlfriend swore to never get on that bike again after too many wheelies and I traded it for a ‘69 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible with a 350ci The year before I had another 2 stroker, the Kawasaki 350 Triple, but it was no way comparable to the Yamaha. 😢
My dad had a 72 Kaw 350 triple I rode quite a bit, I bought a 74 400 triple rode it for a couple years then rebuilt the motor and sold it. Talk about fun try to time one of those triples!
Great gathering of 2-stokes! I've been riding since 1968 and witnessed the arrival of all those US models. I understand the rarity of stock exhaust, but it's ashame not many so equipped. The stock exhaust IMHO sounds better than the expansion chambers especially on the Kawasaki triples.
had the rd400 back in the 80s.really liked it although it was in a time of 4 stroke super bikes everywhere.went down on it when I locked the front brake on a piece of unseen cardboard and had to force it down to prevent hitting the car in front of me.wish I could find one again just to ride ocasionally.it was quick and agile and fun to ride.thanks for the memories.
I started as a 16 yr young teen on a Suzuki GT 50cc, and a Fantic 50cc. After that I got myself a 250cc Kawasaki triple. As a kid I had jobs after school.$$ I was good in school, and my folks gave me everything, but not a motorcycle….haha. Gues I was the stupid teen back then LOL. In the end I got my hands on a Mach III 500 triple three.!! The bike of my dreams.!!!! What wonderful times I had with my buddies.!! Now our son wants a motor bike….NOPE.!! Haha
You just can't beat the power band of a 2 stroke, I had a Suzuki TS 185, a Hodaka Dirt Squirt and a Hodaka Ace 100 along with a Honda MT 250 Elsinore, I drove them in all weather rain, sunshine and 2 feet of snow, they are always reliable.
I can relate, learned to ride on a Yamaha 100 2stroke twin ( street bike ) had Cr 125 Elisanore Honda, Rm400 suk ; Yamaha 360 , Penton Hodakas,Bultacos. Love them Would love to find a affordable H1 possibility of a basket case. Be safe
I first got introduced to Kawasaki triples when I went with my girlfriend to visit her dad in the hospital. There was another guy in there with a broken leg and he wanted to sell his bike since he was now afraid of it. I bought the bike without knowing what itwas. It turned out to be a beautiful gold colored Kawasiki S2. It was a great bike and I used to bet guys that I could start it on the first try with my hand. It ran great. Life continued and the bike was given to my little brother. Later I started collecting two strokes and had two H2's, and an S3 400. Also had a Yamaha "RD 250 which was a great bike. I got sick and could not ride or work on them and sold them all to a gentleman in Daytona beach. I still love the sound and smell of them. I love your coverage of Deals Gap since I never to there. Keep up the good work.
28:30 riding my GT-380 in 1982 I just graduated from college and I was out riding and a pickup made a left hand turn in front of me without signaling (he didn’t see me) the bike hit the front fender at about 60. I flew over the hood and on down the highway. I was very lucky I didn’t hit him in the door or I would have wound up going into the passenger compartment. Lost a lot of skin and had to put off my teaching career for a year. My bike went to a scrapyard. I wish I still had it. I’d mount it on the wall with a plaque saying “I Survived That.”
The Rz350 was branded as the Rd350ypvs Over here in the UK still amazing machine I can remember that 17 going on the back of my friends are you popping a wheelie absolutely amazing machine
@@cycledrag In the UK we had to start on a 50 cc which mine was a Suzuki Ap 50 what do 60 miles an hour with an expansion pipe on from there I went up to 100 mL Yamaha RXS 100 then I took my motorcycle test which you have to take when you are 17 in this country then from then on I had a Honda CB 400 then from there I went up to ZZR 1100 Kawasaki I know ride Yamaha phaser 6pm I am changing it at the end of the summer to Yamaha Fz 1000 got to say Jack love the channel how to come and see you when you visit the uk Keep up the good work and stay safe
My first 3 bikes were gt 250s. Back then it's 10k per year always flat out , hard on the engines,and 3 hospitalisation. Modern " bikers" are lucky if they do 1k. Back then no one talked bikes you just rode them because everyone had bikes . Now it's a hobby
Awesome coverage! Hope you do it again next year! I Iive about 100 miles from the Dragon. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been there! I’m a former road racer. But lost use of my right arm in a high speed crash. Still love this stuff! Thank you Jack!
Omfgg Jack 😃. Spectacular look at Classic 2 stroke Bikes 🏍. Thank you for taking me, back in Time to my younger years 👊🤘. My favorites was Yamaha's RD-LCs , from 125s to 350s . Just power 💥🚀 , especially when you're in that power band 🤪. I had a RD-LC 125 mrk2 , a of small mod's / got 109 mph out of her 🤪😝😃. . The BEST THING about CLASSIC 2 stroke, no really technical computer crap to deal with. All mechanical, no need to take it to a dealer SHIT 😝🤣. FYI, it's the sound 😃 & Smell. If you have never owned or ridden a 2 stroke, I feel sorry for you. As you have missed so much 🥺
Thank you for this great video... very close to my heart as well. I live in San Diego and have 28 2-strokes in my collection myself, and me and a close 2-stroke loving buddy (who has about 20 2-strokes) want to put together a function like this on the West Coast. They have one in the LA area, but I want to put together (a smaller one?) down here in San Diego... please write to me if interested and you have some ideas that I should know about for when the San Diego event starts to take shape! Thanks again!
Wow brings back alot of teenage memories,I started at the age of 16 ,with a Yamaha FSIE a 50 cc moped but very popular here in the UK,then moved onto a Yamaha DT 275 enduro,then onto a RD 250 Yamaha,then onto a RD 400 .Wish I still had at least one of these bikes .Thanks for the memories.👍👍🏍🏍
A Honda ss 50 . I am now 59 . Love old school bike Suzuki and Kawasaki. Keep up good work. All the best from England. Ps wot where your 1 bike 👍❤️🏍🔧🇺🇸🇬🇬
Great show, Jack. I loved the big Suzuki Titan. My Two Stroke career (in the 70's): Yammy Twin Jet 100, Suzuki X6 Hustler Suzuki T350 Bridgestone 350 GTR. I left the two wheelers for a while in my 20's and then got back in with a Norton Commando S. Last bike I owned. Now, I love to watch other people ride 'em
My biking journey was kick started by the two stroke - Villiers 150, Bantam 125 (D3 ?), Lambretta 150, MZ TS250 (4 speed) , Suzuki GT380, GT550. Great days - I even used my GT550 for despatch- in my naivety … never made any money. Great days .
I passed my test on a KH250. Great little bike. Very reliable and comfortable on a distance. A friend had a Suzuki 750 'kettle' - what a monster it was 😀
Smokers! In order of ownership: First, 77' RD400 Red - $400.00 2k original miles when bought sold for $700.00 for tuition (Screamer); Second 1977 KH400 Brown $100.00 barely ran converted to race bike sold $300.00(Death Trap); Third 1980 PE400 $200.00 Dirt Bike sold $300.00 (Power House Hill Climber); Forth 1974 GT185 $300.00 2.5k miles sold $300.00(Commuter); Fifth new 1990 KDX200 sold (Best Woods Bike Ever);Sixth Yamahammer (bought in 1994) 1985 RZ350 KR Yellow 2.5k miles Full Tilt Bozo Stage 3 Race Bike 75HP+ still own will never sell and value keeps rising (Stupid Fun); Seventh Kawasaki 1998 New KDX200 still own modded go's like stink (best woods bike ever); Eighth Widow Maker 1972 H2 Triple true barn find project bike (Worth $$$).
Living in GA, have done the Dragon a few times. Always been, and still am, a two smoke fan! Currently have a tagged, fully(okay, barely)street legal, KTM300. Having had and raced several YZ's back in the 70's, always loved the vintage "bumblebee" paint scheme on the Yammy's. Now, off to find me a vintage RD or RZ:)
Great memories flooding back for me. My 1st bike when I was 16 was a Yamaha FS1DXA unrestricted, fantastic back in its day, turned 17 progressed to a RD250 passed my bike test and jumped straight onto a RD400, Wheelie heaven hehe. Then went the 4 stroke route but the 2 strokes will always be in my heart. I sold my RD400 for £500 back in 81. They are now commanding nearly £10.000. Always enjoy your channel from across the pond in Planet Thanet.
@@ramishrambarran3998 Nope 4 speed straight exhaust The FS1DXA came un restricted 4 gears front disc autolube and bolt on frame parts. The last of the original FSIE.
@@davidjloveland3673 Please check this ua-cam.com/video/RUw9z8BzHtE/v-deo.html This is the one I knew when I was about 15 years old. Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.
I remember when I was in high school back in 1986 this kid had a Suzuki gt750 liquid cooled water buffalo I think they called it .It was one badass machine. Man if I could lay my eyes on one of those beautiful bikes again !
@@cycledrag First bike was a 50cc Yamaha FS1E that my dad bought for my 15th birthday. Was a really fun bike to ride and easy to work on. Started me off on a lifelong journey of starting an apprenticeship and becoming an automobile engineer / mechanic.
That man is know as Super Tune. He has built 2 strokes in every form you can imagine and his motors win from season to season. Watercraft, bikes. You name it his motors have won everywhere.
Grew up on 2 stokes here in the UK. Smiled all the way through this :)
I grew up in the 1970s, and remember all the 2 stroke motorcycles you have showcasing in this video. Thank you for sharing this incredible video with us.
This meet is comprised of some incredible bikes and some wonderful guys. One of the most fun places to ride in America and most all the attendees often bring spare parts and tools so that nobody is ever stranded. Great place...great fun.
John Lutz/Mid Atlantic Cycle
My first street bike was a 1968 Yamaha YDS3 250cc Scrambler with 305 jugs in high school. The Autolube 2-stroke oil injection pump failed so I found jugs off of a YM2C Scrambler and put them on the YDS3. Then I had a 76 Kaw H2 750 when I was in the USAF. Loved them both. Wish I could find an H@ now. The H2 could pull a wheelie at 70 MPH. I rode the H2 from SC to Mardi Gras and my teeth didn't stop rattling for 2 days. 🙂 Started riding @ 13 on a Bultaco Pursang 250, had a Yamaha YZ360 after that which would throw you offa the bike if you didn't kick it over correctly. My favorite hill climber was a Suzuki RM125, peaky and a screamer, needed to keep the revs high and hold on for dear life.
Great to see old smokies . Live in Australia and have owned a 2 stroke of some sort since 1972 . Started with a 250 Suzuki Hustler , Gt 380 in 73 , Rg250 WE in 1984 , now back to a Gt380 and a RG400 square 4 1986 model . Ride the RG 400 every weekend and at 69 don't see any end to riding a 2 stroke in the near future .
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As a 19 yr old in 1983 I had a 1975 RD 350 that was built to drag race. My competitors were mostly KZ900's at that time. It ran in the high 11 sec 1/4 mile. Those KZ900 guys were no happy at the fact a little RD 350 could take there lunch from them. I have a Hayabusa now but that little RD was so much fun to ride. Best years of my life! Thanks for bringing back good memory's.
my dad sold his RD 350 when i turned 15 (me "borrowing it" might have had some thing to do with that, but damn it was a fun bike )
That bought back a lot of memories.
64 years now got my first 2 stroke at 16.
I own about 8 different 2 strokes and rode a lot more of my mates
What a great vlog
Be safe from nz
Yeo, 65, still got my 71 RD350 I bought almost new, in late 72. I ride an R1 now.
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My first 2 stroke was a yamaha FS1E in 1975 a 50 mph 50cc and then a rd250 and my most exciting 500 kawasaki triple
I cut my teeth on a 71-h1. Then bought a 72-h2, and yes the h2 almost killed me, a power band that came on like a light bulb. Those were days when two strokes were better than four.....
the original h2 was badass
KILLERS
I had both but felt the H1 was way more wicked
Original h2 would cook the middle cylinder. No frame, no handling.
I had chambers and carbs on the h1 and used to drag race it at the local strip. I had a 6 inch over front end and pull back bars on the h2 and used to cruise it between P.A. and Florida. ( late 70s).The good times were rollin back then for sure.....
Remember the RD350 being quite a quick bike. Pulling wheelies first two gears. Brings back memories
They RD350s were quick. They made a Daytona 400 that was bad for then. I had a trick RZ with PROPER portwork, Toomey's, TZ 250 carbs with all the rear sets, clip ons, Telefix fork brace n Fox Shock. It STILL would get ill and sling yer arse off if ya weren't careful. I wanna build one on an FZR 400 frame with a wider swingarm and 600 forks with 1000 brakes. Then we might have something. I've machined FZR 1000 brakes to fit 600 forks so it can be did. 👍 I love 2 strokes
Gosh he doesn't look old enough to remember those old stinkies! But he nailed it, great video, obviously passionate and I'm sure he's got quite a few stories of his own.
Extra respect for pointing out that when you're on two wheels, or four for that matter, have fun, but stay focused, and respect the road.
I'm in the UK, so unfortunately I won't be showing my bikes over there.
I've got a very tidy, low mileage Yamaha DT125R that I've owned since 2004. It's my favourite.
And an S2A engine'd KH250B2.
I've had that since 1990, and it's one of those bikes that fights you every step, but it looks fantastic, sounds awesome and when it's running right, you forget about the times it tried to kill you!
(that's not an exaggeration, a "mechanic" missed off a tab washer from the front sprocket, and the nut came off at speed last summer...).
Thank you, sincerely for a great little film made with heart.
You would love this bike !!! ua-cam.com/video/8zklMSrmh0o/v-deo.html
@@oceanhome2023 Not only do I love the vid... I used to know Alan! Lost touch with him (he's always very very much in demand, and used to disappear over to California for months at a time) but he's based around Newbury where I live.
He wasn't keen on my much modified triple, said "It was all wrong... but a good daily rider"
He was building his Viper engined monster when I knew him (we're talking 00's) and tried to sell me a big Husky he owned for off-roading, but I'm more than happy to fall off my little DT!
Last time I saw him (but he was being somewhat mobbed, and my son was embarrassed about meeting him) was at the Newbury Classic Car Show when he rocked up with Henry Cole selling stuff my dad (who was in the motor trade) would have happily thrown out 50 years ago!
Take care mate, and hope you have a chance to get out on two wheels before the winter saps the fun out of it!
I made almost all of the meets, but for the first couple and the last 3. Great fun and the best guys/friends on the planet. glad the weather held out!
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Love them old 2 strokes. Started with a 1970 Yamaha DS6-250. Then I got a 1972 Kawasaki H1-500. They were sweet road bikes. Then my attentions went off road for a while. 1973 Yamaha 360 Enduro, 1976 Can-Am 125, 1977 Yamaha YZ125, 1978 Yamaha YZ125. After that, I went back to road bikes. 1980 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim and my last bike was a 1981 Yamaha XJ750 Seca.
Two strokes are the one which are close to our heart beat.
Love the bikes, they are surprisingly well maintained. Love the noise. Could have smell the smoke as you said. Sweet memories.
Great job 👏 👍
Oh, 2 strokes are growing in popularity ! Nothing like turning someone on to a 2 stroke bike ! The look on their faces after their 1st ride is priceless !
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Thanks, great show, made me very nostalgic! In the UK in the seventies from 17 years you could ride up to 250cc on a provisional (learner) licence, so the 250 two stroke was king. I had the Suzuki T250 and friends had the GT250, RD250 and we craved the Kawasaki triples. Later we could step up to GT 380 and 550 and RD400 whilst those with lots of money for bike and insurance went z750 or Z1! Crazy times.
Yes me to and coming from the UK to it is great to look back.
I would love a stroker again especially now as they are so rare as a daily.
A 4 stroke though at the time for me was the GS thou 😎
Check out this Kawasaki ! ua-cam.com/video/8zklMSrmh0o/v-deo.html
HELLO ONELOVE FROM WALES
2STROKES MMMM. GOT A SOFT SPOT FOR THEM.
IN MY TEENS AND EARLY 20S I HAD A FEW ... STARTING WITH A YAMAHA FS1E, I BUILT MYSELF FROM A SCRAP YARD...... LOL
THE BEST OF MY BIKES WAS A SUZUKI GT750 A.....
UNFORTUNATELY A BACK INJURY STOPPED ME RIDING...... SEEING THE RD 400 I HAD A SPIN ROUND CADWELL PARK
IT WAS MY MATES WHO I WAS THE GREASE MONKEY.....
LOVE2ALL THE CYCLEDRAG FAMILY.
AS ALWAYS OUTSTANDING POST JACK
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Thank you for this wonderful video. It makes a 67-year-old emotional.
My island is small, but we did have a lot of those models here.
In those days we always outran the few 4-stroke guys. CBs were dead meat !
I had a first model Yamaha CT1 175, Suzuki GT550, Yamaha CS2E electric start 200, DT175, DT250.
I still ride a Yamaha FZ25, Indian made/market 250 single.
Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.
Me too very emotional myself , I guess riding is a very important issue for a lot of us . Not everybody can say I did that , all by myself against everybody's advice . Living to tell the tale.
@@robertevans9354 Yes. In my country the general public do not like motorcycles. For a third world country we have very few bikes. People prefer to remain for hours in traffic situations..........in their cars. And for a small island, and a population of 1.5 million we have hundreds of thousands of cars and bumper-to-bumper crawling traffic in peak hours.
51 years on bikes, and I cannot live in this country without one !
Historically, everything motorcycle here is imported and very expensive. Recently I bought brake pads for the 250 Yamaha, front and rear. Cost me about US$140 both pairs !
But I have to keep sane. So I still ride !
I would have loved to own an RD400 of all the bikes !
Cheers.
Trinidad & Tobago.
West Indies.
I bought a '74 GT 750 water cooled triple brand new in '74. The "Water Buffalo" was with me for about 5 years during which I toured N. America on it, The US and Canada. Once crossing coast to coast from California to Massachusetts in 5 days. I've owned a number of motorcycles over the years, and still ride a BMW. The Water Buffalo was the only one I wish I hadn't parted with. Hard to believe it was nearly 50 years ago when I had mine.
Wow ! Thanks !!
I got a brand new 1974 H2 when I was 16 years old. Now at 65, looking back on those times, how I survived is a mystery. Thanks for this video it brings back great memories.
Accelerating out of corners must have been "fun".
You wild man
Wow, a super fun video. I'm 73 years old, and haven't owned a bike for years, but I still love bikes. This makes me want to find a 2 stroke. My first 2 stroke was a new 72 Yamaha DT1 250 that I loved. I even took it on a trip from LA to Palm Springs on I-10 and it was fine. But I was a student and couldn't afford to keep it. A couple of years later my dad found a 73 Yamaha RD 350 that was loads of fun. Making a quick trip up to Lake Arrowhead on the legendary Highway 18 Rim of the World Highway was an absolute blast. I did get it up to 115 miles per hour on a deserted road in the California desert. Unfortunately, I fell in love with the new Honda CB 550 and traded in the Yamaha. Over 50 years later, I still love the sound, smell, and feel of those 2 strokes. I should add that in 1971 my brother picked up a used RD 250 in Minneapolis and rode back to LA, along with our cousin on his old Honda 450. They have talked about that trip for decades.
Mike Swanson, Mesa, Arizona
I graduated High School in 1977. The RD350 was the curver. Remember the Dunlap K81 tires? They fell over like a rock. I had a 1968 Suzuki 250 2 stroke with rotatory valve induction. I bought it for $50.00 it was a beater and never got it fixed up. Never rode more than up and down the street if I recall.
I bought a 1972 Kawasaki s2 in the overbrook neighborhood of Pittsburgh for $500 last summer. It’s a completely functional, running, riding bike with a title!
Just imagine how fabulous 2-stroke bikes would be now if it weren't for all this 'green' legislation we have today. The sound, the smell, the power....fantastic. Great show by the way.
I have owned three two strokes and ridden one a lot and test rode a Suzuki 750 triple waterbus ...in order they were a BSA Bantam 150cc, single, later a Yamaha 200 twin, followed by a Suzuki 380 GT triple. While the 380 was being assembled the dealer lent me a Suzuki 550 triple. Later I was very tempted to buy the Suzuki 750 triple. My brother had one. I worked with a guy who had a Kawasaki 750 triple and he was nuts, those frames really did flex! The Suzuki 38 0 got over 180 kmh at least once but it was modified with K&N air filters and a lighter three into one pipe...also clip on handle bars...
Oh Wow !! just came cross this great show, I live in the UK and started my 2 stroke life when i was 11yrs old on a 175cc BSA Bantam, then a 50cc yamaha FS1E, RD 125, Suzuki GT250, yamaha YR5 350, then a Suzuki GT750 Kettle !! I think in the States you call them a "water buffalo", how come ya havent got one at the show ???
I bet you would like this one !!!
I'm 30. finished a built kh500 last summer. I ride the hell out of it
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I was 4. My father bought it for me. Honda z50, I'm not sure what year but was a 3speed with a metal gas tank. Rode off road all my childhood and teen years. My first road bike, a 2000 suzuki sz650 in 2008, i was 17.
1972 H2 750, bored, ported, chambers, stripped, clip-ons. Couldn't keep the front end on the ground. Dunlop K 81s with Bel Ray injector oil. I couldn't get 80 miles on the 4 gal. tank. Friends with built Harleys hated this bike. We'd start at 100 mph, I'd kick it into 3rd gear and power wheelie, leaving them like they were standing still. My 72 RD 350 was built too. I could beat a 750 Honda SS to 100 mph. Those bikes were so light and nimble. I've never had as much fun on anything as that 750 triple. I could get the front end off the ground while still coming out of the corners, crossed up. Very predictable. We got airborne all the time at high speed while cruising the deserts in Arizona. I'd love to have one again! Thanks CycleDrag!
Excellent! Over the years, I’ve owned / ridden a Kawasaki KR-1, RD400, RD 350LC, RD250LC, RD350YPVS, Suzuki GP100, Suzuki GP125, RD500LC, Suzuki 250X7, Suzuki SB200….all great machines in their own way.
I'm betting that you reside somewhere other than the US. I did have the chance to ride an RD500 once - approx 10 miles on public roads. It was neat. But the bike was nearly brand-new and I didn't have the opportunity to do much with it.
@@sharpestjim - I live in the U.K.
Thanks for that, I love 2 strokes and absolutely loved the Kawasaki S2 at the show, I started on a little RD200, then RD250E, RD400E, RD 350L/C RD 500L/C, apart from these Yamahas I also had an H2 Kawasaki ,the only bike I ever had that scared me on a regular basis till I bought a Magnum frame and rolling chassis into which I dropped the H2 engine which by then had a stage 2 tune and turned from a nightmare into a beautiful dream machine that handled sublimely and went like a Saturn rocket. then later I bought an RS250 Aprilia even though I had a GSX-R750 at the time simply because it was such a beautiful little bike and probably the best handling bike I've owned, I've a Triumph street triple RS these days but still miss the sound ,smell and power band of strokers, the smell alone takes me back to my youth even though I'm now in my sixties..
Our greatest accomplishment in life as kids was obtaining an H1, keeping it running was an entirely different matter. God life was good and fast . Extremely fast . Still chasing that dream .
When I was 18 I had a Kawasaki 350-3 and my brother had a 500-3. So much fun. Memories.
I had 2 H1 s think the H1 had the widowmaker nickname first.....
The 350's were super super rare , you are so fortunate to have had one .I want to ride all four sizes eventually but I had the 500 . I was 15 back then and started riding the 500 at 10 .with my big brother on front .
I owned the Kawasaki Trilogy! Was fortunately able to own the 350 Triple, 500 Triple & the 750 Triple and 24 other bikes between 9 years old to 60 years old.
OMG i feel like crying because when i was 18 i had the Green Widow H2 just like the first one on this video , i am old now but still pine for a 1974 Green mean machine the exceleration was out of this world for a 18 year old in 1979. I had been riding dirt bikes since i was 6 years old , my RM 370 was cray fast fun for a boy of 16 but two years later i learned how to Respect the H2 in Green , yup she almost kept me dead as i crash in 2nd gear without Helmit yup i was a idiot hanging out with some crazy azz harley bikers , well you know how we partied UGH . But thank GOD i was shocked back to life and into a two month Coma , but when i healed after a bit over a year i fixed her up and enjoyed her for 5 more years :) GOD i want one now just to cruise the weekends on PCH :) no more showing off well atleast Not buzzed lmao True to the core story :) im a Miracle walking TY Lord God
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@@cycledrag Sorry just noticed this today , ah yes the first was a 3.5 hp Cat mini bike from The pep Boys in 1969 i was 8 years old , well while riding at the local horase stable trails a big guy jumped out of the bushes punched me in the face and stole my red mini bike :( . well about two months later my pops got me a 1970 bluegreen honda ct70 4 speed clutch type :) that one never got stolen i rode the wheels off and in 1974 i got a used Suzuki TS 185 the 1973 yellow orange one :) . the next one was one i paid for at 18 years old it was a honda cb 350 1975 model at 19 i got my 1974 Green H2 and loved it for many years even tho i had a crash and almost stayed dead , was in a coma 2 weeks and released from Kaiser Hospital abot 2 months later looking like a monster , my face was piaaz scabbed and crooked broken clavical cracked skull fractured ribs messed up knee OMG i should be dead ! . But God said not yet and about 14 months later i fixed the H2 up mostly cosmetic , and rode Sober safely for another 5 years . Bro i would give my left nut to have that mean green machine now at 62 i Know how to Not be Fast or stop i know how to Cruise lol :) all true and fun except for the crash :(
Seeing the tiny singles warms my heart. I've got a 1978 Kawasaki KH100EL in my garage and it's super fun to rip around town on.
Thank you Jack! It was an honor to meet and talk with you. Thanks for featuring our bikes and helping us keep two strokes alive. Outstanding video and great job.
My pleasure! Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
Awesome Bikes..I have owned several H1 and H2 in my younger years, now I sit on a 72 H2 awaiting restoration. I have heard of Deals Gap.This gives me inspiration
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You would love this one !!! ua-cam.com/video/8zklMSrmh0o/v-deo.html
55 minutes on, my face is hurting and I realize I have been grinning non stop for 55 minutes. Thanks.
My first bike in '76 was a '73 RD250 that I had for about a year before a friend sold me his '75 RD350 that was basically a track bike with a headlight and taillight. I had to premix that bike and loved doing it. My room mate had a 350 LC that I got to ride often and loved that bike as well. I eventually switched over to 4 strokes with an FZ600 that I raced in '86-'87 but, had a YSR50 2 stroke put bike that had some mods done to it. With pipe and carb work and gearing change it did about 60-65 MPH. The last 4 stroke I owned was a Buell 1200 Lightning SCG that was about the best handling bike I ever rode but, my love of 2 strokes brought me back to now owning a '76 RD400C. It was original when I bought it however, I did do all the mods that I couldn't afford to do when I was a kid. I will never part with the stock parts so my bike can go back any time I want it to.
Only a few, but all Yamahas.
R5350.
RD400C
RD300D
RD400F Daytona.
And, a wrecked RZ350 that gave it's motor
and front end to the Daytona. There was
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that could take
me in an intersection!
I'd LOVE to find another 400F model, and a
wrecked RZ350!
steve
loved the look of the YSRs. Just needed a YZ 125 engine ...and a frame n forks. 👍
I owned a RD 400 as a young bloke and would have another one tomorrow. A great lil bike. Enjoy all!!
👍👌🇦🇺
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Started with Honda ct70 then onto to a Hodaka Super Rat then RM250 then the RD400 then 79 Z1000 MK2 then onto several Harleys. Take care and keep ‘em coming Jack. 👍🇦🇺
In 1970 I had a late 60’s Suzuki 305 2
stroke. Way more exciting than my Honda 305 Scrambler 4 stroke!
You said it right spot on, THE SOUND AND THE SMELL. Thanks for sharing this video.
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@@cycledrag My brother taught how to ride on a Honda XL100 way back 1978, then shifted to a Honda XL125S, 1979 where I also learned and raced it on a motocross track. Then my dad bought us a brand new 1979 Elsinore 125R which I now have in storage and plan to restore it one day. I am now 59 years of age, and presently own a unrestored but running 1998 Yamaha DT125 and a 2006 XT225 which is actually my father inlaw's but he has passed away that is why I'm taking care of it. Financially I'm not really well off, but when I'm on my bike feeling the wind in my face makes me feel I'm one of the richest person in the world. You now what I mean sir, FREEDOM OF THE OPEN HIWAYS OF LIFE.....
Wasn’t much for 2 strokes but did own a couple in the 70’s. First one was a ‘73 Yamaha 175 enduro which traded in one a ‘74 Kawasaki Mach 250 triple, yes they did make a 250. It was alright but rode rough and terrible gas mileage. It did go 85 mph top end. Got a ‘72 Honda 500 Four which rode smoother and got the same mileage as the smaller 250.
Yes I remember all of the Enduros !!! It seemed like everyone had one !
Properly tuned 2 strokes are easy to start. I had rotary valve Avenger and H1 and H2 and GT 750 water buffalo. My blue H2 was exactly like the one showed and my favorite by far. Regretably always wanted but never had an RD. Great video. Thank you. PS Rode the Dragon on my FJ 1200.
True, but we have all had those struggles. lol. Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
The GT750 used almost all the electrics from the Honda CB750. I had both! Only thing different were the gauges.
I had a two hour do you 350s and two Kawasaki 750 H twos both super super fast and fun! Also had a 1973 Bridgestone 350 also a super fast bike and rare wish I had kept them all.
Bridgestone was pretty much done by 1973. I remember they were really fast, advanced engineering for 1970s two strokes......
@@milojanis4901 mine was 1973 gold one. Rotory valve.
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I remember a friend of mine named Tommy Ogawa had a 1975 Yamaha rd350 it must have been the fastest rd350 in all of Carson California.
Two stroke bike week!? Splendid!! I want to join at there with RD250LC.
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@@cycledrag I started my motorcycle life by RZ50 2 stroke single exhaust .Maybe this was Japan domestic model. Top speed of other 50cc motorcycles were under 80km/h.RZ 50's top speed was near 100Km/h.Now I ride several motorcycles RD250LC,Ninja H2 and GSX1100S sidecar which was engine swapped to GSXR1100 oil cooled engine.If you interested in them please check my YASUKE CHANNEL of youtube. Thanks.
Loved to see the old two-strokes. I hoped to see a Suzuki X6 Husler, I took my first drivers test on one and kept running away from the car that the officer followed me with. Almost failed because the officer said I rode jerky, it was just hard to keep below 30mph, In the 60’s the only bike that could keep up with me was a Norton Altas. I hoped they could bring back two stroke street bikes with the new direct injection technology
My cousin had a Suzuki 250 hustler. Very nice and also very fast
Yeah he Suzie X6 Hustler was a wonderful ride. A sweet engine in a delightfully handling frame. Very light and very fun.
I had a 1968 Hustler at the last meet.
Ran it hard and developed a seal leak, by the end of the day.
Recomissioning these old bikes when they've sat a long time is a process, and that's part of the fun.
(Here old beast, I fixed your boo-boos). 🤣
Wow Bro I had A Suzuki 250 “ Scrambler” with 2 up pipes I loved it and I wish I would have put the 350 engine in it (not a big modification) and some chambers ! Sure brings back memories now ! Thanks for yours !
Great video, thanks CycleDrag .I watch all your videos and love all motorcycles, 2 Stroke ,4 Stroke, big or small. God bless you from UK.
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1973 RD350
1979 RD400F Daytona Special
1984 RZ350
Wasn't able to make the meet this so I was very happy to see my old buddies in this well made video.
You really caught the atmosphere of meet.
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After watching today's show, I checked out this one. Great vid Jack.
Cool video. I had a Suzuki T500 Titan in the late 1970s, a Kaw 500 triple in the mid 1980s, and bought another Titan in 2004. Great bikes, fun to ride.
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Shane this guy is not older, because in the day they were everywhere. In 1970 I bought a Yamaha CS3C 200 new what a great bike it was.
Really love this! What a ride those bikes are my favorite!
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@@cycledrag A sweet yellow EX250(Ninja) and i bought dual Yoshimura exhuast for it. Taught myself to ride in a parking lot. Rode it from VT to NYC and back when I was in my 20s.
2ストロークエンジン、懐かしいです。
僕が高校生の頃はHONDA以外のメーカーは多くの2ストロークエンジンを製品にしていました。楽しい。
My first love was a '76 Yamaha RD400. I am happy to be alive and be writing this today. :D
🤣🤣🤣
My friend, I’m 66 and back in 1976 I bought myself a brand new RD400c,(Canadian version), and drove the snot out of it for 2 summers, until my girlfriend swore to never get on that bike again after too many wheelies and I traded it for a ‘69 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible with a 350ci The year before I had another 2 stroker, the Kawasaki 350 Triple, but it was no way comparable to the Yamaha. 😢
My dad had a 72 Kaw 350 triple I rode quite a bit, I bought a 74 400 triple rode it for a couple years then rebuilt the motor and sold it. Talk about fun try to time one of those triples!
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125 Yamaha Mx, 175 Mx, Enduro's, even an old Honda 305 Scrambler I think was one of the first "big" bikes I rode. Had a CR 125 also👍
Nothing compares to a wild two-stroke engine , the sound is so crisp and gives good thoughts
Nitro is definitely a two stokes friend!!
Great gathering of 2-stokes! I've been riding since 1968 and witnessed the arrival of all those US models. I understand the rarity of stock exhaust, but it's ashame not many so equipped. The stock exhaust IMHO sounds better than the expansion chambers especially on the Kawasaki triples.
I bought the 3rd 1972 H2 that came into New Zealand brand new from Norjo Motors Kawasak in Ricerton RoadChristchurch. It was blue.
had the rd400 back in the 80s.really liked it although it was in a time of 4 stroke super bikes everywhere.went down on it when I locked the front brake on a piece of unseen cardboard and had to force it down to prevent hitting the car in front of me.wish I could find one again just to ride ocasionally.it was quick and agile and fun to ride.thanks for the memories.
I started as a 16 yr young teen on a Suzuki GT 50cc, and a Fantic 50cc. After that I got myself a 250cc Kawasaki triple. As a kid I had jobs after school.$$ I was good in school, and my folks gave me everything, but not a motorcycle….haha. Gues I was the stupid teen back then LOL. In the end I got my hands on a Mach III 500 triple three.!! The bike of my dreams.!!!! What wonderful times I had with my buddies.!!
Now our son wants a motor bike….NOPE.!! Haha
You just can't beat the power band of a 2 stroke, I had a Suzuki TS 185, a Hodaka Dirt Squirt and a Hodaka Ace 100 along with a Honda MT 250 Elsinore, I drove them in all weather rain, sunshine and 2 feet of snow, they are always reliable.
I learned how to ride in the woods on a 79 Honda Cr250 Elsinore, with no brakes
The Power Bands are like “Crack” you can’t stop going there !
I can relate, learned to ride on a Yamaha 100 2stroke twin ( street bike ) had Cr 125 Elisanore Honda, Rm400 suk ; Yamaha 360 , Penton Hodakas,Bultacos. Love them
Would love to find a affordable H1 possibility of a basket case. Be safe
And also Been all over the Dragon on Harleys. Live close , didn't know the event existed.
Kawasaki 500 smoker craft !! The baddest !!
I first got introduced to Kawasaki triples when I went with my girlfriend to visit her dad in the hospital. There was another guy in there with a broken leg and he wanted to sell his bike since he was now afraid of it. I bought the bike without knowing what itwas. It turned out to be a beautiful gold colored Kawasiki S2. It was a great bike and I used to bet guys that I could start it on the first try with my hand. It ran great. Life continued and the bike was given to my little brother. Later I started collecting two strokes and had two H2's, and an S3 400. Also had a Yamaha "RD 250 which was a great bike. I got sick and could not ride or work on them and sold them all to a gentleman in Daytona beach. I still love the sound and smell of them. I love your coverage of Deals Gap since I never to there. Keep up the good work.
28:30 riding my GT-380 in 1982 I just graduated from college and I was out riding and a pickup made a left hand turn in front of me without signaling (he didn’t see me) the bike hit the front fender at about 60. I flew over the hood and on down the highway. I was very lucky I didn’t hit him in the door or I would have wound up going into the passenger compartment. Lost a lot of skin and had to put off my teaching career for a year. My bike went to a scrapyard. I wish I still had it. I’d mount it on the wall with a plaque saying “I Survived That.”
This by far the best 2 stroke motorbikes video.
I love the 2 stroke engine sound and the smell as well.
What a great job on your channel...loved it all the way. Makes me want to go next year alllllll the way from Quebec. Viva Les 2 strokes😊
The Rz350 was branded as the Rd350ypvs Over here in the UK still amazing machine I can remember that 17 going on the back of my friends are you popping a wheelie absolutely amazing machine
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
@@cycledrag In the UK we had to start on a 50 cc which mine was a Suzuki Ap 50 what do 60 miles an hour with an expansion pipe on from there I went up to 100 mL Yamaha RXS 100 then I took my motorcycle test which you have to take when you are 17 in this country then from then on I had a Honda CB 400 then from there I went up to ZZR 1100 Kawasaki I know ride Yamaha phaser 6pm I am changing it at the end of the summer to Yamaha Fz 1000 got to say Jack love the channel how to come and see you when you visit the uk Keep up the good work and stay safe
My first 3 bikes were gt 250s. Back then it's 10k per year always flat out , hard on the engines,and 3 hospitalisation. Modern " bikers" are lucky if they do 1k. Back then no one talked bikes you just rode them because everyone had bikes . Now it's a hobby
Awesome coverage! Hope you do it again next year! I Iive about 100 miles from the Dragon. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been there! I’m a former road racer. But lost use of my right arm in a high speed crash. Still love this stuff! Thank you Jack!
Name is Jeff not Jenni!
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I had the GT 550 What a blast!
Norwalk Raceway AMRA today! Was looking for Cycle Drag!
I wish I could do em all! Will be in Norwalk Aug 7 for Night Under Fire!
Awesome awesome video, my first car / bike was a 1979 Yamaha RD400 back in '83 I think haha that was a long time ago.
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
Omfgg Jack 😃. Spectacular look at Classic 2 stroke Bikes 🏍. Thank you for taking me, back in Time to my younger years 👊🤘. My favorites was Yamaha's RD-LCs , from 125s to 350s . Just power 💥🚀 , especially when you're in that power band 🤪. I had a RD-LC 125 mrk2 , a of small mod's / got 109 mph out of her 🤪😝😃. . The BEST THING about CLASSIC 2 stroke, no really technical computer crap to deal with. All mechanical, no need to take it to a dealer SHIT 😝🤣. FYI, it's the sound 😃 & Smell. If you have never owned or ridden a 2 stroke, I feel sorry for you. As you have missed so much 🥺
Tell me more!
You would love this one !!! ua-cam.com/video/8zklMSrmh0o/v-deo.html
I’ll bet you would like this one !!! ua-cam.com/video/8zklMSrmh0o/v-deo.html
Thank you for this great video... very close to my heart as well. I live in San Diego and have 28 2-strokes in my collection myself, and me and a close 2-stroke loving buddy (who has about 20 2-strokes) want to put together a function like this on the West Coast. They have one in the LA area, but I want to put together (a smaller one?) down here in San Diego... please write to me if interested and you have some ideas that I should know about for when the San Diego event starts to take shape! Thanks again!
Thank you... definitely need a 2 stroke event in So Cal!
Wow brings back alot of teenage memories,I started at the age of 16 ,with a Yamaha FSIE a 50 cc moped but very popular here in the UK,then moved onto a Yamaha DT 275 enduro,then onto a RD 250 Yamaha,then onto a RD 400 .Wish I still had at least one of these bikes .Thanks for the memories.👍👍🏍🏍
That yamaha sounds awesome
I raced lc 250 and 350lc Yamaha. Loved video ❤️❤️❤️all best from England
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
A Honda ss 50 . I am now 59 . Love old school bike Suzuki and Kawasaki. Keep up good work. All the best from England. Ps wot where your 1 bike 👍❤️🏍🔧🇺🇸🇬🇬
You would love this one ! ua-cam.com/video/8zklMSrmh0o/v-deo.html
I remember, back in the day, there were a few Z1s around. I think they were 900 ccs and 3-cylinders
Great show, Jack. I loved the big Suzuki Titan.
My Two Stroke career (in the 70's):
Yammy Twin Jet 100,
Suzuki X6 Hustler
Suzuki T350
Bridgestone 350 GTR.
I left the two wheelers for a while in my 20's and then got back in with a Norton Commando S. Last bike I owned. Now, I love to watch other people ride 'em
I have a special love for that Bridgestone 350GTR.
Amazing OVERengineered, dry clutch 6 speed. Wow
I was a Twin Jet rider too!!
Had many 72' H2's back in the day. I did manage to keep a set of Denco factory drag race carburetors for a project build when I can find another H2.
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
My fav Kawa triple is the S2. That little 350 could scorch bigger bikes without breaking the bank, and unlike its bigger brothers it could handle.
My biking journey was kick started by the two stroke - Villiers 150, Bantam 125 (D3 ?), Lambretta 150, MZ TS250 (4 speed) , Suzuki GT380, GT550. Great days - I even used my GT550 for despatch- in my naivety … never made any money. Great days .
I passed my test on a KH250. Great little bike. Very reliable and comfortable on a distance. A friend had a Suzuki 750 'kettle' - what a monster it was 😀
I had a 1976 kh 250. I loved the bike so much. I'd like another one, but they fetch loads a dosh
Smokers! In order of ownership: First, 77' RD400 Red - $400.00 2k original miles when bought sold for $700.00 for tuition (Screamer); Second 1977 KH400 Brown $100.00 barely ran converted to race bike sold $300.00(Death Trap); Third 1980 PE400 $200.00 Dirt Bike sold $300.00 (Power House Hill Climber); Forth 1974 GT185 $300.00 2.5k miles sold $300.00(Commuter); Fifth new 1990 KDX200 sold (Best Woods Bike Ever);Sixth Yamahammer (bought in 1994) 1985 RZ350 KR Yellow 2.5k miles Full Tilt Bozo Stage 3 Race Bike 75HP+ still own will never sell and value keeps rising (Stupid Fun); Seventh Kawasaki 1998 New KDX200 still own modded go's like stink (best woods bike ever); Eighth Widow Maker 1972 H2 Triple true barn find project bike (Worth $$$).
Living in GA, have done the Dragon a few times. Always been, and still am, a two smoke fan! Currently have a tagged, fully(okay, barely)street legal, KTM300. Having had and raced several YZ's back in the 70's, always loved the vintage "bumblebee" paint scheme on the Yammy's. Now, off to find me a vintage RD or RZ:)
I've chased the dragons 🐉 90s and naughties.
Very fun to watch! It's a pity it isn't smellovision...😉
And now: I have to go out in the garage and cuddle with my 1972 S2 and 1970 T350.😁
Great memories flooding back for me. My 1st bike when I was 16 was a Yamaha FS1DXA unrestricted, fantastic back in its day, turned 17 progressed to a RD250 passed my bike test and jumped straight onto a RD400, Wheelie heaven hehe. Then went the 4 stroke route but the 2 strokes will always be in my heart. I sold my RD400 for £500 back in 81. They are now commanding nearly £10.000. Always enjoy your channel from across the pond in Planet Thanet.
FS1 was a 5-speed 50cc with upswept muffler, wasn't it ?
@@ramishrambarran3998 Nope 4 speed straight exhaust The FS1DXA came un restricted 4 gears front disc autolube and bolt on frame parts. The last of the original FSIE.
@@davidjloveland3673 OK. Thanks !
@@davidjloveland3673 Please check this ua-cam.com/video/RUw9z8BzHtE/v-deo.html
This is the one I knew when I was about 15 years old.
Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.
That road reminds me of the”cat & fiddle” in the uk…..stay safe and enjoy 🏍👍🇬🇧
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
I remember when I was in high school back in 1986 this kid had a Suzuki gt750 liquid cooled water buffalo I think they called it .It was one badass machine. Man if I could lay my eyes on one of those beautiful bikes again !
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ua-cam.com/video/kpo-bWVLqoY/v-deo.html
Incredible machines. A++
Awesome selection of 2 stroke motorcycles. Great video. Brings back a lot of memories
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
@@cycledrag First bike was a 50cc Yamaha FS1E that my dad bought for my 15th birthday. Was a really fun bike to ride and easy to work on. Started me off on a lifelong journey of starting an apprenticeship and becoming an automobile engineer / mechanic.
This is the best 2-stroke motorcycle video I've seen so far
love two strokes
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
that Yama is sick.
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
Kawasaki three cylinder growl, Yamaha twin snap, crackle and pop, rg500 awesome.... Love the 2strokers....
The Kaplan museum would be proud of ya jack..!!!!!!the 2 stroke gods have paid you a visit...hahahahhaaha
Thank you very much for watching! This channel is all about the love of motorcycles. What bike did you start out on? Tell me about it please.
That man is know as Super Tune. He has built 2 strokes in every form you can imagine and his motors win from season to season. Watercraft, bikes. You name it his motors have won everywhere.
I have vague memories of that Kawasaki KR 250 in Australia, I don't know anyone that owned one.