Photo: Jan Polák · CC BY-SA 3.0
Jawa 350 Type 634
72/100 Overall
65 On the road78 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Jawa 350 Type 634 vs Yamaha RD350LC
Jawa 350 Type 634 scores 72/100 overall against Yamaha RD350LC on 88/100. On the road: 65–77. As classics: 78–98. Overall result: Yamaha RD350LC.
Yamaha RD350LC
88/100 Overall
77 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Jawa 350 | Yamaha RD350LC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 9 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 9 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 8 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Jawa 350 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Jawa 350 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 7 | 10 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 10 | Yamaha RD350LC |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha RD350LC |
Choose the Jawa 350 if…
you want a tough, characterful Eastern European twin with simple engineering and strong period individuality.
Choose the Yamaha RD350LC if…
you want one of Britain's most loved 1980s performance bikes, with a thrilling powerband, sharp handling and enormous nostalgia.
Background
History
Jawa 350
The Jawa 350 Type 634 was produced from 1973–1984 and used a 343cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RD350LC
The Yamaha RD350LC was produced from 1980–1983 and used a 347cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Jawa 350
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: 343cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, ownership appeal.
Yamaha RD350LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1980 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 347cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Jawa 350
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Jawa 350 Type 634. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha RD350LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD350LC. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Jawa 350
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha RD350LC
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Jawa 350
Rivals to the Yamaha RD350LC
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD350LC wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha RD350LC wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD350LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.