Enjoying the First Highway Ride on My Newly Restored Yamaha RD 200
A Day Out Riding to Bombay Coffee House
Recently, I had a chance to go on a long-awaited motorcycle ride with two friends. The plan was to head to the Bombay Coffee House, a popular destination among bikers. It was an exciting prospect because it had been a few months since I last took my RD 200 on a highway trip.
One day before the ride, I made sure to clean and polish both my RD 200 and my RZ 350. This was the first time I had done a full wash and polish after getting the bikes repainted, and I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. The shine on the bikes was impressive, and I couldn’t help but take a few pictures to capture the results.
As we set off on our journey, everything seemed to be going well. However, while reaching Mahim, I noticed that the throttle cable started acting up. Unlike usual, the RPM wouldn’t drop when I released the throttle, similar to an issue I encountered with the RZ before. I decided to message my friends to let them know that I would turn back. Instead of leaving me to ride alone, they suggested we grab breakfast together in Mahim and then head back home as a group.
During this time, I made multiple stops to adjust the throttle cable. Strangely enough, once I got back on the highway, the issue seemed to resolve itself, allowing me to enjoy the ride back home. After this experience, I plan to have the throttle checked next time I visit my mechanic, Tony.
Along the way, I captured plenty of pictures to document our ride. From the first wash session post-repaint to the vibrant colors and unique designs of the bikes, the images are a great reminder of the ride. One particular bike detail that fascinated me was how the needle tips of the speedometer matched the tank shade perfectly.
One of my fellow riders was breaking in his new daily ride, which added more excitement to the outing. Although we had to cut the ride short due to the throttle issue, it brought its own charm to the experience—it’s often these little hiccups that end up making for great stories.
Even though the ride didn’t go as smoothly as planned, the food we had afterwards definitely made up for it. After enjoying a hearty meal, we headed back home.
Once I returned, I took a moment to introduce my RD 200 to its larger sibling, the RZ 350. While there is only a 50cc difference on paper between the two bikes, the styling and engine performance felt like a completely different world.
The RD 200, which features 18-inch spoke wheels, had been updated with 17-inch alloys, giving it a lower stance that I really appreciated. It’s intriguing to consider just how much different these two motorcycles can feel, despite the close similarity in specifications.
As I spent time comparing the two bikes, I couldn’t help but notice small details like the unique fuel tanks and the overall design characteristics that separate them. These bikes not only look good, but they also invite admiration from other biking enthusiasts. They stand out in their own right and create a unique sense of pride among riders.
Through this experience, I have gained more insights into the world of motorcycles. Riding and caring for these machines is about more than just commuting; it’s about the community, the stories, and the experiences we share along the way.
