Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame. The ’85 RZ was available in red/white and yellow/black – either option came with Kenny Roberts’ signature on the front fairing.
Estimated production of these bikes was around 20,000 – accidents and time have worn down that number significantly. You’ll note the YPVS acronym on the engine: that stands for Yamaha Power Valve System, a computer-controlled valve that could adjust exhaust port timing. This enabled increased torque at low RPMs while maintaining horsepower higher up in the rev band.
For more on what made the RZ350 special, check out this profile on Cycle World – they “said our July 1984 cover bike rated a “perfect 10” on the fun scale.”
This example is VIN: JYA1EL006FA001157. The seller bought the bike from a previous Iconic Motorbikes Auction.
The odometer shows 6,184 miles.
Maintenance:
In March 2024 Iconic performed service work on this bike that included a tachometer rebuild, sending the gas tank out for professional cleaning, adding the fork stabilizer and steering damper, fitted RaceTech fork internals, replaced the fork seals and rebuilt the forks with 20W oil. Upgraded the rear shock to the YSS unit, fitted the Galfer wave brake rotors x3, replaced the tires and spark plugs.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we cleaned the exhaust, serviced the carbs, and fitted a new speedometer cable.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok, <150 mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 35/23
Tire Date Code Rear: 04/23
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.88V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.05V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: Approx. 2 miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
*Aftermarket upgrades
-Racetech gold valve forks, rebuilt by RaceTech
-Fork brace
-Wave Galfer brake rotors
-Braided brake lines
-Billet cylinder head
-V-force reed blocks
-DG Exhaust
-YSS Shock
-K+N filters
REPAIRS PERFORMED:
-Exhaust removed, cleaned and dried
-Carb service
-New fuel needle and seat
-Speedometer cable replacement
Modifications:
DG exhaust.
Moto Tassinari VForce4 reeds, pod filters.
YSS G-Top shock, installed by Iconic.
Braided brake lines, Galfer rotors (x3), upgraded Race Tech fork internals, installed by Iconic. (Springs and Gold Valve Fork Emulators.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT46 tires with date codes of 0423 and 3523.
The sale includes one ignition key, the original exhaust, airbox, and several other spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through May 2027
Have any RZ350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
