Description
Additional photos of this Yamaha RZ500 are available here for your perusal.
When Yamaha debuted the RZ500 (known in some other markets as the RD500) in 1984, it was arguably the first production race replica. Built to emulate Kenny Roberts’ YZR500 factory racer, the RZ500 was the closest thing two-stroke enthusiasts had to a GP competitor for the road…as long as you didn’t live in the United States of America. Emissions rules put in place by the EPA prevented Yamaha from selling the RZ500 in the US, so the select few we get to enjoy had to be imported (typically from Canada).
Manufactured in November of 1984, this RZ (VIN: JYA52X007FA004425) was originally sold in Canada. It is now offered by the fourth owner, who has had it since 2001.
The odometer shows 16,906 kilometers (10,505 miles).
“At the time I bought it the owner claimed he was the third owner and that the miles were original. The first owner had the bike until 1991 where it was mainly stored in an Air Force Hangar bay while he served over in Europe. The second owner bought it in 1991 but then sold it to the 3rd owner shortly thereafter because he bought a new house. The third owner sold it to me in 2001 so that he could put a new roof on his house. We all make bad decisions.”
“The bike was in Toronto, Canada. I trucked it over to the west coast of Canada and rode it down to the US where I got it registered and rode it on the twisties of Northern California on many weekends. That bike spent many a Sunday at the famous Alice’s Restaurant on Skyline Blvd…and on over on the famous La Honda Road to the PCH to Santa Cruz and thru the redwoods on Highway 9. An amazing ride on an RZ.”
“I got sent overseas, moved around a few times and the old beast sat in storage. I moved to San Diego and just moved it into my garage where it got a lot of corrosion courtesy of the famous Windansea Beach salty air.”
“I hope we can find her a new home and someone will bring it back to life. Maybe a cool resto-mod!”
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this RZ is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
