1984 Yamaha RZ350

Description

Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1984 Yamaha RZ350. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

In the 1980s, tightening emissions requirements started to kill off the two-stroke motorcycles we knew and loved. Yamaha’s last gasp was the RZ350, which was able to sneak through thanks to the industry’s first inclusion of catalytic converters integrated into the exhaust system. US models were offered in 1984 and 1985 and were specifically marketed as Kenny Roberts replicas with the legendary “speedblock” livery and Kenny’s signature on the front fairing.

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, resulting in over 40 horsepower at the rear wheel. There wasn’t much in form of competition for the RZ in the mid 80s, and Cycle World called it a ‘perfect 10 on the fun scale’ when it was their cover bike in July of 1984.

Estimated production of these bikes was around 20,000, 9,900 of which were built in 1984.

This example is VIN: JYA48H00XEA003963. The seller acquired it from Iconic in August 2020.

During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 500 miles. The odometer shows 226 miles (and the trip meter shows 70, which is what the bike has covered since a complete engine rebuild). The chassis has roughly 25,750 miles.

Maintenance:
On January 21, 2021, the seller installed new Dunlop D404 Tires with 2020 date codes, rebuilt the carburetors, installed a Koso EGT gauge, VForce4 carbon reeds, new fuel lines, new EBC brake pads, and flushed the brake fluid.

The seller rebuilt the engine in September of 2022, with work that included “welded Hot Rods crank/rods, Wiseco pistons/rings, good used 31K UK Yamaha cylinders (64.5mm), Yamaha headbolts/studs, Mad Biker Designs Power Valve & connector, Yamaha Power Valve seals, Covacha Rasin Tin o-ring cylinder head (set squish to 1.0 mm), Yamaha shift fork, FAST shifter upgrade, Yamaha lower rubber engine mounts, Motul Gear Oil, new factory seals everywhere. Fixed Speedo/Odometer. New Yambits speedometer and tachometer cables. Rebuilt petcock. GPI Racing aluminum radiator with Engine Ice Coolant. Have only run 32:1 premixed race gas since engine has been rebuilt (oil injection does still work).”

Modifications:
Spec II expansion chambers.

Stainless brake lines, Telefix fork brace.

Aftermarket steering damper.

Zeeltronic programmable ignition/power valve system (CDI-RZ1 + VCDI04)

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

The sale includes one key.

Currently located in Lancaster, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through January 2023.

Have any RZ350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!