Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
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).
If you’d like to know more, the RZ/RD 500 Owner’s Group is an excellent source of information and as well as this article explaining some of the best improvements one can make for the bike.
Manufactured in November 1984 this example is VIN: JYA52X001FA004212. Best of all this bike comes with California plates and a clean CA title.
The odometer shows 26,564 KM which is 16,506 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we replaced the battery, cleaned and synced the carbs, changed the transmission oil and filter, performed a coolant flush/fill, hydro flush/fill, chain maintenance, we diagnosed an electrical issue and replaced the front brake switch, replaced the left foot peg assembly, replaced the tachometer, replaced the fuel lines and rebuilt the petcock, and we rebuilt the rear brake caliper.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: Ok, 1/3 Full
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, <150mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable Clutch
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: 75%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 37/07
Tire Date Code Rear: 24/08
Tire % Remaining Front: 75%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.30V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 12.94V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 7 Km, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
-Front: 120/80-16
-Rear: 130/80-18
Notes:
Cosmetic Imperfections:
-Small dents RH fuel tank
-Small chip on fuel tank, LH
-Road rash on RH bar end
-Nicks in RH engine cover
-Repairs to exhaust, RH
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
•Tires
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop ArrowMax GT501 tires which have aged out with date codes of 3707 and 2408.
The sale includes two keys, owner’s manual, service manual, parts index, extra rear sprockets, cush drive, two OEM mirrors, one aftermarket mirror, various gaskets, hoses, spark plugs, OEM rear set, license plate bracket, extra OEM springs and various additional 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 that will cost $152 to bring current through January 2026.
Have any RZ500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
