Please Note: This bike did not come with a 17 digit VIN originally and digits were added when the bike was imported to bring it to 17 digits for a title. There is no VIN report for this bike.
The RZ was introduced in 1984 and 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). But the RZV is extra special, as it was a bike for the Japanese market that had some distinct changes.
There were minor ones – a switch that converted the water temp gauge into a fuel gauge, fork preload adjusters at the top of the forks, or the deletion of the self-canceling turn signals. But the reason RZ fans covet the RZV500R is because it also came with a hand-welded aluminum frame, which helped the bike weigh 20 pounds less than its international siblings.
This helped counteract a power cut – Japanese regulations required an output of no more than 64 ponies, which Yamaha enabled by restricting the exhaust and changing carb jets. Both things could be easily addressed to unlock the full claimed 87 horsepower.
On the title, this example is VIN: JYA51X001FA020629. The frame shows VIN: 51X020629. The seller is the original owner. He purchased it new from Japan through Jack Calof of Exotic Motorcycle Imports in Torrance, California.
The odometer shows 30,946 kilometers (19,228 miles).
“Always been a two stroke RD lover since 1977. So when Yamaha came out with the RZV500R V4 in 1985 I had to have one. Bought it new in 1986 and have owned ever since. Really tough to see it go, but hoping someone who can appreciate it for what it is gets this bike. Ridden many different bikes in the last 50 years but nothing as exhilarating as this one. I’m moving and need funds for relocating, plus I don’t have room to store it. Hoping the next owner enjoys it for many years to come as I did. Truly a worthy piece of motorcycle history!”
Maintenance:
The bike has mostly been maintained by Hyper Cycle in Van Nuys, California. In 2021, he had Iconic perform a service which included installing Race Tech .85kg/mm fork springs, new fork seals, stock turn signals, carb clean/sync, hydraulic fluid flush, spark plugs, OEM bar ends, clutch cover gasket, flush transmission oil, flush coolant, refinish mirrors, and touch up some paint from a tip over.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean the carbs, apply silicone to the base of the aftermarket exhaust, install a new turn signal relay, and add 93 octane ethanol-free fuel. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Usable
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: Dirty
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok, <150 mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: MARGINAL, 3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Slightly dry/dirty
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
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: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 20/17
Tire Date Code Rear: 36/17
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.94V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.35V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 4 Km, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
-Front: 110/90-16
-Rear: 130/80-18
Notes:
-Braided front brake lines
-Aftermarket exhaust system
-Fuel tank is not perfect, but useable
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Tires
-Chain service
-Transmission oil service
-Hydro 2 (front and rear brake fluid)
Modifications:
Toomey exhaust.
Lance Gamma jetting, tuning and air filters.
Aftermarket cover on butt pad.
Braided front brake lines.
Renthal grips.
Dainese sticker.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Sport Demon tires with date codes of 2017 and 3617.
The sale includes one key and the stock exhaust.
The sale also includes several spares, stock parts, and OEM decals.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
It is missing the white “YAMAHA” decal above the headlight.
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 April 2026.
Have any RZV500R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
