Only sold in the states from 84-85, the RZ350 was the first bike in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame. It was also one of the last street-legal two-strokes available in this country.
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.
US models were specifically marketed as Kenny Roberts replicas with the legendary “speedblock” livery and Kenny’s signature on the front fairing. This model, however, is wearing race replica Team Roberts Marlborough fairings.
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: JYA48H004EA001142.
The odometer shows 43,286 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we changed the 2T oil and filter, replaced the fuel with 93 octane race ethanol free fuel, performed a coolant flush/fill, hydro flush/fill, cleaned and synced the carbs, changed the sparks, rebuilt the petcock, and cleaned, lubed and adjusted the chain. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: UNKNOWN
Transmission Oil Level: OK
Transmission Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: OK
Coolant Level: OK
Coolant Quality: New, <150 mV
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: N/A
Turn Signals: Rear signals not flashing
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Tail 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: 04/15
Tire Date Code Rear: 10/15
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 34 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: None Installed – Capacitor
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
-Front: 90/90-18
-Rear: 110/80-18
Notes:
-VIN Hidden under removable, custom steering stop
-Cannot see into fuel tank, state of tank unknown
-Kick starter hits case and/or fairing in return position
-Forks have no dampening
-Oil pump is still attached
-Stock carburetors installed
*Aftermarket Parts Installed:
-Scorpion exhaust
-Pod air filters
-Battery eliminator installed – Capacitor!!
-Front rotors are warped
-Steering damper set ups is super dodgy
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Tires
-Diag/Repair turn signals not flashing
Modifications:
Pod Air filters. Battery Eliminator. (Not pictured)
Scorpion full exhaust system.
Race replica bodywork.
Scandinavian Brake Systems front caliper and steel braided lines.
Gustafsson windscreen.
Foam hand grips.
Öhlins steering damper.
Aluminum rear sprocket and Regina chain.
Carbon fiber gauge covers.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Road Rider tires which have aged out with date codes of 0415 and 1015.
The sale includes one key.
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 Minnesota title. Have any RZ350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
