Description
Update 8/24: The seller has lowered the reserve price. Next bid meets reserve.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1984 Yamaha RZ350. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
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. US models were specifically marketed as Kenny Roberts replicas with the legendary “speedblock” livery and Kenny’s signature on the front fairing.
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.
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: JYA48H006EA000591; Engine: 48H000591. The seller purchased the bike from a private party out of Ohio approximately five years ago and states, “I and a good friend bought it as a project to do together. We enjoy resurrecting interesting motorcycles. We elected not to do a full nut and bolt restoration on this motorcycle. It looked to be a very good candidate for a resurrection into a enjoyable rider that would easily garner attention at a local bike show. So, as such it has normal wear and tear expected for its age.”
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 100 miles. The odometer shows 15,153 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller has provided the following detailed breakdown of the worked performed on this bike:
Gas Tank:
-The tank had not been drained while the bike had sat prior to our acquisition. Rust had formed on the inside and the gasoline had turned into something like varnish. The rust on the inside of the tank was removed via electrolysis.
-Paint on the tank had bubbled due to a prior inadequate repair; it appears that the right hand control switch may have dented the tank and pinholes had formed over time.
-The tank was stripped to bare metal and both the dent and the pinholes were leaded.
-We squirted fresh paint on the tank and applied new decals, unfortunately the decal wrinkled, luckily in a hard to see location on the lower right front corner.
Carburetors:
– Cleaned, vapor honed and rebuilt with many new parts.
– A variety of jets were purchased and accompany the bike. The installed jets are the middle of the range as suggested by Spec II.
– New reed valves.
Electronics:
– New after market wiring harness.
– New wiring connectors as needed.
– New fuse holders.
– New adjustable turn signal flasher/relay.
– New turn signal dash indicator bulbs.
– New OE replica turn signal housings.
– Fettled turn signal switch so that it works.
– New battery.
Brakes:
– The entire brake system: calipers, master cylinders and lines, both front and rear have been rebuilt with all new parts. – The sight “glass” for the front master cylinder reservoir was also replaced.
– The calipers and master cylinders were coated with GunKote; this coating is claimed to be impervious to brake fluid.
Rubber:
– Fresh tires (Avons).
– Grips.
– Fork seals.
– Rubber seals, covers, washers, hoses, etc were inspected and replaced as needed.
Other:
– Water Pump kit.
– Oil pump lines and clamps.
– Exhaust pipes: Spec II Classic chambers that were ceramic coated with polished stingers (they sound great…).
– Replacement radiator and radiator guard.
– New sprockets and chain.
– Gaskets, bolts, nuts, clamps were inspected and replaced as needed.
– New mirrors.
– New fuel petcock and knob.
– New shift arm and assembly.
– New right passenger foot peg bracket.
As we did the work ourselves, the only documentation we have is in the form of receipts for parts and some pictures of work in progress, primarily gas tank and brakes.
Modifications:
Lockhart Phillips Speedscreen.
“Spec II expansion chambers and polished silencers. Better breathing air intake and filter.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon RoadRider tires with date codes of 3718 and 2519.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Liberty Hill, Texas, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Texas title. Have any RZ350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
