Description
Please note: This RZ350 was prepped for storage under previous ownership. As such, there will be no cold-start/running video.
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.
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: JYA48H006EA001871. The seller acquired the bike through an online auction approximately four months ago. He states that “This is the RZ350 that Larry Trow raced with NOCAM Racing at Portland International Raceway in the late 80’s.”
There is no odometer. True mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “The bike has been completely gone through with fresh paint on frame, engine and fiberglass body panels. Complete rebuilt engine top and bottom including new OEM Yamaha crankshaft and new Wiseco pistons, etc.. Bike also has new DG pipes, new Avon tires… Too much to list. Bike has Zero hours since rebuild, it was test run and then drained of gas for proper storage.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had our service department perform a safety inspection. They note the following in their condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 0414/3213
Tire % Front/ Rear: 99/99
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 33/33
Brake % Front/ Rear : 70/90
Front hydraulic fluid: EMPTY
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: SEIZED
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: CABLE
Oil: EMPTY
Coolant: EMPTY
Fork: VERY MINOR LEAK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: NONE
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: UNKNOWN
Notes:
• RACE BIKE ONLY
• FOX SHOCK
• PREPPED FOR STORAGE (NO FLUIDS)
• REED BLOCK/CARB JOINTS COMPLETELY SPLIT APART
• REAR MASTER OR CALIPER SEIZED, REAR WHEEL DRAGGING
• ENGINE ROTATES AND HAS COMPRESSION
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Fiberglass bodywork, custom paint, Zero Gravity windscreen.
Not pictured: Wiseco pistons.
It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 3213 and 0414.
The sale includes Larry Trow’s riding gear (leathers, helmet, boots), sponsor stickers and numbers, as well as a scrapbook containing race data, interviews, and pictures.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any RZ350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!