Description
Click here for an instaVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1984 Yamaha RZ500, which is located in Spring, Texas.
A full photo gallery for this RZ500 is available here for your perusal.
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).
The RZ/RD Owner’s Group is an excellent source of information, but specifications of the stock bike may not directly apply here as this Canadian-market example (VIN: JYA52X006FA000222) has been impressively modified over the years by an owner who clearly understands the model. Purists don’t have to fear as all the original parts are included with the sale, but this bike is well setup to enjoy as a rider as all common complaints with the RZ500 have been addressed.
The motor has approximately 6,500 miles on it after being rebuilt by Lance Gamma almost a decade ago. Soon after the motor was redone, it lost a seal. Rick Lance took it back and put new pistons in it. While that was happening, the seller restored the frame (including a repaint). Fueling is taken care of by Rick Lance oval bored carbs with tripod filters (jetted for sea level) and Ivan’s Performance Products needles while exhaust gases are expelled by Tommy Crawford expansion chambers that shave off nearly 30 pounds from the stock setup.
The original shock has been replaced by a Wilbers unit with remote reservoir and ride height adjustment, and the underdamped OEM forks have been beefed up with Race Tech valving and springs. Yamaha FZR600 wheels allow for 17″ rubber, and they are currently adorned with new Pirellis.
Additional improvements include a Lance Gamma Supplemental Radiator, Lance Gamma Supplemental Petcock, additional in-line check valves, Renthal grips, EBC Double-H sintered superbike brake pads and a MPH speedometer that currently reads under 26,000. True mileage on the chassis is not known at this time but we are working on confirming it.
The seller is a passionate RZ fan who also owns an impressively customized RZ500 track bike that was once featured on Motorcycle.com after he let then-Editor-in-Chief Kevin Duke spin a couple of laps with it at Circuit of the Americas. Buy this bike to help fund more goodies (like carbon wheels) for his exquisite custom!
Cosmetic flaws are limited to cracking in the clear coat in the blue stripe on the tank and a bellypan that has seen better days. Several photos of the current condition are included and they show some cracks, but the seller is including an additional bellypan that’s said to be either “new or very well redone.” A replacement seat cowl is currently fitted as the original cowl (included) has a broken tab, but the seller has the tab if you wish to re-attach it.
ADDITIONAL VIDEOS:
Got any RZ500 stories? We’d love to hear them below in the comments! Or, let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to answer them for you!
