1984 Yamaha RZ500

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1984 Yamaha RZ500.

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).

If you’d like to know more, the RZ/RD 500 Owner’s Group is an excellent source of information and as well as this article explaining some of the best improvements one can make for the bike.

Manufactured May 1984, this example is VIN: JYA52X006FA000477. The seller has owned the bike 26 years and notes, “I love this bike and will hate to see it go, but the time has come. I put 30,000 kms on my first RZ500 and regretted selling it the day after.”

True mileage unknown. During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 6,000 miles. The odometer shows 24,846 kilometers (15,438 miles) and the seller states, “The odo that came on the bike showed 32,000 km.”

Maintenance:
Per the seller, “When I purchased the bike in 1999 (my 2nd RZ500), its condition was rough (understatement). I completely restored the bike and finished the project in 2008. Compared to my first RZ500 I removed from the crate in 1984, it is a completely different motorcycle. I have also stored the bike with ethanol free race gas – so there are no carburetor issues. This bike begs to be ridden.”

Modifications:
“The list of modifications is long, but includes: fully rebuilt motor (with some work done by Wilson Performance), added 2001 R6 front end and 17 rims, Penske shock, fork has Racetech internals, Euro Red/Black paint scheme. The Yamaha blue dot brakes from the R6 require only one finger, there is no nerve racking headshake coming out of corners and the 17 inch rims allow for modern tires that actually work.”

Inside of the tank:
“Cleaned and sealed by Fuel Tank Services in Florida in 2019.”

It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3 tires with date codes of 3213 and 4114.

“Buyer will receive 2 ignition keys, one seat lock key and one gas cap key. The bike will include a 25 year accumulation of new and used spare parts – including all the parts needed to return the bike to OEM configuration (forks, wheels, brakes, front fender, etc.) and the rare rear fender extension and OEM seat cowl. Also, I will include the bike chock and a workstand that was custom made in Canada back in the day.”

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“I noticed today that the tail light lens is cracked, but I have a spare used one. There are also some minor blemnishes on the frame paint.”

Currently located in Sacramento, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through February 2026.

Have any RZ500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!