Description
Additional photos of this 1985 Yamaha RZ350 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.
Built in November of 1984, this example is VIN: JYA1EL005FA000582, Engine #: 1EL-000582.
The seller acquired it approximately a year ago from a private party in Carpinteria, California who owned the bike for fifteen years and had most of the upgrades done. During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 500 miles. The odometer now shows 27,889 miles.
Modifications:
Spec II front fairing kit (square headlight and tinted windshield) and solo seat. The seller also replaced the front fender to better match the stripe down the tank (original red fender included).
Toomey Racing Pipe Kit Version 3.0.
Fox shock with remote reservoir.
The forks were modified and re-valved by RZ’s Unlimited and set for a 150 pound rider with .90 kg Eibach springs and Race Tech Gold Valve emulators. It also has a fork brace.
Steel braided brake lines front and rear.
Full fairing with flush mount front turn signals.
The sale includes several stock parts as well as the original owner’s manual, service manual (which has split in half), Haynes workshop manual.
It also includes several maintenance records and receipts for parts from RZ’s Unlimited in 2012. Notes from the previous owner suggest that 400 main jets and 25 pilot jets were installed in September of 2019. Highlights of the 2012 receipts include:
– grab handle
– center stand
– Barnett clutch.
– UNIT Y-Boot filter
– OEM intake crossover pipe
– throttle cable assembly
– oil pump rebuild kit
– OEM oil tank
– “carburetor parts” ($173)
– Avon Roadrider tires (date codes: 5011 front/4011 rear)
– RK chain
– lower cowl emblem and YPVS tail graphic
– pre-owned powder coated steering yoke
Cosmetic Blemishes:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, this RZ is offered on a clean California title with registration current through March 2021.
The seller is paring down his collection and we’ll have a few more bikes from in the coming weeks. Have any RZ stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
