In the Canadian market, Yamaha sold the RZ350RN alongside the RZ500N – unlike the RZ350 we got in the US, the Canadian-spec bike featured styling that was very similar to its bigger brother including a full front fairing and a square headlight. In period advertising, Yamaha bragged about the new full fairing for 1985, as well as a new “power fender” design for better aerodynamics and a “close relationship” to the RZ500.
They also made it a point of showing off a 6-speed transmission, slotted double disc front brakes, improved swingarm, 20 liter “racing style” fuel tank, a “TZ style wide double cradle frame”, and aluminum cast wheels that allowed for wider profile wheels.
Yamaha claimed 59 horsepower from the 347cc liquid-cooled twin engine.
This example is VIN: JYA1AG008FA000692, Engine #: 1AG-000692. The seller acquired it from a local private party five years ago.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 7,000 kilometers. The odometer shows 45,118 kilometers , however it was replaced due to a malfunction. The seller states that the bike actually has 35,484 kilometers (22,048 miles).
“For collectors who know what they’re looking at, this is one of the special ones — a 1985 Yamaha RZ350RN Canadian market full fairing model, matching numbers, restored with intention, and kept honest as a rider. These bikes rarely surface in this configuration, and even fewer come with the right blend of originality, period correct details, and thoughtful performance work.”
Maintenance:
“Bike was completely rebuilt from the ground up. Frame was blasted and powder coated to the factory Yamaha red color. All parts on this bike have either been repaired, replaced and or refinished and power coated where applicable. Reproduction decals, new bearings front and rear, new o-ring gold chain and sprockets, new mirrors, new Yamaha grips. Engine was rebuilt 5 years ago, and recently rebuilt once again, with a brand new crank, pistons and a fresh hone. Bore is still 64.5mm. Retains the factory power valves. Egnine was just rebuilt as it was beginning to rattle – NOT rebuilt because it was blown up. Cylinders are original 31k, work completed by Kevin Kerr at Herr Jugs Racing. Bridgestone Battlax tires, rear approx 50% and front is very good, approx 80%+. Retains oil injection with a rebuilt pump, DG exhaust, intake with internal crossover, PWK flat slides, UNI filters. Wheels refinished with lathe cut edges to match factory. Everything was completed.”
Mechanical Issues:
“Rear shock may need a rebuild as it was replaced with a used one as the original was not salvageable. Fresh rebuild not because it was blown up, but it was beginning to get noisy, Tach is intermittent – have not found a suitable replacement prior to auction. Speedometer was replaced with a used one, due to a broken needle. Original mileage is shown in pictures and old speedometer is included in sale. Rear tire approx 50%. Oil dip stick did not come with bike when I purchased it. Used dip stick was drilled for racing wire at some point.”
Modifications:
Not pictured: stock cylinders ported by HJR, 64.5 mm bore, retains power valves, small 12v fan installed to help on hot days.
DG exhaust.
Keihin PWK carb, UNI air filter.
“Remainder of bike is stock down to the signals and reflectors.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires with date codes of 1219 and 1419.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys and the tool kit.
The sale also includes “an OEM Yamaha red seat, an orignal Yamaha solo seat cowl, however I did not obtain the seal cowl prior to the rebuild of the bike. The cowl requires some repair as shown in the images. No cowl brackets. Other included parts are: original speedometer, original carbs, original reeds, spare power valve servo with one cable and original cable cam, air box assembly, and front fairing stay. The fairing stay cracked due to vibration over the years and requires repair, however it is not twisted or damaged in any other way.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Very clean example of a 1985 Canadian full fairing RZ, however a few blemishes would be; Grips – Original Yamaha grips but worn from gloves. Small paint blemishes near fairing hardware as show in in the images. Windshield is original with no cracking however is showing its age at 41 years old. Rear set brackets were powder coated during the rebuild with a powder chrome and the chrome is beginning to wear. Shifter arm is slightly pitted. Rubbers on foot pegs could use replacing. Tank was coated with Red-Kote when rebuilt, not because it was leaking or rusted, only coated for trust concerns. 2 small chips on lower belly cowl from front wheel spray.”
Currently located in St. Andrews, Manitoba, Canada, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Manitoba registration.
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