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).
Manufactured in November of 1984, this example is VIN: JYA52X00XFA004323. The owner got it four years ago in an estate sale.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us rebuild the forks, install a new battery, replace the spark plugs, rebuild the rear caliper, clean the front calipers, flush the front and rear brakes, flush the coolant, change the oil, install new Pirelli Angel GT tires, and install a new dash swap out the tachometer as the original tach was not functioning. The odometer shows 1,291 miles, true mileage is unknown.
8/31 Update: We apologize, however we had the description wrong. The correct information is: the original tachometer was not working so we purchased a used gauge cluster on eBay: The used cluster.
Olly only swapped out the functioning tachometer, not the entire dash. The odometer shows 1,291 miles, however it’s our guess that it represents mileage after a previous restoration. True mileage is unknown.
Olly did the work, he notes that the brake pads are at 100% front/rear and that the battery, coolant, oil, lights, horn, and kill switch are OK. There’s also a manual fan switch which was tested and works.
Modifications:
At some point this bike was restored – it’s quite clean and the frame has been powdercoated black.
The front end is off a Yamaha FZR1000.
JL exhaust.
Brembo rear master cylinder.
Manual fan switch.
The oil injection system has been deleted – this bike runs on premix only.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
It is missing the right side airbox cover.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Angel GT tires with date codes of 4421 and 4821.
The sale includes five keys.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean Illinois title. Have any RZ500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
