1985 Yamaha RZ500

SOLD FOR: $16,264

Seller accepted post-auction offer.

Sold on April 3, 2023

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Description

Additional photos of this Yamaha RZ500 are 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).

This example is VIN: JYA52X000FA005027. The seller acquired it in 2015 from a private party in Hamilton, Ontario.

During his ownership, the seller has covered 300 miles. He states that this is the approximate mileage on the engine after the rebuild. The odometer shows 50,072 kilometers (31,113 miles).

Maintenance:
The seller reports that “everything was restored to original condition. I kept all the bills. Any rubber part on the bike was replaced with Yamaha parts if they were available. Things still available from Yamaha were bought, eg, front brake master cylinder, chain case, chain, all wheel bearings and seals, flasher light, mirrors, too many to list.”

Modifications:
Per the seller: “Since it was raced it had the incorrect wheels, I got a set of original gold color wheels, also the expansion chambers were removed and replaced with original pipes. The tank was coated on the inside with special epoxy.”

Cosmetic Blemishes:


The seller notes that he “put all new decals on the bike” and that “some minor mistakes were made, which you can see in the pics.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 3014 and 0417.

The sale includes four keys.

The sale also includes a service manual and a box of assorted spares.

Currently located in Goodwood, Ontario, Canada, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Ontario title.

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

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