Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1985 Yamaha RZV500R. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The RZ was introduced in 1984 and 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). But the RZV is extra special, as it was a bike for the Japanese market that had some distinct changes.
There were minor ones – a switch that converted the water temp gauge into a fuel gauge, fork preload adjusters at the top of the forks, or the deletion of the self-canceling turn signals. But the reason RZ fans covet the RZV500R is because it also came with a hand-welded aluminum frame, which helped the bike weigh 20 pounds less than its international siblings.
This helped counteract a power cut – Japanese regulations required an output of no more than 64 ponies, which Yamaha enabled by restricting the exhaust and changing carb jets. Both things could be easily addressed to unlock the full claimed 87 horsepower.
Just 1,600 examples of the RZV500R were built. This example is VIN: 51X020273. The seller has owned the bike eight years.
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 22,485 kilometers (13,971 miles).
Maintenance:
The seller states he has cleaned and synced the carbs.
Modifications:
Not shown: Upgraded rear shock and front fork internals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental ContiGo! tires with date codes of 2316 and 3016.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Spicewood, Texas, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Arizona title. Have any RZV500R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
