Description
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 are easily addressed and have been taken care of on this bike so you’ll get the full claimed 87 horsepower.
this example is VIN: 51X021145.
The odometer shows 6,110 kilometers (3,796 miles). The seller has put 500 miles on this example.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil, flush the coolant and brake fluid, adjust the 2T oil pump, and service the chain. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal: Ok
Tire Year Front: 2317 / Rear: 18/17
Tire Life Front: 100% / Rear: 100%
Tire Press Front: 30PSI / Rear: 32PSI
Brake Life Front: 60% / Rear: 50%
Hydraulic Brake Fluid Front: New Rear: New
Gearbox Oil: New
Coolant – Quality: New; Level: Good
Suspension Leaks: None
Drive Chain Condition: Ok, Cleaned
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: OK
Kill: Ok
Horn: Fail, Broken
Battery: 12.25V
Test Ride: 10KM, Bike operates as designed
Notes:
• Mild pitting on fork legs – No apparent leaks
• Some oxidation on aluminum frame, triple clamp, swingarm and rear wheel
• Lower fairings slightly melted
• Horn is broken
• Tachometer is not reading properly, shows approximately 1/4 actual RPM
Modifications:
This RZV500R appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires with date codes of 1817 and 2317.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Have any RZV500R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
