Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1985 Yamaha RZ350. Please note: The VINData report notes mileage at 30,675 in 2022. The seller says this is a mistake and says, “My dad died in January 2022, his wife transferred the bikes to her name a month or two later and wrote the wrong mileage it seems. She died six months after my dad did and I then transferred the bikes to my name.”
Only sold in the states from 84-85, the RZ350 was the first bike in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame. It was also one of the last street-legal two-strokes available in this country. US models were specifically marketed as Kenny Roberts replicas with the legendary “speedblock” livery and Kenny’s signature on the front fairing.
Estimated production of these bikes was around 20,000 – accidents and time have worn down that number significantly. You’ll note the YPVS acronym on the engine: that stands for Yamaha Power Valve System, a computer-controlled valve that could adjust exhaust port timing. This enabled increased torque at low RPMs while maintaining horsepower higher up in the rev band.
For more on what made the RZ350 special, check out this profile on Cycle World – they said, “Our July 1984 cover bike rated a “perfect 10” on the fun scale.”
This example is VIN: JYA1EL00XFA001114. The seller inherited the bike from his father and states, “My dad owned it since around 2010, I don’t remember exactly which year he got it. I have owned it for 1.5 years. This was one of his two 1985 RZ350s and the pair were always a highlight of his collection. My cousin and I never really liked riding them—they seemed too special to really let loose on—but wherever we went they caught everyone’s eye. Most of my dad’s collection were the bikes he dreamed of having in the mid 80s and 90s but didn’t have the money for. As soon as he could afford it, he went back and got everything he dreamed of owning as a young man. The two RZ350s were some of the most special of all. “
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 300 miles. The odometer shows 20,658 miles. The VINData report shows mileage of 30,675 miles in 2022, per the seller, “My dad died in January 2022, his wife transferred the bikes to her name a month or two later and wrote the wrong mileage it seems. She died six months after my dad did and I then transferred the bikes to my name.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “My dad was a mechanic and performed all maintenance.” In preparation for the listing, the seller had us repair the turn signal relay, flush the cooling system, flush the brake fluid, clean and lube the drive chain, and adjust the power valve cable tension.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: PASS
Engine Oil Level: GOOD
Engine Oil Quality: GOOD
2T Oil Level: GOOD
Coolant Level: GOOD
Coolant Quality: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: PASS
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 75
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 60
Forks: PASS
Shock/s: PASS
Tire Date Code Front: 2608
Tire Date Code Rear: 2608
Tire % Remaining Front: 80
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80
Tire Press. Front: 33
Tire Press. Rear: 33
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.14
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
•TIRES AGED
Recommended repairs:
•Replace F and R tires
Modifications:
Fox Twin Clicker shock.
Fox decals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 2608 and 2608.
The sale includes one key and boxes of various parts including: tail section, seat, rearsets, gauge clusters, turn signals, butt pad, carburetors, and more.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title. Per the California DMV website, it will cost $152 to bring California registration current through April 2025.
Have any RZ350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
