Description
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: JYA52X009FA004328. Iconic Motorbikes acquired the bike from the owner in Canada, as we wanted to keep the bike on display at our Rhode Island facility. However, it needed a little fine-tuning, so we shipped it to Santa Monica, serviced it, and acquired a new Tennessee title. We’re making some room for an upcoming move so we’re letting this Yamaha go to a new home at No Reserve!
The odometer shows 11,042 kilometers (6,861 miles).
Maintenance:
The previous owner reported that the “original bodywork was repainted and the engine was rebuilt in 2016 at 7,210 kilometers” after which it was “freshened up in 2022 and then used for one season.”
In preparation for the listing, our service department changed the oil, flushed the brake fluid, flushed the coolant, replaced the chain, cleaned and synced the carbs, charged the battery, and installed a new Bridgestone Battlax front tire in March of 2024.
Our service department noted the following in their condition report from March 2024:
Gas Tank Internal: Conditional pass
Tire Year Front: 1020 / Rear: 1520
Tire % Front: 100% / Rear: 90%
Tire Press Front: 32PSI / Rear: 36PSI
Brake Life Front: 80% / Rear: 80%
Hydraulic Brake Fluid – Front: New; Rear: New
Transmission Oil – Level: Good; Quality: New
Coolant Quality -Level: Good; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Fork: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Drive Chain Condition: New
Battery: 12.4V Standing; 13.6V Charging
Test Ride: 3 KM, Unit operates as designed
Notes:
• Right side fairing has minor cracking
• Stone guard does not fit properly (will not be installed but included with sale)
• Tiny hole in the RH expansion chamber
• Forks are soft
Modifications:
Repainted bodywork.
The lower mesh grill is not installed but is included.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes.
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Have any RZ500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
