Can you believe that this RZ500 is pushing 30? Iconic, collected, desired, and appreciating, the big brother to the RZ350 was never officially imported into the United States, much less into sunny Southern California. They were imported into Canada, however, and that is how so many of these beauties entered the US. The seller doesn’t provide any of his history with this bike, but I’m sure there is a pretty good story somewhere as this bike presents very well.
1984 Yamaha RZ500 for sale on eBay
From the seller:
This auction is for a very rare and near perfect 1984 Yamaha RZ500. Starts on the first kick and rides great. The paint and body are in immaculate condition, any scratch or crack in plastic have a photo included, minimal. JL exhaust look and sound incredible (Stock exhausts included with sale). Larger rims with modern sizes on the bike for superior handling (stock rims/tires included). Front tire is (Bridgestone Battlax 130/70ZR16M/C) Width (61W), rear is (Bridgestone Battlax 160/60ZR18M/C) Width (70W) with plenty tread (pic incl). All four carbs were rebuilt on 03MAR14 with new gaskets, jets, needle and has perfect idle. This legendary bike is hard to let go and even harder to find, I waited my whole life for this bike, now it must go to the next lucky bidder. Moving forces the sale, my misfortune, your luck. Please ask for any details that I have left out.
Once the “wow” factor wears off, there are some details that make me want to know more. There are less than 700 miles *kilometers* showing on the speedo. Could this bike really have been used so little? If so, why the pipes, wheels, tires and carb rebuild? The triple clamps show some oxidation, but do I detect some keychain rash as well? I want to believe. Seller seems open about fielding questions, so prospective buyers should take him up on that offer. This looks like a wonderful machine, and deserves a good home. Click the link for the auction details. Good Luck!
MI
Man, I have GOT to get one of these.
Careful what you wish for, MrMan. Strongly suggest that you ride one more than 5 minutes first- you may not be so excited at the RZ500 reality. The vibration, surprisingly heavy weight, 1980’s vintage wheel sizes, steering and handling, wooden braking, complexity and high parts/rebuild costs…all might not leave you so thrilled. They sure look and sound great though, so if you know exactly what you’re getting in to, I’m not going to be the turd in the punchbowl. What are you waiting for?
Haha Sixth!
I’m familiar with some side-effects of old tech with my ’84 RZ350 (KR). It is my only moto but I feel lucky to own it. It thrills me with its smells, vibrations and sounds of 9500 RPM followed by the popping runout.
The RZ350 parts are sort of expensive, but it really doesn’t need that many. When it come to a 500, I’m just a just a GP dreamer. I have young kids, a dog, and a little house in town… No way to afford asking price and headache of complexity just to add two more cylinders. Maybe I shouldn’t meet my hero since I get to hang out with his lil brother.
I have owned many RZ500 and RZ350, never liked the RZ500 that much even though I still have one. I think the RZ350 is a much better rider, or better yet the RG500 which is better in every respect. This one has 690 km on the speedo and the seller does not say anything about the miles. From looking at everything else I think its a high miles bike with a low miles speedo, beware!
Which sportbike that has appeared on this website you believe the buyer would get the most smiles per dollar paid?
Seller added a disclaimer on mileage today. ” ******The mileage indicates 669 miles, I am the 3rd owner, the bike originated from Canada, I do not have access to actual mileage other than what is indicated, please consider this when you bid as I am not able to verify/retrieve historical data and do not intend to mislead or misrepresent this bike in any way. Thanks******” Seems like a lot of money with a question mark that big.
For the money, the RZ350 is the best when it comes to a owning a street legal 2 stroke gp replica. If money is less of a concern, I would recommend a Rick Lance RG500 (big bore 59 mm kit, Nova tranny with updated clutch, bored carbs, updated wheels/tires/brakes, TC pipes, braced swingarm, Wilbers shock, racetech forks).
I agree although the RZ 500 makes beautiful sounds it was not a great handling ride! I much prefer my 250’s over it, I think a friend said it best when asked after ridding the RZ then the RG said the RZ was like ridding a DT250 and the RG was like a YZ250.
According to an article I saw a month ago from suzuki GB they are reproducing older nla parts from certain models. Model first up is the RGV 250 VJ21 and some of the GS models and it also said the RG500 C/H models.
Great as title of this blog ”30 years young”. In 1984 Yamaha RZ500 take place in motorcycle lover’s heart. The price of Yamaha RZ500 was US $3900 in 1984 with 499cc engine, 6-speed transmission, 5.8 gal. Fuel capacity and much more. But in the 2014 price is US $12000, It is quite high.