Update 2.5.2013: After selling for $9k, this RZ500 is back on eBay after the buyer couldn’t put together the funding. Good luck to buyers and sellers. -dc

While good friend and co-worker Ian may not be stuck in the 1980s, I am happy to languish in that era for as long as magnificent two strokes such as this RZ500 are still available. Cue up the Miami Vice soundtrack and staple the Delorean poster to the wall; we’re going back in time to when bad-ass 500cc smokers roamed the streets (of countries other than the USA).

One of the best views in all of motorcycling. What’s up calling this beauty an antique???

The RZ500 was a bike commemorating Yamaha’s success in 500cc GP racing. Offering a half-liter of V-4 configured power, the overall package was visually striking, but not exactly cutting edge. The perimeter frame is mild steel (only the Japanese market had access to the RZV model, with aluminum frame). The front wheel is a GP-inspired 16″ unit, but that was more fad and fashion than performance. Power was good enough, but the decades that followed offered knowledge and tuning prowess that can really wake up the beast inside of the bike.

From the seller:
Up for auction is my prized 1985 RZ500. If you are reading this you probably know what this bike is and how rare it is to find one these days. Cosmetically the bike is in nice condition for its age, with only 18565 km (11603 miles) on the clock. All the lights, blinkers, horn, etc operate properly. The motor was recently (October 2012) treated to a complete rebuild by Lance Gamma, the premier and world-renowned RZ/RG tuner. The carbs were also completely rebuilt by Lance Gamma. All the proper specs and adjustments were dialed-in, and about 150 miles have been put on the bike since the rebuild. Starts on the first kick, idles smoothly, and runs and shifts perfectly. Surprisingly fast for a 500 when you get it up into the band, and combined with that great 2-stroke sound we all love, makes this bike a blast to ride! Other Lance Gamma treats added during the rebuild are his RZ-specific auxilliary cooling system upgrade that keeps everything running cool, and his supplemental fuel petcock upgrade. The bike is located in Montross, VA 22520, and prospective buyers can inspect it prior to the end of the auction.

I don’t need to tell you that the big RZs are hot property right now. This one looks very clean, and any time Lance breathes on a bike you know it will perform. Although there are reports that the front fairing is not a stock unit, the overall presentation is very clean and the seller is willing to provide additional photos for distant buyers, or open it up for an inspection for local buyers.

Definitely a good looking bike. Not sure I like the mini turn signal stalks.

This auction is nearing the end, and the current bid is only $8,500 with reserve still in place. There are a fair number of bidders involved thus far, and I suspect the frenzy will build as we get down to the final few hours. For your chance to check this one out, click the link and jump over to the auction. 2013 is turning into a banner year for two strokes – you might want to grab one before they all go away!

MI