1985 Yamaha RZ500 in Florida

For Sale: 1985 Yamaha RZ500

What better way to celebrate a US national holiday than by drooling over a bike that never made it to these shores in the first place? Today’s machine is an all original Yamaha RZ500 – stone stock as claimed by the seller – with only 25,000 KM on the clocks.

The RZ500 was the GP fantasy bike for the everyman – provided you resided in a country where these grand machines were imported. With 500cc of V4, two-stroke goodness, the RZ delivered on the promise of performance and noise. Pitted agains the likes of the Suzuki RG500 Gamma and the Honda NS400R, the RZ500 held up well and continues to be a dream bike for many.

From the seller:
I am a long time bike collector and am paring down my collection. What you are bidding on is an unmolested survivor from 1985. It has the original turn signals, reflectors, exhaust pipes, wheels, forks, fairing, and air boxes. It also has the solo seat cover with the 2 up seat underneath. It is as close to box stock as you are likely to find. Most have had the fairing, forks, wheels, pipes, and all sorts of things replaced, repaired, or modified. The only changes from stock are an aftermarket windshield and stainless steel brake lines. There is a crack in the tab that holds the solo seat cover on that is shown in the photograph. There is a small crack above the right mirror that didn’t show up well in the photos.

At the most recent 25,000 km inspection the following work was done:

Major 25,000 km inspection

Adjust Autolube pump

Check operation of YPVS valves

Replace coolant

Replace brake fluid

Replace spark plugs

Rebuild and Sync carbs

Change transmission oil

Replace fork seals and oil

Adjust steering head bearings

Clean fuel petcock

Replace air filter

Replace battery

Included with the sale are a few spare parts that I have accumulated over the years. A spare set of wheels and tires, front fender, fork legs, tail fairing, and an electronic version of the shop manual (also a printed copy if I can find the darn thing).

This bike is a real treasure. Good luck with the bidding.

RZ500s do not come cheap. Prices have risen considerably in years past, and a plated and titled stocker is worth its weight in gold. Given, the plates and title do not mean a thing for the few million residents of California, but for most of the nation this is a real grey market bike that you can own, register and ride.

This auction is on right now, and the current bid is up to $7,000 with reserve still in place. Bidding has been moderate to heavy at this time, so don’t expect to pick this one up for a song. Still, there are too few RZs in this country to start with, and even fewer in stock condition. If that means something for you, this is the bike you have been waiting for. Click the link to jump over to the auction, and good luck!

MI