Location: Fullerton, CA
Miles: 26,206
Price: Current bid of $5,700 with reserve
Do you have a secret desire to become a MotoGP rider from the early 80’s? This RZ500 could be the first step to actualizing that dream. When Yamaha released the RZ500 back in the day, it was the closest thing you could get to their GP bike. There is something about the words “500cc” and “two-stroke” next to each other that gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside.
When I first saw the bike up for grabs here, something didn’t sit right. Then it hit me that it didn’t have the original plastics. Instead it appears to have Airtech upper and lower fairings as well as their solo tail section. I would be interested to know if the seller has the original plastics since there is no mention of them in the for sale ad. What this bike lacks in original pieces, it makes up for it with the ‘golden ticket’ that is the California title. You can hop on it and cruise around looking for RG500’s to tangle with.
From the seller:
“You are bidding on my rare canadian california titled yamaha rz 500 v4 liquid cooled Gp two stroke motorcycle. motorcycle runs superb. As you might know these bikes were never sold in the u.s market and had to be imported from canada.
Motorcycle has a clean california title which means its legal to ride in all 50 states which is hard to comeby these days, with so many regulations regarding the enviornment. The bike just recently had a new top end done to it, has about 10 hrs on it only. The bike has 42,175 km which is equal to 26,206 miles. I have the pink slip on hand. Registration is valid till Nov of 2011, bike comes with upgraded turn signals which look better than the ugly stock ones that stick out. this gives the bike
a more street oriented look which it deserves. The fairings are in good shape with minor scrapes and a few scuffs which is normal for a 26 yr old bike. The brake system is stock but works great , rotors are in excellent shape and the brake pads have alot of life left in them. For the most part bike is mostly stock with the exception of front tzr 750 style red fairings and upgraded spec 2 expansion chambers. tires are in very good shape with alot of thread on them. Motorycle also comes equipped with (autolube) feature; direct oil injection which is fully operational and works fantastic. bike has been run on yamalube 2cycle oil and has the ypvs systems which works fantastic and helps put out an insane powerband unlike any other bike i have ever been on, gets alot of attention.”
Though it is not in bone stock condition, the bike appears to be fairly well cared for. It currently has a bid of $5,700 with the reserve still in place. Good condition RZ500’s seem to go for around $9k, so it will be interesting to see what this bike with the different body work will go for. But it does have a CA title, which is a big advantage for someone looking to enjoy the bike the way it was meant to be. Take a look at the auction here and place you bid!
-JS
