Location: Enterprise, Alabama
Mileage: 14,003
Price: Auction, BIN $4,600
We have seen a few of these recently here at RSBFS, and they are written up for good reason. Not only are they a US import two-stroke (a hard thing to come by) they are also the signature series bike for “King” Kenny Roberts, a Grand Prix racer that stormed onto the scene and dominated from the start. King Kenny stepped up and interrupted european dominance in Grand Prix racing and was the first American to take the title. A true legend. The bike itself is the opportunity to own a great performing two-stroke with a stellar racer’s name on it.
Here’s some information from the seller-
1985 Yamaha RZ350 YPVS. 2 cylinder, 2 Stroke water cooled sport bike. This RZ is in nice shape and runs well, 14,000 original miles.
. If you are considering adding an RZ350 to your collection than you want a 1985 as opposed to the 1984 model. The 1984’s had a failure prone ignition system which was sorted out for the 1985 model year. This RZ is in nice condition and runs well, has never been dropped or wrecked. Everything works as it should including turn signals. Yamalube oil injection system still in use with new pump.
This RZ has been well taken care of and is currently registered and titled in Alabama. Many new parts including new tires, new brakes, new fork seals, new trailing arm bushings. Complete Top End engine rebuild including new pistons done 1500 miles ago.
Many performance parts: SPEC II exhaust chambers, Thunder Jet stage III Carb jet kit, K&N Y boot intake filter system, TDR Carbon Fiber Reed valves, Stainless Steel brake lines, 16 tooth front sprocket, Corbin solo style seat.
Stock parts included: Stock exhaust system, Stock black seat, Stock 17 tooth front sprocket, Stock horn set.
Flaws: Front of gas tank had fuel spilled on it while paint was still fresh, it was touched up but is visible. I took a close up picture so that there would be no surprises. One scrape on the left side of the upper fairing.
The maintenance on the bike seems to be fairly thorough and the seller highlights changes to the bike along with stock parts included. To me this shows the seller is aware of the potential value of the bike in its original condition. While many bikes benefit from modifications, collectors are going to be more and more picky, especially as values climb. The seller highlights the flaws that exist too, which I also like to see.
Here’s some more pics-
Considering the maintenance performed on the bike and the mileage, it seems the sellers BIN price of $4,600 is right in the ballpark. You may want to get some more detail on the issue with the paint on the tank, but otherwise it looks to be a clean bike.
I stated my case as to why I like these bikes and why they earn their place here at RSBFS. It’s up to you now. If you like what you see, make a move and make the jump!
-RN
I love these…and I hate California DMV.