Today we have a bit of two stroke fun located in California. The Yamaha RZV model was built for the Japanese home market only. Notable changes came with the “Z” descriptor, including an all-aluminum frame and a “made to comply with Japanese regulations” restricted output engine. From a chassis and weight department, the RZV is the model you want. From a power perspective, you wanted the export-market RZ500. In stock configuration, the RZV is the more rare of the two bikes, given that it was not exported widely outside of Japan, but any of the big RZs could be considered reasonably rare in the United States (where we sadly received none).
1984 Yamaha RZV500R for sale on eBay
From the seller:
1984 RZV 500R All Original!
For being 33 years old, this bike is in great condition!
All fluids have just been changed (Motor, Forks, Brake Lines, Radiator) at 5000 km. Brand New Tires!
Bike runs and drives perfect!
5192 kilometers on the dash = 3226 US Miles.
Bike was imported from Japan and sent to California in a shipping container years ago. I have no paperwork. Vin number is available upon request to verify status.
The seller notes fluid changes, but no mention of engine seals. These are the items that are both critical to proper engine function (and longevity) and the more costly items to replace due to the invasive nature of where they are placed. I would much rather ride an old smoker that has old fluids but new seals than the other way around. Thus, it would appear that while this bike has low miles and looks to be in great condition, some maintenance work will be necessary to avoid seizing due to an air leak condition.
This CA located bike is also missing something else that is critical; a title and plates. This may not be a big deal in some states (where a bill of sale will open the door to riding nirvana), but is a potentially huge issue in California where licensing regs are not so lax. CA plated bikes have a gold plating for a reason, and the lack of registration on this one does have some impact to value.
The good side, this bike looks to be in decent condition for the age. There exists the requisite corrosion that one would expect from a Japanese import; this is common to any bike that lives near the seaboard. The plastics look great (with a possible crack on the upper right side panel and a missing fastener which could spell a broken tab), as does the paint and seat. The stock pipes look a bit peppered (or possibly just dirty), but nothing extreme to my eye. Even the wheels look decent, and the bike comes shod with new tires.
The big RZs are the mainstay of the grey-market world here in the US. Values have been solid for the past several years, with truly excellent examples commanding the highest prices. Being all stock is a real plus for this bike; it can only be all-original once. The location might be a positive for some, but the lack of registration and title is definitely a minus. A CA plate could have added another $1-2k to the price tag. All in all, this appears to be a solid example of the RZV breed. The internet does not wholly agree at this time, however: Bidding is just over $6k with a few days to go, and the bike has not met reserve. The BIN is set for $14k – pretty high dollar for the model – so it is possible this seller will be holding out for a while. Check it out here, and then let us know which you would prefer: RZ or RZV? Good Luck!!
MI
RZVs are pretty rare, and well over $10k for most decent ones in Japan these days, I think $14k here is pretty reasonable, aint many of these things left. No title, but can probably be sorted out with some time and money!
Bikes have always been an easiest and most feasible mode of transportation because of its light weight and small size. It is the most affordable transportation too as compared to other vehicles. But when it comes to the sport bikes, the case is slightly different because sport bikes are not as lighter in weight as other motorcycles and not so affordable as well. Sport bikes are a known for their speed, acceleration, braking and cornering on paved roads. The sport bikes are much for speedy and thrilling than any other motorbikes.
By far the dreamiest bike on the planet… The title alone is priceless in the state of Ca. I remember the threat of “crushing” one of these if they (funazi’s) caught you riding them on the street… It would be parked in my living room…
Initially failed to sell with a top bid of $13,777. A re-listing SOLD the bike with a $14,400 Buy It Now.
Congratulations to the seller and the new owner!
– Mike