A perennial fan favorite, the RZ500 is one of those bucket list bikes. Never officially imported into the US (but widely avaiable north of the border), the big RZ was touted as a GP replica bike with headlight and turn signals. In truth the bike has often been depicted as a bit more pedestrian than that, although with 500cc of V-4, two stroke power there is much to recommend.
1984 Yamaha RZV 500
From the seller:
1985 Yamaha RZ500
All Original
Very low miles
Aluminum Frame
Never Raced
Never Dropped
Comes with brand new set of Japanese body work, tool kitIf you want an unmolested and original collectors item, this is the item for you
Reluctant Sale
There is something that jumps out of the seller’s text, and RZ afficianados will see it instantly. The words “aluminum frame” change the game here. RZs headed for North America and Europe had mild steel frames painted grey to approximate aluminum. Only the Japanese home market bikes – the RZV designation machines – had actual aluminum frames. The Japanese bikes also had de-rated powerplants, so the hot ticket is a Europe/North America spec engine and trans in a RZV chassis. Even so, an actual RZV is a rare bike amidst rare bikes. With an aluminum frame and the requisite RZV bodywork, this is an RZ you don’t see every day.
Besides the frame what else makes a RZV trick? The front fork is adjustable for air pressure as well as rebound, there are numerous additional aluminum bits such as brake lever, gear shift lever, clip ons, etc., and the bike came with stock braided brake lines instead of rubber. The report is that when compared to an exported RZ500, the RZV500 weighed in at close 30 lbs less! I’ll bet that shows up while riding.
This bike is available now in Ontario, Canada. Bidding has been moderate, but there is still a ways to go on the auction. The current price is a mere $8,200 with reserve still in place. We do not see the Japanese market RZV machines often, and this is a good opportunity to pick up what looks to be a nice bike. Click the link to jump over to the auction, and good luck with the bidding!
MI
Nice looking jdm, would not mind having it my collection.
The RZV also had a button activated fuel gauge that reads in the temp gauge!
The electrics need to be replaced to get the bike up to horsepower.
nice bike!