Update 8.28.2018: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc
Although two-stroke sportbike production continued well into the 1990s in much of the world, here in the US the Yamaha RZ350 was pretty much the end of the line. Blame stricter emissions laws and progressively bigger and faster four-strokes in a country with very liberal licensing laws and no taxes on bigger bikes. Today’s Featured Listing RZ350 has classic black-and-yellow King Kenny Roberts graphics and aftermarket Spec II bodywork that gives it a more modern look, compared to the bikini-faired original.
The aftermarket full-fairing does more than provide style and wind-protection: it moves the mounting points from the bars to the frame to improve stability as well. The solo tail in particular looks like something from the later Yamaha sportbikes. It suits the bike, although the big 18″ wheels and skinny tires give the bike’s age away. The RZ really did bridge the gap between the old and the new, coming as it did between bikes like the old-school RD-series and the later, more modern FZRs.
The bike was sold in the US from 1984-1985 and followed Yamaha’s famous RD-series, adding liquid-cooling and Yamaha’s game-changing YPVS powervalve system to the mix. The 347cc parallel-twin made 52 claimed horses and weighed in at a svelte 370lbs wet, making it loads of fun on a winding road, although the two-stroke power delivery requires commitment to extract, since it peaks at 9,000rpm, redlines at 9,500, and is pretty much dead below 6,000.
This example is in excellent condition with very minor cosmetic flaws well-documented by the seller in the pics below. The bodywork is obviously not original, but the bike has been thoroughly maintained and thoughtfully updated.
From the Seller: 1984 Yamaha RZ350 for Sale
1984 Yamaha RZ350 2 Stroke
VIN # 00854
Engine # 00854
This low serial number RZ350 was purchased in Southern California two years ago. It has been garaged in the area since that time. It has the original engine and transmission plus many upgrades.
Just over 8000 miles on original engine.
Recently completed was a mechanical restoration and engine top-end rebuild by renowned RZ Oracle Cary, owner of RZ’s Unlimited. I have all receipts for the work done which are available via email upon request.
The bike has just 200 miles since restoration and must be broken in. I have all instructions from RZ’s unlimited for you to break in the engine. Rest easy knowing that your RZ was broken in properly.
Everything works on the bike and it starts up right away.
The bike runs like a dream.
Videos:
This RZ has the Spec II full fairing, Spec II exhaust pipes, and one-piece seat/tail section, clip-ons and aftermarket rearsets.
Tail section was hand-painted by Gerod, owner of Valley Kustoms: that is not a decal.
There is a small quarter-sized dent in the right side of the tank as well as a few small touch-up paint spots. The right side pipes have 2 small dents / dings which are pictured.
Great bike; ready to eat R1s all day long.
RZ’s Unlimited Work invoices available on request for serious buyers only
————————————————–
Bike is located at Iconic Motorbikes. Please direct any inquiries there and stop by to check out the bike.
4161 Lincoln Blvd
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
424.228.4148
Prices seem to be all over the place for RZ350s a the moment, but decent examples are still pretty affordable. The aftermarket bodywork may turn off purists, but anyone looking for a very solid bike with some mild performance modifications should give it a careful look. This RZ350 is located in Los Angeles at Iconic Motorbikes and is the very definition of a practical classic: performance is good enough to keep up with modern bikes on the road, and parts are relatively easy to source if you want to use it regularly.
-tad
