Location: Dana Point, California
Mileage: 6,513
Price: Auction, $14,999 BIN
For older guys like me, MotoGp or really Grand Prix racing was all about the two stroke 500. I cut my teeth on guys like Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan and the like. The two stroke machines were truly exotic for me as they were never a part of the US bike scene. They were just beasts out on the track that were hard to tame. So when I see a bike like this, I just get nostalgic for those days. I love MotoGP now, but something about it has become tamer, less thrilling. This bike kind of brings it all back.
Let’s just get straight to the description from the seller-
*ATTENTION COLLECTORS*
1984 RZ500L in Stock, mint Original condition and presents extremely well. I have always wanted to own one of these MotoGP Race Replicas and being a two-stroke, four-cylinder; it’s the ultimate Yamaha from the 1980’s. The bike goes as you would expect a 500cc V4 2 stroke to go, bloody fast. I have the shop manual, owner’s manual, original keys, and toolkit and rare, optional factory seat cowl included. When I discovered it 8 years ago, it was like walking back into the showroom, and unlike some, I chose not to buy an abused or race modified example and then spend thousands in parts and time trying to restore what I patiently waited years to find. The only non-original items on this machine are the brand new, Bridgestone BT-45 tires, currently among the best tyres money can buy for the RZ500; I’ve taken great care not to detract from its originality. Included are the original tool kit, owner manual, and shop manual. This RZ500 is operates better than any two-stroke that I’ve ever owned since 1979. This RZ500 uses its original airbox, original oil injector system, and original factory exhaust expansion chambers. This RZ500 is insured in my name for several years and is sold with a clear, transferable Australian title. A modified Yamaha RZ500 sold on eBay 5 weeks ago for $24,500 so they are a fast appreciating classic bike.
Vehicle Condition
It’s really got to be one of the nicest original RZ500’s in America. The pictures speak for themselves. It’s never had chambers or other modifications. The engine and frame numbers match. This bike is a turnkey, one or two kick ride-a-way. There are no unusual top end noises. All instruments and lights work with the bike itself needing absolutely nothing! All rubber components to include the hand grips, grommets, are all original, and display no signs of dry rot or fade. Brilliant original Yamaha OEM red/white paint is in unbelievable condition and it looks as bright as new! All components to include the exhaust, handlebar, signals, signal lenses, etc. are in the same condition. The head, carburetors, engine block, and aluminum components have no visible rust. The gloss engine side covers are brilliant condition. A few little blemishes here and there but that is from being a 28 year old vehicle and moved around from time-to-time. The speedometer reads 10,483 kilometers or 6513 actual miles. The video shows a cold morning start up and engine operation on December 5, 2011.
Terms of Sale
Cash Only Sale, no cash, no sale. You will immediately be given the title, keys, and manuals upon receipt of full cash payment. The bike must be collected within 14 days of purchase. This is a 28 year old motorcycle, and as such, is being sold with no warranty expressed or implied. I’m located just 60 minutes from the Port of Los Angeles and can deliver anywhere within California or Nevada/Arizona for my costs. It is available to be picked up. Shipping of the motorcycle is strictly the responsibility of the purchaser. I will assist in whatever capacities I can. I am open to reasonable offers.
And now the photos-
And video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26uSMrNfZro
So this bike looks like something for all the collectors out there or anyone who wants a clean, rare RZ500. Everything seems to be there and in excellent condition. It’s gonna run you $15k if you decide to buy it now. And that’s a serious chunk of change. The market on bikes like this can fluctuate quite a bit, depending upon condition. But bikes in this kind of condition are hard to find and will command a premium.
So it’s up to you. If you have the means, and you dig these bikes, check this auction out!
-RN
Great bike, great condition, but ” clear, transferable Australian title’ does not mean much in the quest to get the bike titled in the US.
Depending on the US state the buyer is in, the titling process can range from simple and do-able to practicly impossible.
Transfering a US state title is a lot easier. This bike may have to be tackled as a 25+ year old “new” import.
I would love to own 1, caught up to one in town back in the 80’s, got to the highway and left me in the dust, I have always wanted one since then
G’day mate,
From OZ, mate got one myself. I’ve had this beast since ’87 and after an owners manual. Can you help out. Original or good copy. Prepared to pay good ozzie dollars!
Cheers,
Wes.