Search Results for “rz 350”

Yamaha August 28, 2021 posted by Mike

Decisions Decisions Decisions: 3 different Yamaha RZ350s

In the topsy-turvy world of collecting, there are often times when very little that is interesting is actually available. Then there are times when everything is available at once. You just cannot predict what will become available and here at RSBFS we do what we can to bring you the best we can find. And just like earlier in the year when Ducati 851 models were springing up like weeds, there are other bikes that appear in numbers – such as today’s example of three different red/white RZ350s. Best known as the last officially imported two stroke into all 50 states of the US, the parallel twin successor to the late RD series offered liquid cooling and introduced the concept of an exhaust power valve. While none of these nearly 40 year old bikes will be first in line for an indoor parking spot at the Barber Museum, they still represent a desired milestone machine worth collecting. Let’s look at our contestants! In no particular order:

Bike #1 – 1984 Yamaha RZ350 – starting bid $6k

From the seller:
Beautiful 1984 Yamaha RZ350. Have not seen many of these around on here or locally.
Early build date of 1/1984.
Matching Engine and Frame numbers: 003191 (shown in photos).
7,750 original miles.
2-stroke, liquid cooled, very fun and unique sounding bikes.

Bike runs and drives as it should – carburetors recently cleaned, general maintenance performed.
Bike is mostly original, however it does have aftermarket pipes, air filters, rear directionals (oem appearance), mirrors.
The windshield does have a few minor scratches, and there is also a scratch near the fuel shutoff (see photo).
The tank had minor repair underneath as it had a small pinhole leak. The inside was sealed with Tank Kreem fuel tank liner.
The bike is not 100% perfect showroom condition, but it is close, and in overall great shape. The bike was in dry storage for 25 years.

Located in Maine, this particular RZ has traveled fewer than 8,000 miles according to the clocks. There is the usual form of usage and neglect apparent, although the seller has done a good job of cleaning up the bike. The photos show a bit of corrosion, and some of the expected mods – namely the replacement of the heavy and performance-robbing catalytic converter pipes in favor of proper expansion chambers. If done correctly in conjunction with airbox and jetting changes, this is the #1 performance mod to really wake up the RZ with no harm in longevity. For a museum collector this is a destructive mod that kills the value, but for a rider-quality example the rideability gain is a definite benefit. The seller claims it was in storage for 25 years, and no maintenance records are listed. Opening bid is $6,000 – which may sound like big money if you remember when you could snag a project bike for less than half of that, but those days are long gone my friend. The best part of this auction is that it has no reserve. Check out the details on this one here.

Bike #2 – 1984 Yamaha RZ350 – starting bid $5k

From the seller:
Running & Currently Registered, fires right up whenever I get a chance to use it. Sounds & shifts as it should.
– The motorcycle has 23,000 miles on it
– I bought this bike a few years ago planning on doing a cosmetic restoration. I’m no mechanic but the bike does not need anything major.
– The past owner had recently gone through the motor and it runs strong, has Factory Pipe Products aftermarket exhaust (Expansion Chambers) and is re-jetted for the exhaust system.
– The past owner also put on the current gas tank (dented a shown in pictures) because the original tank had rusted/leaked as so many RZ gas tanks did.
– I have some spare parts that I have collect that will go with the bike including a set of rear turn signals (current right rear is taped).
– Comes with a Yamaha Service Manual

Continuing our New England romp, this second RZ350 lives in Connecticut and has traveled a credible 23,000 miles. By the pictures one can conjure up a story of hard use, which is not uncommon with the model. Like the first bike, this one sports aftermarket exhaust chambers coupled with carb mods to maximize performance. Judging by the conditions shown in the photos, this is no museum bike. The tank tells a story of a bike being down – on both sides. The seller claims the tank was added later, which is plausible. Still, the non-stock side cover on the right speaks to potential damage replacement. The cylinder block is not painted, which could mean replacement or modification (i.e. bore and/or ported). With luck, the previous owner replaced crank seals during the rebuild process. A bit of a mystery, this RZ has a starting bid of $5k and no reserve. Check out all of the details here.

Bike #3 – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 – starting bid $7999

From the seller:
This 1985 Yamaha RZ350 is an original. The owner has had it for 1 year. The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for weekend rides.

This bike runs beautifully and has the smoothest shifting transmission I have ever seen on a Yamaha. Clutch is fairly new. Has some cosmetic defects but nothing major for an almost 40 year old bike. All gauges work as they should as well as instrument lights. Turn signals have been removed. Oil injection system works correctly. Bike maintains temperature as it should. You would be hard pressed to find a 1985 RZ350 bike that is mechanically better than this one.

Of the 3 bikes shown, this 1985 model is the most confusing. Early 1985 models had the red/white scheme that mimicked the black/yellow. There was a late 1985 California model that shared the earlier paint scheme and shipped with gold wheels, but all 1985 models had the Kenny Roberts signature on the fairing. Given the cosmetic condition of this one, it is likely that the fairing was replaced along the line (the tank shows evidence of a handlebar hit, scuffed cases, etc). The MRA marking on the cylinder block is another mystery – as best guess would indicate the Motorcycle Racing Association out of Colorado. But other than the exhaust tips, I don’t see any safety wire. I also don’t see a side stand. The stock pipes have been swapped out for expansion chambers, but I am not able to make out the brand. Showing 34,700 miles on the clocks, this looks to be a survivor with a hard past. Opening bid is $7,999. Check out all of the details here.

So which would you chose? Bachelor/Bachelorette #1, #2, or #3? The smart money says to get into the RZ game sooner rather than later, as the overall model series continues to gain in value with each passing year. And if you are looking for a pristine example, you already know these are not it. However a museum example will be asking more than double of this lot – which is a lot. Amidst this trio, I would first consider what my goals would be for the bike (i.e. realistically, a presentable rider). From there, I would look at each bike critically, searching for originality and completeness. If I was spending my dollars, I would put aside a few bucks as any of these three would require a leak-down test to check for compromised seals, as well as a contingent for general maintenance. But if I had to choose from those listed here, I’d likely chose them in order of presentation, even though Bike #2 is initially offered at a lower price. Simply put, Bachelor/Bachelorette #1 appears closest to stock, has the fewest miles and the least amount of overall damage. It will be interesting to follow these auctions to see where they end up. What are your thoughts? Is the RZ market one you might like to get into? Let us know in the comments!

Decisions Decisions Decisions: 3 different Yamaha RZ350s

Yamaha May 25, 2021 posted by Donn

Blue-Grey Smoker – 1989 Yamaha RZ350

Today’s RZ350 is the fully-faired F2 model which was never imported to the U.S. Looks like a very nice survivor which should be an easy import.

1989 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Water cooling let the RZ350 make better power with 63 hp, than its air cooled predecessor, the RD400. And the YPVS power valve stretched the power band, though reviewers reported a big character change at 6,000 rpm. Expansion chambers were factory equipment, as were multi-adjustable forks and pre-load adjustable MonoCross rear. Triple 260mm disks were appropriately sized and 18-inch wheels were cast in black aluminum. The full fairing had the same big side vents as the older brother RD500.

The RZ looks quite stock with astounding paint, if it’s indeed original. Details of the faux pas seems to be attributable to a single incident. Both blue and black seats have been seen with this livery, so this one might be factory, though most RZ350 rims have a polished edge so they may have been sprayed. Guess a magnetic tank guard will be a little late to the party but will cover those nicks. Comments from the eBay auction:

Legendary two stroke Yamaha bike in very good original condition (they are only original once as they say).

– Numbers matching – original motor, never taken apart – original tool kit

– Collector owned, stored in indoor heated space. Running and riding bike – has been out for use in 2021

– 11,000 original km (6835 miles)

– Oil injection functional (no need to mix gas/oil)

– Runs great – lots of power

– Canadian spec model – 2^nd last year of production

– Great colour scheme – never available in the USA (Canada’s run of RZ350 went from 1983 to 1990 whereas the USA only got them 1983 and 1984)

– Front brake rebuild 2021

– Tires are in good condition – needs nothing to pass safety certificate

Even though is was only here for a couple of seasons, the bikini-faired RZ was pretty popular, so imports aren’t all that common. The full bodywork hides the water-cooled mill and looks pretty racy to boot. It’s high ( reserve ) season, so we’ll have to keep an eye on where this auction goes.

-donn

Yamaha March 9, 2021 posted by Donn

Out in the Yellow Paint – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

A classic in part because it’s the last year of U.S. imports, Yamaha’s Kenny Roberts edition typifies two-stroke fun. Here’s a windy city example with low miles, excellent cosmetics, and Jim Lomas expansion chambers.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Yamaha had their air-cooled 350 in the house since 1973, but liquid cooling brought more stable cylinder head temperatures and better all-round running to the RZ. YPVS electrically tuned exhaust ports made for a wider torque band and 59 hp. The RZ had Yamaha’s first perimeter frame on a road machine, in steel tubing with a racer’s drop-in fuel tank. Other race-bred improvements like triple disk brakes and monoshock rear were making their way on to more popularly-priced bikes. Yamaha’s day-glow GP race livery reflected their Marlboro sponsorship, but the AMA series speed block livery is adorned with Roberts’ autograph.

Apparently for sale by owner, this beauty shows just half of the 25K miles a lot of RZ’s have, with just a couple of paint chips to show for 36 years. Throaty exhaust notes in the too short video posted – here –, and just a couple of comments from the eBay auction-

Kenny Robert’s edition, the most desirable year of the most desirable color combination Yamaha RZ 350. Very low original miles (12,647), clean title with owner of record since 1991 and matching VINs. Runs well, idles perfectly, fires up first kick and it was jetted for JL pipes.The bike is in overall in great rider quality condition, it has some very minor imperfections shown in the pictures below. The bike sits in my climate-controlled building and is available to view anytime.

Winning two Grand National Championships, and three World Championships ( and being runner-up in each once ), Roberts is a champions champion. There have been other yellow and black comemmoratives since the RZ350 was legislated out of existence, but this is still number one. For a fan of the man, the brand or the sport, a fresh-looking two stroke sportbike would be a great tribute to have in the garage.

-donn

Out in the Yellow Paint – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Yamaha February 25, 2021 posted by Donn

Out of Towner – 1986 Yamaha RZ350

Since the RZ350 was sold here until 1986, it’s relatively rare to see the fully faired rest-of-world edition. Though this example isn’t currently operational, it shouldn’t take much to bring it back to the living – not to mention California title !

1986 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

For 1986, the RZ350 used Yamaha’s 347cc parallel twin with their electrically controlled power valve, and revised porting and combustion chamber helped make 59 hp at 9,000 rpm. The lightweight rode on 18-inch alloys with air-adjustable forks and monocross rear. A perimeter chassis and swingarm were executed in steel tubing, with triple disk brakes. The full fairing was new for 1985, but 1986 saw a revised tail fairing which perhaps looked sportier in its simplicity.

Not seeming to be a dealer, this owner invites inspection at their home. The RZ shows very well, with 14,403 km’s or a hair under 9,000 miles. Finishes and plating indicate inside storage. Nicks and dings keep it from being a real show bike but once it’s back on the road, it would be a smashing rider or riding resto. Comments from the eBay auction:

The bike is the full fairing Canadian model that was imported here in the US and it comes with a clean CA title and non-op registration. The motorcycle is in excellent condition and has approximately 14K Kilometers which is equivalent to just under 9K miles. As shown in the photos, the bike is in excellent cosmetic condition with only minor blemishes to the paint as shown in the last photo.

The bike has been stored and was drained of fluids, so it will need a light service to get running including but not limited to a new battery, fresh fluids, and possibly a carb cleaning. The motor kicks over with great compression, the throttle turns, clutch and brakes are working, inside of gas tank is clean, electrical is working, etc. so it should not take very much to bring the bike back onto the road.

For anyone considering this bike as a collectors item or investment, the bike is a numbers matching (Vin to Engine) vintage motorcycle in mostly all original factory condition, this bike has not been restored but rather it has been on display and preserved for most of its life.

Can’t pretend to understand the RD / RZ / LC confusion, but the actual bike has made more incremental changes over the years and across continental divides. Meanwhile the two stroke Yamaha fun factor is un-parallelled. Bidding seems serious in this auction, with more than three days yet to run. The new owner will have a distinctive RZ350, and will get a chance to know it better during the re-commissioning.

-donn

Yamaha December 23, 2020 posted by Mike

Almost Famous: 1985 Yamaha RZ350

How much does star power help with motorsport sales? It helps if the figure connected with the sale is related to the vehicle in question. And in the case of the RZ350, the connection is very, very good. Sporting the signature of “King” Kenny Roberts, the RZ350 came emblazoned with the bumble bee livery that made Yamaha famous on the race track. As the last factory two stroke to be imported into all 50 US States, the RZ350 is held near and dear as a truly special bike from a bygone era.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

For those that have been living in a cave without AOL dial-up, let’s go over the basics: Take the spiritual heart of a RD350/RD400 – namely the two stroke parallel twin – and throw go-fast technology at it in the form of liquid cooling and a computer-adjustable exhaust port that enhances the typically peaky two-stroke power curve (YPVS). For those that like to breathe, the RZ came with an exhaust system that incorporated catalytic converters and air injection to prevent mosquito fogging the street/canyon/track with bllue smoke where these bikes played. The rest of the gear was fairly conventional, including a mild-steel frame, a single shock rear suspension system and triple disk brakes.

From the seller:
1985 Yamaha RZ 350 Kenny Robert’s edition. The most desirable year of the most desirable color combination Yamaha RZ 350. Very low original 6809 miles. Runs well, idles perfectly, fires up first kick. Stock oil injection system remains intact. Stock carbs, rejeted for the Toomy pipes and 2 into 1 K&N air filter. It is stock bore with new high performance pistons. I pulled the top end just to inspect and check everything, replaced the pistons because I had an extra set.

This bike came from The American Pickers in LeClaire, Iowa and was on of their shows. It was purchased locally by a motorcycle collector, and I purchased it from them. I have the bill of sale from Iowa.

The bike is in over all in decent rider quality condition, it has the normal nicks and dings as it is a 35 year old motorcycle. This bike would be a great candidate for an easy restoration or enjoy as is.

Like most RZs, this particular example has shed it’s restrictive, heavy catalytic converters in favor of some old-school expansion chambers. That is one way to really wake up an RZ. The air filter mod – in conjunction with the exhaust swap – requires changes to jetting, since the motor is now able to flow more air. Racers usually disabled the oil injection system in favor of mixing oil right into the gas (again, old-school), but street riders will appreciate the ability to fill up the tank without the use of a mix-rite cup.

This particular bike was apparently featured on the TV show “American Pickers.” I’m not really sure if that adds any value, but does prove that many people think the RZ is cool. Pictures show a bike in pretty good condition. This is not a meticulously spotless museum piece by any means, but nor is it a thrashed, crashed and trashed example asking for an outrageous price. With no reserve and a single bid at time of writing, this RZ is in the $6,500 zone – which is close to where you might expect. There are a significant number of folks watching on, though, so you might see some last minute activity on this auction. Check out all of the details here, stay safe and good luck!!

Yamaha November 27, 2020 posted by Donn

Been There Done That – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with Just 1,972 Miles !

Introduced in 1982 as the closest thing to a race bike on the road, and certainly one of the last two-stroke street bikes available here, Yamaha’s RZ350 can be found in all prices and conditions. With its sights set on the top of the hill, this later Fla. example has impossibly low miles and almost flawless condition.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

The early -80’s brought the Yamaha Power Valve System to their two-strokes, and it helps the engine run just fine around town. But the 55 rated horsepower are available up at 9,000 rpm, requiring a more advanced set of rider skills. Racey looks are helped by the perimeter frame and drop-in fuel tank, just like real racers of the day. Dual front disks were new on a lighter-weight machine, and compensate for the lack of engine deceleration on a smoker. Suspension wasn’t fancy, just preload adjustable but good quality like the rest of the build, and the gold-trimmed alloys had a light look.

An expert might be required to find something to quibble about on this RZ, and you’d suspect an odometer rollback if not for the museum condition. Factory pipes look sharp and dispense with the catalyzer. Comments from the eBay auction:

Kenny Roberts Edition purchased from original owner earlier this year. Great condition very little patina two small little touched up chips one on tank and fairing smaller then pencil eraser in front of gas cap the blue stripe is starting to shrink I don’t know if its from gas or what but that’s the only complaint I have with the bike because the rest of it is killer front forks are clean with very minimal rash the rims and controls are in great shape and look awesome. I have original pipes and tool kit look at the pics they tell the story look at them well please ask any questions or more pic’s if needed and the bike runs great . Miles are 1975 and the bike is all original not restored and shows extremely well for a 35 year old bike that hasn’t been monkeyed with and adult owned and cared for.

Like real estate, they’re just not making any more RZ350’s, so this owner can wait until his whopping buy-it-now seems sensible or someone makes an offer. Not sure this year is CARB legal even with the original exhaust, but a knowledgeable reader will likely sing out. The alternate livery doesn’t scream Kenny Roberts like the yellow, but it’s there. You can usually hear me groan about bikes destined for the carpet, but this one is really too nice for anything but an occasional spin around the block.

-donn

Been There Done That – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with Just 1,972 Miles !

Yamaha January 10, 2020 posted by Mike

Winter Blues: 1984 Yamaha RZ350

As many parts of the United States are deep in the throes of falling frozen water, riding is an activity that must wait for warmer weather and more favorable road conditions. There are locales, however, where riding can commence year ’round. The southern states on both coasts serve as a great example. And it is from one of those states where we find this immaculate 1984 Yamaha RZ350, ready to ride. If you are snowed in and looking for that winter project that might require TLC and lots of mechanical know-how, stop reading now. This particular bike looks to need nothing but high RPMs and silly grins. If that is your idea of a winter project, read on!

The RZ350 is well known as the last of the factory 50-state street legal two strokes. Known as the RD350LC in other geographies, the RZ was the continued evolution of the parallel twin RD lineup, but with a healthy dose of modern tech thrown in. Sure the chassis was mild steel and not aluminum, but that did not stop the RZ from sharp handling. Brakes were triple disks, rear suspension was of the new-fangled single shock design, the venerable twin was now liquid cooled for tighter tolerances and greater power, there was a computer controlled bridge attached to the exhaust port to spread the notoriously peaky powerband around some, and the exhaust pipes were fitted with catalytic converters to help the dirty two-stroke meet EPA emissions. In most ways it was a toned down version of itself, but the beast within was woken up easily with a few common two-stroke tricks. The party only lasted two years, but it remains a very memorable party indeed.

From the seller:
1984 YAMAHA RZ350. Bike has less than 500 miles on a total renovation. Stripped to frame, wheels, bodywork all painted. Original exhausts go with the bike. Brand new Original CDI Spare also goes with the bike. The bike does not need anything. I never ride it anymore to many other things going on. Clear title, the bike is in ORMOND BEACH FL.

I have a reasonable reserve for this bike in this condition. Please do not message with silly offers. The bike sits in my climate controlled building and is available to view anytime. Everything works as you would expect. The gas cap area has been treated with an epoxy to resist any gas overflow from affecting the paint in the silly recess around the gas cap. (yes I have overfilled it) Not much more I can say. If you are looking for an RZ that requires nothing but a rider then you know what you are looking at.

There is a fair bit of interest in this particular RZ, and the eBay auction has a good number of followers. Bidding history shows the relatively quick escalation from $2k to the current bid of $7,400 – but we can be pretty certain it won’t stop there. The seller indicated that there was a reasonable reserve set for the bike, and that is clearly the case; the reserve has already been met. Whatever happens from this point forward, this bike is going home with somebody. Check it out here and let us know if this isn’t the cleanest RZ you have seen in quite some time. It has some aftermarket expansion chambers (great for waking up the beast) and the seller will even throw in the original pipes with the deal – which is great for someone looking for an original collector. The RZ is a constantly sought-after machine, and we anticipate prices to continue to rise. If you are in the market, best jump in while prices remain somewhat sane. Good Luck!!

Yamaha December 13, 2019 posted by Aaron

King Kenny’s steed: 1985 Yamaha RZ350

The Yamaha RZ350 lived a pretty short life on these shores, eventually leaving us in the face of EPA fleet emissions regulations and sales that paled in comparison to its bigger four-stroke stablemates. But, if you were serious about roadracing, or were a serious fan of the 500cc Grand Prix races of the time, the RZ was your mount. The little parallel twin leaves none of its inspirations to the imagination, wearing the signature of American 500cc ace Kenny Roberts front and center on its red, white and blue frame and bodywork.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

With just about 45 horsepower, none of which was available until about 6,000 RPM, the 375-pound RZ rewarded momentum and bravery over raw power and speed. Still, even with limited horsepower, the thing managed to click off a 13-second quarter mile at 100 mph in the hands of CycleWorld. That is musclecar shaming performance in a package that will turn with aplomb when you ask it to.

This 1985 Yamaha RZ350 has a few tasteful mods and has covered just under 12,000 miles in its 34 years. It is in very nice condition, with just a few scratches, dings and touch ups on the frame and body work.

From the eBay listing:

1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

NO RESERVE

11,983 Miles
Fox Shock
New Battery
Powder Coated wheels
New Fork seals and oil
Brakes completely gone through
New EBC rotors and yamaha pads
KN y-boot filter
Hard to find Stock pipes
Tank is clean and rust free inside
Great condition ready to ride
Few minor scuffs as seen in photos
Touch up on frame

Buyer pays shipping (I can assist with shipping) Local pickup in Sarasota, FL area

With no reserve, this thing will sell come hell or high water. With the best part of a week to go in the auction, we’ll be curious to see what this pretty little smoker fetches.