The RZV500 is one of the most popular bikes we post on RSBFS and this is one of the more unique examples I’ve seen. At a glance it is absolutely spotless and obvious that it was a labor of love. Look closer and you start to notice deviations from stock around and behind the bodywork. The swingarm caught my attention first, followed by the rims, the exhaust, and then to the dry clutch(!) And for the purist, the seller has most of the stock pieces as well, so you get to choose. There are no bids as of this writing but the opening bid is $20k. The seller states that this example could not be duplicated for less, which is probably true. Custom builds, even when this thorough, rarely recoup their investment however. But there are always exceptions and with spring fever in full swing you never know!
dc
1985 Yamaha RZV 500R for sale on eBay
from the seller’s description:
Up for auction is my 1985 Yamaha RZV 500R. California Titled and Registered. This is the rarest version of the RZ, RD models. It was only sold to the home market in Japan. It is Yamaha’s first production aluminum frame motorcycle. This bike has only appx 10 miles ridden since a ground up restoration.
It is probably the best example you will find. 2 Stroke engine completely rebuilt with new bearings and seals, New 2nd overbore pistons and rings. Stock Yamaha colors with clear coated graphics. This bike is flawless. Has no scratches or dents. Every piece of rubber has been replaced. You can not buy an RZV in any condition and restore it to this level for less money than I’m asking. It was a labor of love restoring this and money was not an object. Includes Solo seat. The stock RZV was not worthy of it’s racing pedigree. It is based on the Moto GP YZR500 of the 80’s, stock performance is kinda weak so I upgraded the bike to how I think it should have been produced. There are several mods. They include cylinder ports cleaned and matched, compression and squish increased, Still a little conservative for reliability. Mikuni 28mm Flat Slide Carburetors with K&N Air Filters, Ducati 916 Dry Clutch Conversion,One off YZR500 Replica Exhaust, 520 Chain Conversion (Stock was 530) Brembo and Yoyodyne Hydraulic Clutch Conversion, Slave cylinder is hidden in stock engine cover and only the hydraulic line gives it away. Yamaha R6 Rear Wheel and Swing Arm Conversion with Dunlop SportMax Rear Tire. Mirrors are unique and made for the RZV only. Originals were cracked and in bad shape and proved impossible to find. So I made a mold and reproduced the mirrors in carbon fiber. Bulky rear fender and tailight eliminated. Tailight and lisence plate moved up between rear exhaust pipes mounted on a molded carbon fiber panel for a more open racey look. Smaller battery relocated under gas tank. If your a purist this bike also comes with all parts needed to return it back to box stock someday if you or your buyer wishes. I will assist in shipping, but shipping is your responsibility. A couple things to keep in mind. For me the throttle is too stiff with four cables going to four carburetors, and the clutch should disengage better although it is perfectly usable and both should be easy to improve. I’ve run out of time. Good Luck to both of us.
I don’t understand why you would spend so much money upgrading a 500 and then leave the stock front wheel/no USD forks on it.
I also don’t know why somone would put 20k into a 500… in fact I find it a bit hard to believe. It’s been cleaned up really well, but look at the rear wheel paint.. already chipping off on the back of the rim.
[…] melting snow in much of the country is uncovering rare gems that are begging to be ridden. While the last RZV we posted probably didn't have to live indoors due to the snow, today's bike has low-ish miles, some […]
The most expensive thing you can ever do is buy a cheap 500 that needs a little work.
It’s OK but for that much $$$ U have got to be kidding! The wheels don’t even match? I’ve also read on some forums about the dry clutch conversion he has that has issues? I’d also like to see some pics of all the stock parts that he says he has but isn’t showing them? He’ asking waaay to much IMHO.
After an email with the seller, Brian Turfrey built the pipes ( he built the pipes for Wayne Rainey’s YZR500’s and for team Marlboro back in the 90’s). They do look like Turfrey Pipes. Also, Wayne Rainey’s father rebuilt the motor. Its a nice bike, and I think 20k would be on the upper end. Still with an R6 front end and Ohlins shock, you’d have a fun bike.