Smoker Alert! 1985 Yamaha RZ500

For Sale: 1985 Yamaha RZ500

Proving that RSBFS is worthy of International status comes this beautiful RZ500 from the wilds of British Columbia, Canada. Never imported into the United States but teasing us from the Northern borders, the RZ500 was a 500cc, V4 two-stroke hot rod in the footsteps of GP machinery ridden by the likes of Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson.

There are actually two models of the RZ500: this model, with steel frame and approximately 85 hp (stock), and the RZV500R which is a Japanese market only bike, containing an aluminum frame (20 lbs weight savings) but limited to just 65 HP in stock trim.

For a standard RZ500, this bike looks to be in great condition. The seller indicates an odometer reading of 34,371 km, which works out to be approximately 21,357 miles. There are also some tasty added-on bits which should definitely help wake up the performance of this beast.

From the seller:
1985 Yamaha Rz500 two-stroke motorcycle, great shape. 92 FZR 1000 front end, with Marvic 3.5×17 front wheel, J-lomas ss pipes with carbon fiber ends new tiers, and just over 1000 k on new motor. also have under seat oil tank (not installed) and extra used plastics (enough for new set) which can also be part of deal…? over $13,000.00 invested. this is a great bike, eye catcher, and runs fantastic, and sounds great!!!!!. This bike is a steal for anyone interested, and you’ll love it.

I must admit my ignorance on this one: While the livery looks to be stock Yamaha in layout, I am not familiar with this color scheme. Every RZ500 I have come across has displayed the traditional white/red/black Yamaha colors. Did these models also come in white/black, or is this a repaint? Perhaps an expert on the RZ500 models can provide some feedback in the comments section. Regardless, the bike does look sharp

Color aside, there is not a tremendous amount of detail here. The front end conversion is popular with these models, as the RZ500 was equipped with a 16″ front wheel; sporting rubber is difficult to find in that size today. A front end swap also provides access to bigger brakes and more modern suspension.

This auction is going on now, and currently sits at the $7,000 mark with reserve still in place. The BIN is set at $9k. For more information or to contact the seller, click the link and jump over to the auction. There is a great smoker available just over the border!

MI