Posts tagged as “Kenny Roberts”

Crazy Cat Lady – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Published March 18, 2023 by Mike

Keeping the pre-mix party going is today’s very rare, totally stock (right down to the factory catalytic converters) 1985 Yamaha RZ350 in red/white colors. Much has been said regarding these little RZs, and they are generally a much-lusted after bike despite the smaller capacity. This bike has low miles, and looks to be pretty authentic.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Listed for sale is an all original 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with 5,739 miles. Other than a few cosmetic blemishes, it is an all original properly maintained vintage liquid cooled 2-stroke performance survivor. Unlike most RZ350 motorcycles, this has not had any modifications to engine, exhaust, or suspension. It also has the original tires with a new set included (see photos) with the sale. This motorcycle has catalytic converter exhaust and is California emissions compliant. The RZ350 starts on the first kick, idles, shifts, runs, and brakes properly for an original RZ350 with low miles.

Unique opportunity to buy an all original, collectible, high performance 2 stroke. Will make a nice addition to a collection or provide miles of enjoyment to the vintage motorcycle enthusiast.

Any RZ worth collecting as original needs to be original. That means the fun go-fast parts do not apply, such as replacing the factory airbox with pods, bumping compression by milling the head, porting, expansion chambers, etc. That makes this particular bike very rare, as it appears to be in factory, unmolested condition. Pretty crazy given how many modified RZs we find in these pages, although if I must pick at nits, the handgrips are clearly not OEM and there appears to be a bit of rub rash on the fairing. This is a Buy It Now format classified on eBay, with an ask of $16,500 OBO. That is not the most we have seen in terms of asking price for this model, but for sure it is a big number. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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King’s Dominion – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Published February 15, 2023 by Donn

Undersized pictures haven’t shrunk interest in this low mileage rider in central PA. This KR signature edition has some interesting updates, plus all the original parts.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

The liquid cooled 350 was the last gasp for the two-stroke, at least stateside. It had an early power valve system, 18-inch wheels, and monoshock rear suspension. It didn’t have too much of anything – smallish tire widths and brake rotors, a bikini fairing worthy of the name, and it crossed the scales at around 330 lbs. Adding all these together made for a great success, and almost forty years on, they show up here with surprising regularity.

This long term owner has kept things nice, with new matching tires and expansion chambers. Liking the smaller signals but would want to straighten them out. Just under 10k miles and one apparent faux pas on the right fairing. Notes from the eBay auction –

Bike runs great. I have owned the bike for 12-15 years. I removed one of the horns and relocated one so it was out of sight. I installed smaller turn signals and a bar end mirror to clean up the look. I got an extra rear fender and cut it for a sleeker license plate look. I just put new tires on because of the age of the old ones. I have original parts (pipes, airbox, mirrors, kickstand, turn signals, rear fender and emissions parts) so you could restore to original. The only problems are a scratch on right side of headlight cowl (pictured) and tachometer. The little arm came off the tach.

With its long-term owner and clean appearance, this might be an RZ to bid on. New rubber and pipes add to the cachet, along with all the factory bits. The light weight is a game changer, lucky Yamaha put the RZ350 on a diet so it wouldn’t have to be the rider. Bidding has three days to go and we have just broken $8K.

-donn

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Original Middleweight – 1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special

Published February 10, 2023 by Mike

The motorcycle world is currently agog with the 400cc class. Earlier this year Kawasaki announced plans to release the 2023 ZX-4RR to American buyers, and comments on these pages and on the RSBFS Facebook page lit up. And while the new ZX-RR harkens back to the gray market middleweights of the 1990s, Yamaha was way ahead of that game with the legendary RD400 two stroke. And no model of the fabled RD line was more iconic than the Daytona Special.

1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special for sale on eBay

By the late 1970s the move to four stroke sport bikes was in full swing. Yet nothing else in showrooms had the hooligan factor of an RD400 lofting the front wheel in the first couple of gears. Nothing required the attention to RPM more than the air cooled parallel twin, and on the club racing scene this was the ultimate weapon. Until it wasn’t. Four strokes were getting lighter and more compact, although few could boast the 45 HP and 370-ish pound power to weight ratio advantage of the RD. Still, time marches on and the basic design firmly rooted in the end of the last decade was showing its age and buckling under the repression from Mr. EPA. But what a glorious final year it was!

From the seller:
For sale is my 1979 YAMAHA RD400F DATYTONA SPECIAL in MINT CONDITION
This bike is 100% original – This is NOT A RESTORATION PROJECT – This machine has original paint, original seat, original everything

Never been on the ground – Immaculate condition (tires have been replaced for safety reasons)
I have owned two RD350’s, one RZ 350, one RD400C and three Daytona Specials
Registered in California with a clean title – Selling my entire motorcycle collection moving to the North Shore of Oahu

I have owned this bike for 10 years it has been stored perfectly
This bike is is turn-key and in perfect running condition
30 original miles thank you for viewing – kick start your life now!
1979 Forever!

American buyers have historically dismissed smaller displacement motorcycles as starter bikes, commuter cycles and the like. Even Yamaha acknowledged that the RD 350 and 400 series sold to predominantly younger buyers (males in their early 20s), largely because they were cheaper and offered equal or better performance than anything larger in a four stroke format. Today these are largely deemed as antiques – er, sorry, “collectables” – although the love of blue smoke lives on here at RSBFS.

Claiming an original 30 miles since new (born 44 years ago!), today’s RD400F in the vaunted Daytona Special livery looks pretty much the part. It is impossibly clean for a bike of this vintage, with bright paintwork and shiny chrome. The cylinders and exhaust look devoid of any corrosion or modification, and the overall impression is that it is very original. The seller claims it has NOT been restored, and if that is the case this is probably the lowest mileage RD I have seen outside of a museum such as Barber. Pricing is….well….in line with a valuable antique. At a $19,500 buy it now classified ad, this California beauty is also probably the highest priced RD I have seen in a while. But the last year of the right bike in the right livery means something, and the condition just might support the ask. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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Two-fer of Angry Bees: 1985 Yamaha RZ350 (times two!)

Published October 22, 2022 by Mike

Today we have a bit of a choose your own adventure situation. Assuming you find the RZ350 a RSBFS-worthy ride, what we have today is two different – completely stock and original – examples. One bike is a west coaster, residing in sunny California. The other is an Easterner, braving the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. From a collector perspective, both are 1985 models, both are in the red/white livery, and both have the desired catalytic converter exhaust pipes (well, collectors desire them, at least). Let’s dig into these two and see what adventure awaits!

1985 Yamaha RZ350 (California bike) for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1985 Yamaha RZ350 This motorcycle belongs in a collector’s collection or a museum! It has 2694 miles on it all original right down to the Yokohama tires that it rolled out of Kenny Robert’s Yamaha Modesto, CA. There is a good article with more pictures at Raresportbikesforsale.com February 25th 2022,

To be candid, this particular beauty has graced the pages of RSBFS before; in February of this year, in fact (https://raresportbikesforsale.com/inflation-1985-yamaha-rz350). I might have missed that, but the seller was kind enough to remind me in his text. Back then we were amazed at the originality of the bike, and it doesn’t look like much has changed. In February the ask was nearly $30k in Buy It Now format. This time around there is a proper auction, although the starting line ask will cost you $18,500 with reserve in place. You can check out this CA bike here.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 (Illinois bike) for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Super Original. Needed a carb clean , now runs like it’s new.
There are a few minor nicks you will see pointed out in the pictures but it is so clean and original I don’t want to touch it. I’ll leave anything that it needs for the new owner. Nuts and bolts are still bright and Original gold color never touched since factory.
California model with ,yes all the restricted stuff on it. But I can emphasize enough how Original it is.

This second bike is located in Chicago, Illinois. It looks a lot like the first, although it does have more miles (nearly 6k), a little bit of damage on the right side of the bike (fairing, tail section and pipe), and the funkiest little red handgrips I have ever seen. Beyond that, the cats are in place as the EPA intended, and even the air injection and evap appears to be stock. Wow. Seller notes the carbs were recently cleaned, so this one seems to be more of a rider than the bike located in California above. This is a Buy It Now format sale, with the seller asking only $18k. I say “only” as that is the purchase price, not the opening bid like the bike above. Check out all of the details on this Chicago bike here.

Well, there you have it. Two pretty stock examples of Yamaha’s finest, but up for auction at the same time with a similar close date – even though they are located across the country from each other. If you are in the market for an RZ to collect, these appear to have all the right pieces in place. Good Luck!!

I Love the Smell of Castor Oil in the Morning: 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Published July 20, 2022 by Mike

Another beautiful summer’s day, another beautiful Yamaha RZ350. Every year – like clockwork – when spring has sprung the RZs pop up out of hiding like dandelions. Few bikes are as coveted as the last of the factory, street going two-strokes, and pushing nearly 40 years on in the US these are getting harder to find in good, presentable condition. Sure, they exist – but patience is a key implement in the collector’s toolkit. The find we offer up today is clean and complete, with light modifications compared to some. If you are in the market for a rider, this is definitely something to check out.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

RSBFS has probably written a million words about the RZ350 over our tenure, and within the ultra-plush offices of the RSBFS building (once again open after the pandemic forced us all into remote work situations) discussions rage over oil ratios; debates over castor vs synthetics are common. Sufficed to say, the RZ350 – known as the RD350LC in other regions – was (for the US) a welcome return and a last gasp of the legendary RD lineup. Offering modern technology such as oil injection, Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) moveable exhaust port, evaporative canisters and catalytic converters in the exhaust system, the parallel twin RZ350 was very briefly a street legal motorcycle in all 50 states of the union. Couple that with the star power of Kenny Roberts (initially only the yellow/black bikes bore his sig, but the 2nd year offered them on the red/white as well), and the RZ brought dreams of GP riding to the masses.

From the seller:
1985 Yamaha RZ350 KennyRobert. Top end job on it. Wiseco 2.5 MM over pistons, new rings, wrist pins,wrist pin bearings, circlips and gaskets. Power valves cleaned and new seals,Oil Pump Rebuild w/ new seals and gaskets, Performance exhaust, Fuel Petcock Valve Switch Assemblycleaned and new rebuilt. Bike is jetted highaltitude (also have standard jets) and runs great, starts easy and nooverheating problems.

Brakes completelyrebuilt front and rear, rebuilt Master cylinders, calipers, and new stainlesssteel brake lines. The oil injection pump cleaned and rebuilt, is hooked up andfunctions. Fuel petcock rebuilt with new diaphragm and seals. There is a singleK&N air filter with the two into one intake, there is a tool kit that isnot stock, just something I put together for the bike.

If you like the sound ofa two stroke on the pipe, you will love this bike, there’s nothing like it. Ifyou have any questions or would like more pics, let me know.

Fast forward to today, and many of the mass produced RZ350s have been trashed, hooned, raced, modded, and destroyed. As values on the bikes fell, they became disposable transportation for squids everywhere. Today these are legit rare motorcycles when found in decent condition. Common mods include all the usual two-stroke tricks: replacing the cat-equipped exhaust with proper expansion chambers, re-jetting and opening up the breathing, porting, milling the head for increased compression, etc. This bike has some mods which would preclude “all original” museum style seekers, but looks to be complete and a fun rider. It certainly looks to be in great condition from the pictures. Here is a video from the seller – we apologize but RSBFS can do nothing about the supplied video orientation.

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This auction runs through the end of the weekend, has a nominal number of bids, and at time of writing is still well below the $10k mark. That is very much “in the ballpark” money currently, and it remains to be seen if this will turn into a bidding frenzy before it is all over. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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King’s Livery – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

Published May 13, 2022 by Donn

Hardly a week goes by that a new* RZ350 doesn’t pop up these days ! While not a show bike, this example shows the Kenny Roberts colors nicely and has a bunch of NLA period updates.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Yamaha knew that the two-stroke legality wouldn’t last forever, but kept updating the 59 hp, 320 lb. model – and it kept selling. Liquid cooling made conformance to EPA exhaust and noise regs plausible, and the Power Valve System made the torque band wider than before. Slotted discs were sized for the middleweight mission, and the fairly conventional chassis sported an early monoshock rear end.

On consignment for a long time customer, this RZ has been on display so might need a little help re-awakening. Vintage Toomey chambers, intake, and battery box are of interest – especially since the factory take-offs are included. Matching left and right tank dents are stickered over, and the handlebar fairing looks to have led the way into a couple of close shaves. But the finishes are in good shape and the fork brace is a nice addition. Comments and a list of upgrades and spares are in the eBay auction –

The bike has been very well maintained and is in excellent condition for the year with low mileage and a slew of upgrades and spare parts that come with it! The bike runs excellent and the electric start works, but there is no battery in the bike, as it is stored correctly in a collection and almost never ridden. The factory power valves have been rebuilt by the owner. There are two small dents in the gas tank on either side from the handlebar switches on the bars bumping into the tank over the years which is very common on the bikes (they are covered by the bullet stickers you can see in the pictures). Aside from that, please refer to the pictures for the most accurate description of condition. Aside from the upgrades, this bike is numbers matching and nearly all original OEM, the paint and decals are original and the mileage is true and correct.

-TOOMEY PIPES (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-TOOMEY INTAKE (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-TOOMEY BATTERY BOX (VINTAGE 80’S – NOT NEWER PRODUCTION)

-FORK BRACE

-BRAIDED STEEL FRONT BRAKE LINE

-STOCK CARBS REJETTED FOR EXHAUST (ONE SIZE UP PILOT AND 420 MAINS)

-TWO SPARE SETS OF OEM EXHAUST (PICTURED)

-NEW SET OF SPARE TIRES (PICTURED)

-OWNER’S MANUAL (PICTURED)

-MANY MANY MORE SPARE PARTS NOT LISTED (PICTURED)

-MANY MORE TASTEFUL PERIOD CORRECT UPGRADES NOT LISTED

More red/white models are in RSBFS recent history than bumblebee’s, and for Yamaha fans of a certain vintage the signature model is the one to try for. Those same fans might be surprised at the bidding with eight days left to run, and further that the reserve is still unknown. But even though the model has had a nice season so far, no more being manufactured, and this one has a nice combination of miles, patina, updates, and spares.

-donn

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Inflation: 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Published February 25, 2022 by Mike

The collector world is on a tear. After years of pandemic caution, the floodgates are open and trading has resumed with gusto. With that activity comes excitement, renewed interest in classic models, and the commensurate rise in pricing. Yes, values are going up; and that is not just conjecture. As Blair, Tootie, Jo and Natalie will tell you, it’s the facts of life. At the sharp end of the market shift is the RZ350. Always popular with readers and riders, the RZ350 highlights the post-pandemic collecting frenzy with $20k + auction results as proof. As a result, we are seeing more and more RZs on the market, with all sellers looking to ride the pricing wave.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Rather than regurgitate the same details and specs of the RZ, let’s highlight some model differences and what makes a collector bike a collector bike. We have seen a TON of lesser quality examples in the past, and even these are enjoying a pricing boost. But the $20k and above examples need to be clean, low mileage and *original* specimens. With the RZ350, the opening performance surgery to be done was to drop the heavy and restrictive catalytic converter mufflers and replace them with a lightweight set of performance expansion chambers. This required some upstream changes in the form of air filter and jetting. Often the oil pump was disengaged or completely removed, reducing parasitic mechanical drag and forcing the bike to run on pre-mix. Heads could be milled for greater compression, ports could be massaged, bores could be increased. All of this boosts HP, and all have a serious impact on long-term values for collectors.

From the seller:
This is my 1985 Yamaha RZ 350 that is unrestored and original right down to its Yokohama tires that it rolled out of the showroom on! Seriously a quality Museum motorcycle, It has 2694 miles on it and has not been ridden since 1987! Original unused tool kit in tail section, I have the two original keys one on a Kenny Roberts key fob from Modesto, CA. It also has a Kenny Roberts license plate frame! This RZ was purchased at Kenny Roberts Yamaha in Modesto, Ca.! I have the original manuals and a Brochure.. I have a clean California title in my name, It has been non-popped since 1990… Very Collectable and definitely a quality addition to someones Man cave….

Perhaps the most rare of the RZs are the California models. CA requires additional evaporative canisters and fuel tank plumbing to minimize the environmental impacts of any internal combustion petrol engine. (Say what you want about the complexity and power-robbing functionality – but Los Angeles air is noticeably cleaner since the California Air Resource Board mandates). The CA-required pieces are often the first to cast off the bike. That raises the stakes for a CA bike that claims to be 100% original. And THAT is what makes today’s bike so interesting. A very clean 1985 model, this CA bike looks to be complete as if from the showroom, including all CA emissions equipment and stock exhaust. And with just 2,694 miles on the clock, the seller claims the tires are original as well!

A great looking, original condition California bike, I expect this particular example to pique the interest of those looking for this model in preserved condition. The seller notes that this bike has been sitting since 1987, which is echoed by the overall condition. The obvious caveat for those who want to ride the rails off of this thing is that it may require some re-commissioning in the form of a leak-down test (for crank seal condition) and tires as a starter. But that is minor work that would surely be worthwhile for an RZ in this stunning condition. Pricing is directly in line with condition, along with the 2022 premium based on past auctions and high aspirations. If the near $30k Buy It Now ask seems too high, the seller is open to offers. Check out all the details here, and then let’s sit back and watch how far the market has moved upwards on clean and pristine RZs. Good Luck!!

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Almost Famous: 1985 Yamaha RZ350

Published December 23, 2020 by Mike

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!!

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