Posts by tag: Kenny Roberts

When it comes to the RZ350, examples fall into three basic groups: Stone stock (the most rare), nicely modified models with tasty pipes and suspension, and rat bikes thrashed within an inch of their poor parallel twin lives and then tarted up for a quick sale (most common). While RZs are climbing in value overall, it is the stockers that have the most collectible value in the future. Lightly modified bikes are nice for riding, but stock will always be preferred in the collector domain.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

The first thing that jumped out at me was the stock appearance of the exhaust system. The original RZ had a very complex system integrated into the stock chambers which included air injection and a very compact catalytic converter. These pipes were heavy and did not offer the performance of true expansion chambers, but they did allow for the RZ to be 50 state certified – for a short while anyway. Also in attendance on this particular bike is the charcoal canister and a evaporative system (more smog related items, primarily for California). These are parts that usually “accidentally” fall off during pre-ride prep. The inclusion of these two items goes a long way to helping verify this as a stock – and therefore collectable – RZ. The finish on the pipes has more shine than I recall, but that is not necessarily an issue. Your mileage may vary.

From the seller:
I have an excellent 1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale. It is a low mile bike in beautiful condition. The body work is mint with a deep shine. The frame, motor and chambers look good with only a couple rub marks on the frame like front the seat etch. This bike is part of a collection and is only ridden around the neighborhood a few times a year to keep it running well. It runs, rides and shifts like it should. No known mechanical issues or leaks. It appears to have all original equipment like stock chambers, oil injection, center stand and tool kit. I run the oil injection and pre-mix in the tank. It smokes a bit like that but mostly at startup. Once warm it’s minimal. Even with all the extra oil it never fouls plugs and always starts up. I am not an expert on originality so if something is important to you please ask. The only issues I know of are a clicking noise from the chain last time I rode it and the plastic around the ignition switch is missing. The chain I believe is from s sticky link from sitting. I sprayed a lot of lube to see if that fixes it.

This appears to be a nearly 30 year old motorcycle in original condition. The odo shows just under 13,000 miles, so I would anticipate some usual wear from the years and the road. The seller comes across to me as a forthright individual, and even notes that a pre-purchase inspection is an option if you are local (the bike is located in Florida). The best part: this bike is priced at a very realistic $6k USD BIN. There is also an auction, with the current bid just crossing $3k with reserve in place. That is very fair money for an RZ. If you like ’em stock, you’d better put a watch on this one. Check it out, and then let us know what you think.

MI

Touted as a museum quality example of the breed, this 1985 Yamaha RZ350 has just over 16,000 miles and still sports the original exhaust and all plastics intact. From the number and quality of the pictures, this looks to be a fine ride indeed! If you’ve been watching RZs and see them float by in various states of tune with different modifications, here might be your chance to grab a stone stock example.

1985 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
WHEN ONLY THE VERY FINEST WILL DO.MUSEUM QUALITY,1985 YAMAHA RZ350.COMPLETELY STOCK.UNTOUCHED,UNRESTORED, UNMOLESTED!!! BONE STOCK ORIGINAL!!!!.THIS IS THE NICEST 1985 RZ350 I HAVE EVER SEEN.ALL ORIGINAL.NOT A DENT,DING ANYWHERE.ORIGINAL STOCK EXHAUST SYSTEM IS MINT,NO DENTS OR DINGS.STOCK FACTORY AIR BOX,FUEL TANK IS MINT INSIDE AND OUT WITH NOT A DENT OR DING.THE ORIGINAL PAINT IS BEAUTIFUL.SEAT IS PERFECT,THE BIKE RUNS AS NEW.EVERYTHING ON THIS BIKE WORKS AS IT SHOULD.THIS BIKE IS AS CLOSE TO JUST COMING OUT OF THE CRATE THAT YOU WILL FIND.LOOK VERY CLOSELY AT ALL 24 PICTURES PROVIDED.TRANSMISSION PERFECT,CLUTCH PERFECT,150LBS OF COMPRESSION ON BOTH CYLINDERS.YOU WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE LIKE THIS AGAIN TO OWN A KENNY ROBERTS YELLOW AND BLACK IN THIS PRISTINE CONDITION.STARTS FIRST KICK.NEEDS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.NO DISSAPOINTMENTS HERE.

RZ350s are a hot commodity these days, and these bikes always seem to be a fan favorite (you RSBFS readers and Facebookers know who you are). What’s not to like? It makes all the right noises and smells, has great graphics and parking lot appeal, and sports King Kenny’s sig right on the fairing. Check out LOTS of pictures here. Good Luck!

MI

Previously sold at $10k, this one is back due to a non-paying bidder. Bid to win! Links updated. -dc

Always a fan favorite, a clean RZ usually sells itself. Interest is always high and prices are definitely on the rise. This is a classic machine, a legal two stroke in the US, and continues to be a unique ride despite its age. This bike shows only 534 miles on the odometer, some rash from use over the years, and is looking for a new home.

1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1984 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts Edition with 534 ORIGINAL miles !!!!

Look at the pictures closely and you will notice on the Fender, Tank, and Upper Front Fairing there are very minor blemishes other than that this thing is a crème puff head turner, Even Kenny would approve.

Ok boys here’s the deal…it was kept garaged all of its life and starts on Second Kick Cold. Ridden occasionally to keep fluids fresh. Brakes are a little sticky but nothing that cant be remedied by a little service, no leaks. Engine looks really good. Aftermarket Exhaust by AllSpeed Hyperformance I do not have the originals.

Check the pictures they speak for themselves for a 29 year old collectors bike.

This looks to be a pretty honest bike. It has some blems (some considerably more than minor) but overall is what you would expect from a 30 year old used bike. So what’s the catch? How about an opening bid of $9,999?! We see perfect (or nearly so) RZs top this amount, but this auction is starting out on the high side – and is likely scaring bidders off. Is this a fishing expedition on the part of the seller? Possibly. Check it out here and let us know what you think. Good Luck!

MI

1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

One of the more common – yet popular – bikes we post on this site is the Yamaha RZ350. Known as the last of the legal two strokes available in the USA – including in the smog-choked Repulic of California – the RZ has a rabid following. It is becoming a serious collector bike as well, and we are watching prices rise on moderately-used machinery, and sky-rocket on pristine and museum bikes.

From the seller:
This RZ350 is the Kenny Roberts Edition with the yellow, black and white paint. The US banned two stroke street bikes after 1984 so this is one of the last legally imported two stroke bikes sold in the US. The bike is a great everyday rider. I had the top and bottom end rebuilt about 1500 miles ago so it runs great and is fast! New crank, and pistons. It has very nice dent-free aftermarket pipes, a fork stabilizer, and is ready to rip.

There are some nice bits on this bike (Telefix fork brake, aftermarket expansion chambers), and some not so good bits (a fair bit of rust and remnants of Father Time). Still, it looks to be a workable example that is deserving of some love. This bike is being offered with a reasonable opening ask of $3,495 and a BIN of $4,600 for those who need their instant gratification right now. Click the link to check out all of the details on this legal little smoker. Good Luck!

MI