Legend: 1985 Yamaha RZ 350

Every iconic bike tells a story. In the case of the RZ350 – the last of the factory imported two strokes into all 50 U.S. States – the story is one of evolution. The RZ (or RD350LC as it was called in other markets), was an evolutionary beast that began with the RD series of…

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…

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…

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…

Ringer: 1984 Yamaha RZ350

I know that the RSBFS reader loves a good two stroke. And what better to post than a well-kept Yamaha RZ350? The last of the true factory street bike smokers, the RZ was successfully imported into the US – and even California! – for a short while. And so while these are not grey bikes…

Minty Fresh: 1984 Yamaha RZ350

The RZ350 is a special sort of machine in the annals of RSBFS. The last of the 50-state factory two strokes, the little parallel twin that could utilized liquid cooling, a computer controlled adjustable exhaust port (YPVS), and catalytic converters. Even with all of this tech it was short lived on US shores, and even…

Featured Listing: 2Moto 2M400R-SP

If you are thinking that you haven’t heard of the 2Moto 2M400R-SP, you are probably correct. But I’m sure you have heard of Yamaha’s wildly successful two-stroke, the TZR-250. And knowing RSBFS readers, you probably wished for something like that – but with more horsepower – for your street ride. I mean, imagine the wild…

Featured Listing: One-owner 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Update 8.5.2019: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc This 1984 Yamaha RZ350 wears the iconic black and yellow Kenny Roberts livery and signatures, is original aside from some airbox mods and jetting and is with its original owner. It has 15,000 miles on it, but has been…