Punching above its weight: 1976 Yamaha RD400

The 1976 Yamaha RD400 came out screaming in 1976, a mag-wheeled exclamation point on Yamaha’s range of popular, fast-paced two strokes. To make sure the message landed, Yamaha re-tooled its factory to build the RD400’s parallel twin, which was more than just a rebored version of the RD350’s mill. A longer stroke necessitated new crankcases,…

Featured Listing: 2004 Aprilia RS250 Cup

Update 4.8.2019: Sold for full asking price! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc We showcase a lot of two strokes, and we wax poetic about their knife-edge handling and peaky, unforgiving powerbands. Most of the time, we’re showing off nice but rider-quality machines that will make the new owners very happy on the track or…

RZ Redux – 1984 Yamaha RZ350

A major rejuvenation of a small-bore can only start as labor of love.  This Missouri refurb concentrated on the mechanical, but the cosmetic looks great as well. 1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay Magazine editors said the visible frame on the RZ looked like a racebike, surrounding the water cooled vertical twin.  Since it…

Featured Listing: 1986 Yamaha RZV500R in South Africa

The 1986 Yamaha RZV500R was the neighborhood knee dragger’s chance to ride the machine that carried Kenny Roberts to three world titles and helped Giacomo Agostini break MV Agusta’s ridiculous streak of 17 Grand Prix titles. It was billed as a 500cc GP machine with headlights and blinkers, though the similarities were actually pretty tenuous.…