Posts tagged as “YPVS”

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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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!!

Re-Californication: 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Published September 12, 2022 by Mike

The Yamaha RZ350 was the last of the federally imported two strokes into the EPA-heavy state of California. With precise oil injection, the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) to maximize efficiency, and air-injection and catalytic converters in the exhaust stream, this was the cleanest factory smoker on the planet in 1984. Sadly this was not enough for California, and the bike lasted but a year in that market. The RZ350 still sneaked through emissions in other states however, before Yamaha pulled the two stroke plug in America one year later. Today’s example is a nicely refurbed bike in California that shows some miles and a whole lot of care. I’ll let the seller pick it up from here.

1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Yamaha RZ350L1984 Kenny Roberts Replica

The bike was purchased as non runner earlier this year. It had sat since last registration in 2016.
The bike ran when parked, but of course was parked for a reason!

Thousands have been spent to re-commision this lovely RZ. It starts first/second kick, pulls all the way to the red line and sounds as an RZ350 should. This will make a great rider, it does have some wear and tear which we have detailed. A good honest bike that just needs to be used and enjoyed. All the hard work as been done!, bid with confidence on this appreciating classic.

Clean CA title – currently registered.
15300 original miles.

More from the seller:
History: A considerable amount had been spent on the bike by the previous owner around 2015-2016 which, included engine work at RZ’s Unlimited of Glendale.

Work completed includes:
Crank Rebuild
New Crank Seals
New Pistons, rings
New water pump
Y Boot & K&N
Spec II pipes
Carb jetted to suit above
Telefix Fork Brace
Stainless Braided brake lines F&R
Penske – full adjustable rear shock with remote

An RZ350 owners manual is included along with a few old receipts, showing purchases of pipes, fork brace etc.

The RZ350 market remain a hot spot for bikes in clean condition. Prices are ever-so-surely climbing – especially for bikes in good or exceptional condition. This is not an NOS stock example, having been rebuilt and slightly hot-rodded with Spec II chambers and jetting. But in many ways THIS is the type of RZ you really want. Bikes that have been woken up by the cat delete and mild performance work are snappy and fun, being both lighter and more powerful than the museum correct examples. And with a relatively recent rebuild and some nice chassis add ons this RZ is ready to spread the popcorn sound of joy throughout the neighborhood and surrounding canyons. Nearly a week left at auction and the reserve has already been met, so don’t miss out! This bike is well presented and beautifully photographed. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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Good From Afar – 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Published August 27, 2022 by Mike

Just a quickie post on a potentially interesting mystery bike for your weekend reading and researching. It is listed as a 1984 Yamaha RZ350, and these are always fun bikes to post about. The fan base is rabid, and these are getting more and more rare as time passes. In today’s case the mystery is less about what the bike might be, and more about the condition. There are only the 3 pictures, and scant info from the seller. Still, with a price in the basement for the model – and the potential for some real upside in terms of what is on (or in) the bike – there is a lot of interest in this one.

1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Runs great. Starts with one kick. Has sun fade. Gas tank is clean on inside but outside needs paint. Tires are old. Power wheelies in first and second gear.

Sure, it appears to be well used, if not a little beaten up. It also has a set of chambers, but no info on what else. There has been a lot of bidding thus far, and this one is definitely going to a new home at the end of the auction. You can check out all the details here. 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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V for Victory: 1984 Yamaha RZV500R

Published July 2, 2022 by Mike

One collector RZV invariably breeds another, and today’s offering is a slightly more used – but just as pretty and rare – 1984 Yamaha RZV500R. The last example was a zero hour, push mile only example that failed to sell at nearly $74,000 high bid. Today’s bike shows a few more miles, has been lightly modded (read: de-restricted), touched by the two-stroke hand of God (also known as the late Rick Lance), and may be priced a bit more reasonably (currently above $17k with reserve not met; no Buy It now). The seller of this Florida bike as a bit to say, so I will let him take it from here.

1984 Yamaha RZV500R for sale on eBay

From the seller:
For your consideration is my Japanese Spec 1984 Yamaha RZV500R.

I purchased this bike eight years ago out of Long Beach, CA. It was restored at RG500.com.

Since I purchased the bike, I had it up to Rick Lance where he added his petcock kit along with new suspension which included a Rick Lance rear shock and a complete rebuild of the original front forks.

More from the seller:
Rick was a pretty big guy, and so am I. The bike was setup for bigger riders. I also still have the original parts from when I purchased the bike (pipes, airbox, tool kit, and misc. other parts as seen in photos). I have never unwrapped the stock pipes to take a look at them. I was told they were in excellent condition. I have a copy of a factory repair manual. I did not keep the worn out rear shock after Rick changed it.
The motor is stock and has never been opened. The tires are the same ones that were on it when I purchased it.

The speedometer is in kilometers. It had 12,701 kilometers when I purchased it. Currently the bike has 13,082 kilometers on it which is 8,129 miles. The few times I had ridden it to a couple of bike shows, it drew large crowds. It is a beautiful bike, and it is a beautiful riding bike. It also sounds incredible with the Lomas GP style pipes. It does have one small flaw on the body work that was there when I bought the bike. It has a small crack on the left corner of the upper fairing.

More from the seller:
When Rick had the bike he said it was the best running RZ he ever rode with Lomas pipes. The bike has been sitting for a while and will need the carbs cleaned and a battery.
The bike has a clear Florida title in my name.

The collector market has gone through some pretty intense gyrations during the first half of 2022. Trends appear to show some cooling off at the high end, but I certainly would not expect the market to return back to where it was. Welcome to the new normal. Prices are high. Desired bikes – just like always – will fetch top dollar. The better the condition, the higher the pricing. This looks to be an excellent example of the Japanese home market only model; bidding has been strong with only a day or so remaining. Exotic Japanese hardware located in the U.S. of A. on one of the biggest American holiday weekends of the year. What is not to like? Check out all of the details here, and Happy Fourth of July to our US-based readers!

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Zero Hour: NEW 1984 Yamaha RZV500R!

Published June 18, 2022 by Mike

When the mind turns to imported motorcycles, the smell of castor oil wafts in the air. Such is the case in the United States at least, as most smokers were phased out of EPA nomenclature by the end of the 1970s. Two strokes were still being built and sold elsewhere however, and among the Holy Grail of the ring-a-ding set were the 500cc big boys – the Suzuki Gamma and the Yamaha RZ. In the 1980s this was as close to a GP racing machine for the street that you could buy. But with the end of the 1980s came the end of new smokers, leaving dreamers and collectors without the ability to purchase a new bike. Enter the wild world of collecting, providing us with this beautiful example of an essentially NEW 1984 Yamaha RZV500R – zero hours on engine, and just 2-ish kilometers on the odometer (likely from initially delivery plus some pushing around). What an amazing time capsule this is!

1984 Yamaha RZV500R for sale on eBay

Sporting largely similar livery as its rest-of-world RZ cousin, the RZV was a Japanese home market only model that had all the good stuff: aluminum frame instead of the mild steel unit on the RZ, some additional aluminum ancillary bits with some magnesium tossed in for good measure, a cool fuel level gauge built into the temp gauge circuitry, and adjustable suspension. That is all upside. Besides losing about 9 or 10 Kilos of weight (20 lbs give or take in decidedly non-metric U.S. of A), the RZV is missing a few other things – like horsepowers. The RZV is restricted to a federally mandated power level of approximately 65 HP to meet Japanese home market requirements. The bike also incorporates a red light when 55 MPH is exceeded (this light also doubles as the low oil light – so beware of speeding when your two-stroke oil tank is low!). But NONE of these downsides likely impact this machine, as it is very, very unlike to ever be ridden in anger.

From the seller:
New 1984 Yamaha RZV500R 51X museum piece

The rarest of 500cc two strokes the 1984 Yamaha RZV500R of which only 1600 were built. Not to be confused with the RZ500 or RD500 which had steel frames. This Japanese only model 51X featured a custom alloy frame and many trick features to lower its weight by 20lbs. This is the most collectible 500 two stroke production model from the 80s.

This 2 push kilometer – zero hour example spent its life in a Japanese collection until it was sold to RDM motors in Japan in 2016. The current owner purchase it from RDM and airfreighted it to California at considerable expense with the help of Moto2GP. The factory anti scuff plastic stickers are still on the frame and the mirrors and manual still vacuum sealed in original factory delivery bag. The tool kit is under the seat and it has two Factory keys plus a Yamaha factory spare windscreen. This example has never been titled or registered. Sold with a Bill of Sale only.

More from the seller:
It’s sitting on Dunlop original date coded tires from 1984. The bike is very clean with no repairs or scratches. The paint on the tank has developed small crazing that’s barely noticeable on the thin white inbetween the red and blue divide. The windscreens black paint accent is peeling off but has a factory replacement windscreen still in box. Nothing else is noted. It comes with a copy of the factory build sheet in Japanese with VIN. The fairings have never been removed.

While never run this bike could be restored or kept as a museum piece. This bike has been followed by many in Yamaha forums since it’s discovery in 2015. It’s believed to be one of two or three New RZV500R’s left in existence worldwide.

This bike comes with a Bill of Sale and is a CASH sale only. It must be picked up as I do not ship.

The Yamaha RZ500 was always a coveted example of forbidden fruit in the US. But the RZV was ever more so rare, offering the RZ experience with less weight and more exotic components. The RZV is restricted in power to satisfy Japanese DOT laws, but as the restriction is exhaust-based (i.e. not computer electronics), this is easily defeated: non-restrictive chambers and appropriate re-jetting and the RZV will scream at full song like the rest of world models. But again, I don’t foresee anyone purchasing such a bike as this and turning around and putting miles on it. It is a shame in some ways, but at least there exist like new examples that we can all drool over.

This is an auction with a Buy It Now option. For either you’d better bring your wallet. While extremely clean RZ500s have topped $20k in the past, this never-been-ridden rarer RZV is looking to bring in a high 5 figure price – very high 5 figures, as in a $95,000 BIN. Bidding is already at the $70k mark, with reserve still in place. Check out all of the details – and the action – here. Good Luck!!

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Hive Mentality – 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Published May 18, 2022 by Mike

With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner RZ350s are popping up like, well, weeds. Scare in quality and quantity, 2022 has brought out a spate of strong contenders; bikes that present as well as any we have seen. So too is today’s find, a 1984 bumble bee 350 out of Montana that looks fantastic.

1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay

Needing no introduction – but getting one anyway – the RZ350 was the last gasp of two-stroke street bike goodness in the early 1980s. Festooned with YVPS, oil injection, catalytic converters and EVAP canisters, the RZ was as close as EPA legal as could be with 1984 technology. Significantly choked by the emissions equipment (which was also very, very heavy), most RZs enjoyed a life on steroids – dropping the cats for a pair of expansion chambers, new fatter jets and improved upstream airflow. The RZ350 was an over achiever, running with the 550cc middleweights of the day, and were popular club racers to boot. Today, these are hard to find in many parts of the country, and harder still to find in original – or close to original – condition.

From the seller:
I am slimming down my collection, so its time for this time capsule to go. I purchased this 1984 RZ350 from the original owner in 2010. Its been in my garage ever since, in dry Montana, so there is very little corrosion. It has 3,714 original miles. I will also include the original exhaust pipes (photos coming soon). Overall, the bike is in very, very good condition for its age. Its not pristine, but very nice! The tires are old, so they are due for replacement and the brakes could probably be bled. There are a couple stickers on one of the fork tubes that can be removed.

More from the seller:
The original owner installed Spec II exhaust pipes. The airbox and intake are stock. It has steel braided brake lines on the front, and a Telefix fork brace.

There is no evidence of the bike ever being down. The seat is perfect. The gas tank has no dents and is very near perfect. It starts from cold on the first kick and idles perfectly.

I have a clean and clear Montana title.

The seller has also shared a cold start video on this bike:

RZs are worth real money these days. You can forget when you could pick up a beater for a grand or less; there is no value in lamenting the great one you sold for $2k. This is the ups and downs of the market, and while the RZ has had its unfair share of downs, it is currently on a credible upswing. The bidding on this very clean bike with period correct aftermarket add-ons (with original pipes available!) is well over $10k with a lot of interest. The reserve is still in place, so there is likely a lot more to play for. Only 3,700 miles on this time capsule, meaning that the winning bidder will have a lightly used rider that shows as well as any we’ve seen. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

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