Well Presented: 1985 Yamaha RZ500

[1.30.2018 – The eBay listing on this nicely-described RZ500 was pulled before we could post. The bike does not appear to be available, but enjoy the right way to present a bike. MI] Every once in a while RSBFS staff come across a bike that is both rare AND honestly represented. The latter is often…

Made for Japan: 1984 Yamaha RZV500R

The Japanese home market for sport motorcycles is the stuff of dreams for those of us based in the US. Some of the best and most extreme examples of high-tech performance sadly never makes it out of the country of origin when it comes to the Big Four. Take the V4 two-stroke RZ500 from Yamaha.…

Bargain or Basket Case? 1985 Yamaha RZ500

RSBFS is all about the rare machine in exceptional condition. This is NOT that kind of post. This is, shall we say, an experiment. As many of our readers exhibit extensive mechanical knowledge, how about a rare and desirable bike that requires a little bit of work? Put on your rose-colored “I can see the…

CA Fun: 1984 Yamaha RZV 500R

Today we have a bit of two stroke fun located in California. The Yamaha RZV model was built for the Japanese home market only. Notable changes came with the “Z” descriptor, including an all-aluminum frame and a “made to comply with Japanese regulations” restricted output engine. From a chassis and weight department, the RZV is…

Grey Day: 1989 Yamaha TZR250 3MA

It’s a “when it rains it pours” type of situation with TZRs here on RSBFS. Given last week’s 3MA model posting from a California location, here comes one from the other side of the US – Florida. Ironically, the seller claims that this one came from California a few years previous. In what small circles…

11 Out of 10 – 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Evolving from the now-vintage RD350, Yamaha made a splash with the first perimeter frame for the RZ350, along with the YPVS power valve and rear monoshock.  Due to emissions concerns it was short-lived in the U.S., but this example is better than excellent. 1984 Yamaha RZ350 for sale on eBay   Yamaha’s 347cc parallel twin…