Post Listing Update: Despite 41 bids up to $13,200, this RZV did not meet reserve.
Built as a tribute to the World Championship-winning 0W70 YZR500 works bike that Kenny Roberts rode, the Yamaha RZV500R was the first production bike in the world with a 2-stroke V4 engine. The 499cc engine put out about 60 horsepower and the bike weighed 381 pounds. For more information, check out this write-up on RZ/RD. Or, enjoy this video:
This bike was offered in Japan and a few other markets (but not the US), so it’s a rare find nowadays. In some markets it was also called the RD500LC, which should remind you that it’s liquid cooled. It had reed-induction and Yamaha’s Power Valve System.
This specific RZV500R has 7,400 miles and it was somehow titled in California after being imported here in the 1990s. In 2004 it had the fuel drained and then put into storage, so it will need a service before the bike hits the road again. While the bike is said to be in ‘wonderful shape’, it’s not a trailer queen. If you’re into 80s Japanese legends, you’ll want to keep tabs on this seller because he’s also going to be offering a Yamaha RZ350, Honda NS400R Rothmans, and a 0-miles Suzuki RG500.
Find this RZV for sale in Red Wing, Minnesota with bidding up to $10,200 and the reserve not yet met