The RZV500R was designed exclusively for the Japanese home market although many have been exported privately. The RZV500R features upgraded parts not found on the standard RD500LC and RZ500. A major difference is the hand-welded aluminium frame, which is significantly lighter than the steel version used on standard models.

It was the world's first production model to mount a 2-stroke V4 engine and it adopted different induction systems for the forward and rear banks of cylinders: crankcase reed valves in front and piston reed valves in the rear.

Apr 13, 2023 · This 1985 Yamaha RZV500R is powered by a liquid-cooled 492cc two-stroke V4 paired with a six-speed transmission and is finished in Chappy Red and white with blue accents over an aluminum frame.

22 hours ago · Bizarrely, the visually near-identical bike produced for the Japanese home market, the RZV500R, also featured an aluminum frame. Many of those RZVs eventually made it to Europe, including the clean example seen here, which immediately brought back memories of riding the original RD in the summer of 1984, shortly after its launch.

Dec 18, 2024 · This rare and highly collectable 1985 RZV500R has been preserved in excellent condition and is ready to ride or show off to your friends. This bike imported from Japan features the hand-welded aluminum frame which is significantly lighter than …

The Yamaha RZV500R is a detuned tribute bike similar in spirit to the YZR500 that a gentleman named “King” Kenny Roberts rode. He was a fan favorite and the first American to win a world championship motorcycle Grand Prix race.

Jan 18, 2021 · We know you guys and gals love the Yamaha RZ500, so here’s something that’s even harder to find – a Japanese market RZV500R! The RZ was introduced in 1984 and was arguably the first production race replica.

Jul 16, 2020 · To make up for the horsepower deficit, the RZV has several upgrades over its rest-of-world (ROW) brethren. The most significant is the hand-welded aluminum frame, which was lighter and stiffer. When combined with the use of aluminum for the clipons, brake lever, and gear shifter, it led to a 20 pound reduction in weight (down to 432).

Mar 25, 2025 · Built to emulate Kenny Roberts’ YZR500 factory racer, the RZ500 was the closest thing two-stroke enthusiasts had to a GP competitor for the road… as long as you didn’t live in the United States of America.

Jun 15, 2022 · Built to emulate Kenny Roberts’ YZR500 factory racer, the RZ500 was the closest thing two-stroke enthusiasts had to a GP competitor for the road…as long as you didn’t live in the United States of America.