[{"id": 17432670, "authorName": "Skiman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/skiman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice ,I will be watching this as I have one in the garage.\r\nIt looks clean. Don't see chrome chambers to often.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1745349076, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17432708, "authorName": "MazdaTodd", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mazdatodd/", "bidAmount": 1984, "content": "USD $1,984 bid placed by MazdaTodd", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745349236, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17432752, "authorName": "Mike_Breinin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mike_breinin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You won't find too many bikes which are more fun than these. They are quick enough to be exciting, but not so quick as to invite death every time you roll it open. I had a lightly modded RWB model like this. Mine had Bassani chambers, Banshee carbs and was converted to pre-mix (which sucked). It was too much fun. This one is great, I would love to have another...especially a fresh one like this, done right.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1745349369, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17432773, "authorName": "MazdaTodd", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mazdatodd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Is the stock 2 stroke oil injection system still used or has it been deleted and now it's premix the gas with 2 stroke oil?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745349454, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17432924, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes @MazdaTodd the oil injection is intact. Here are some other details on the engine build...\r\n\r\nPerformance upgrades include Allspeed chrome tuned exhaust expansion chambers, Toomey intake (K&N filter with water shedding nylon oversock), Toomey battery box (replaces the original air box), Toomey Carb kits (produced by DynoJet), Boysen dual stage reed valves, and single layer head gasket.\r\n\r\nThe carburetors are original Yamaha 26mm Mikuni jetted for the performance modifications. The miles on the rebuilt motor are approximately 3,000 as shown on the odometer. \r\n\r\nThis bike is in fantastic condition overall and has not been raced or run hard during the current 30 years of ownership. The owner is a master motorcycle mechanic with 50+ years cultivating detailed skills in performance builds and a sharp eye for clever and visually balanced component upgrades. \r\n\r\nI will do my best to answer all questions during this auction and offer assistance with transport or local pick up. Please remember to use the \"contact seller\" feature on this auction if you wish to contact me directly. \r\n\r\nFor those of you know these bikes, just as @Mike_Breinin as noted, these are really exciting rides and this is among the best example I have seen. \r\n\r\nBest of luck to all bidders.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1745350046, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17433139, "authorName": "pyramidal", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pyramidal/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a fantastic example of what \u201cnice\u201d is!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1745350790, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17433731, "authorName": "XRDV8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/xrdv8/", "bidAmount": 2157, "content": "USD $2,157 bid placed by XRDV8", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745352643, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17433785, "authorName": "MosGeoff", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mosgeoff/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "oh my blue smokey stars. please sir, may i have another WOT flyby running through the gears? and some smokey wheelies would be a nice touch... thanks in advance!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1745352795, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17433800, "authorName": "MazdaTodd", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mazdatodd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Please post a \"cold start\" video and include grabbing the pipe with your hand right next to the motor to illustrate that the bike is cold.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745352832, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17434628, "authorName": "envirochef", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/envirochef/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I bought one brand new when I was in my 20\u2019s. One of those, \u201cI never should have sold it\u201d purchases.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1745355392, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17435052, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MazdaTodd a cold start is important. That's why the video shows and labels this start as a cold start. Three down kicks and she lights off. No editing...that's how it went down and that's why we showed it. \r\n\r\nWhen I shot the photos and video, the engine had not been run for a week or more which is why (you can see in the video) the choke was used and you will notice the 3 kicks. If it had been run earlier in the day, cold pipe or not, it would have started on the first kick with no choke. This was a true cold start - check the temp gauge as well during the video.\r\n\r\nIf you have any doubt about this bike, the condition, or the operational aspects, please review my sales history (click my seller name and scroll through the listings, articles and posts from the past 11 years on BaT). Of the 190 vehicles I've sold on BaT, 20 are motorcycles, 6 of which were restored and built by the owner of this bike.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1745356590, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17436348, "authorName": "56PackardMan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/56packardman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Raffi - You amaze me at how you so frequently find these exceptionally nice \"bikes\"! It's always fun to watch your bike auctions even if I'm confined to riding one vicariously. Best of luck to you, Raffi, and to the lucky buyer of this No Reserve Yamaha!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1745360737, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17436498, "authorName": "Xmachina777", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/xmachina777/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Interested... any chance this could find its way to Salt Spring Island? (says a friend)", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1745361270, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17436686, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Xmachina777 absolutely. A mere 5 hours away from island to island. I've transported bikes to Canada before and have an excellent transport recommendation in addition to the folks who do transport through the BaT shipping process just a click away when you scroll up. Happy to do a courtesy storage for you as well if needed while we arrange transport.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1745362310, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17436709, "authorName": "PrimeMoto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/primemoto/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "USD $2,500 bid placed by PrimeMoto", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745362436, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17436710, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thank you @56PackardMan I enjoy finding really nice examples of rare bikes. I love the machinery, the design, and the compact performance nature of two-wheel motorized vehicles.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1745362440, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17436943, "authorName": "rflubach", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rflubach/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "USD $3,000 bid placed by rflubach", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745363975, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17437511, "authorName": "napabo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/napabo/", "bidAmount": 3100, "content": "USD $3,100 bid placed by napabo", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745368499, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17437913, "authorName": "ApriliaBob", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/apriliabob/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Raffi A beauty! Noticed the Toomey bits. Did Ed do the rebuild? (love your Alfa too!)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745372577, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17438102, "authorName": "PrimeMoto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/primemoto/", "bidAmount": 3500, "content": "USD $3,500 bid placed by PrimeMoto", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745374541, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17438505, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @ApriliaBob Nope, not Ed on the build. \r\n\r\n@MazdaTodd just to expand a bit on 2-stroke cold start. Please excuse the extra geek-oil here, but there is one more thing that indicates a true cold start. The Mikuni carbs on this bike have what is referred to as a \u201cchoke\u201d, but the mechanical reality is it's a separate enrichment circuit activated when the \u201cchoke\u201d plunger is pulled. \r\n\r\nThe choke action is facilitated by the throttle valve. This essentially turns the throttle valve into a choke plate. In that case, in order for the enrichment circuit to be effective, the throttle must closed. So in this case, the motor has to be started with no throttle applied. If the twist grip is turned, the choke becomes ineffective. This, albeit lengthy explanation also answers why this bike was started cold with no throttle twist. For a restart when warm, 2 strokes will start much better with just a little bit of throttle twist.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1745382010, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17444576, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ApriliaBob who is likely to fellow Lancia enthusiast, asked if \"Ed\" did the engine work. Ed Toomey was the big name in RZ350 tuning. Intake and expansion chambers and other bits. \r\n\r\nThe owner of this bike does all his own engine work with the exception of machine work. Cylinders were replaced new so the only machine work beyond his capabilities was the roller crank assembly. The roller crank assembly for this bike was done by the best crank builder in the industry. Falicon crank in Florida. \r\n\r\nThe crank was not available as a unit from Yamaha, so the individual pieces were purchased and the assembly done by Falicon Crank which included alignment, balance, and welding for the crank pins which assures alignment during sustained high RPM operation. \r\n\r\nAdditional motor work included replacement of various clutch and transmission parts plus all bearings, seals, and gaskets. The motor is technically more like a new unit than rebuilt and it retains the matching engine number. \r\n\r\nThe frame is fitted with tapered roller steering head bearings. The engine has always been run using Amsoil Interceptor in the oil injection tank and premium fuel (non-ethanol when available).", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745436551, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17447393, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "An excellent question was asked regarding the emissions sticker on the inside side panel of this bike. We removed it and shot some photos of it. I have posted the emissions sticker image and close up view to the gallery. \r\n\r\nIt also reminded me to state that this is the original red, white and blue paint applied by Yamaha in 1984. The body panels and tank have NOT been repainted. The condition of the paint is VERY nice with just light rub marks at the rear from a former strap. \r\n\r\nIf you are looking for a very nicely prepared and preserved RZ350 with all the original panels, original fairing, original clear plastic screen etc. in excellent condition. This could be the bike for you.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745445263, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17448688, "authorName": "Scotty17", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/scotty17/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a nice, fairly original survivor, with matching numbers, and many original parts. Notice the original brake lines, NLA from Yamaha. This can be a great bike for a collector who does not plan to ride the bike. Drain the fluids, polish and park. This bike is pretty close to original spec, with the normal exceptions such as chambers and re-jetted carbs. From my perspective, this RZ is a 9 to 9.5 on a 10 scale. All the parts are there, original paint, with \"patina\". No rounded bolts, or dents.\r\n\r\nThis a buy, if you want a good, original RZ. There are not many left. I know, because I have owned one from new for 40 years. A \"rider\" too. If you have the means, I highly recommend buying this one!\r\n\r\nI have owned an '85 RZ from new, and I have learned a few things over the course of 40 years. Looking at the pictures and reading the details from the seller, I am noticing some details that would cause me to pause if I were planning to buy the bike as a \"rider.\" But, I would still buy it!!!! \r\nIt just needs some TLC in the garage BEFORE you ride it.\r\n\r\nFirst of all, a circa 1995 engine rebuild is 30 years old. Thirty year old crank seals are NOT to be trusted. Low mileage does not matter, time does matter.\r\nPlan on doing a leak-down test of your engine. Easy to do at home, you will quickly know the health of your crank seals, head and base gaskets, intake manifolds, reed block seals, and exhaust gaskets. Make a plan to address any air leaks you find. Remember, air leaks in a two stroke engine will cause the fuel mixture to be gas lean. This can quickly lead to pre-detonation. Bad things happen to engines that suffer from pre-detonation.\r\nDitch the cheap Briggs and Stratton fuel shut-off valve. They suck and they leak. Get a petcock rebuild kit to rebuild the stock vacuum petcock if it leaks. Alternatively, you can convert the petcock to a gravity feed, but if you do, the bike will not be \"original.\" New petcocks are still available from Yamaha. \r\n\r\nSince the owner does his own maintenance, I would ask if he kept receipts for his parts, and a log book for his repairs and service work on the RZ. These could be helpful for you to know, for example, exactly what jets are in the carbs, what carb needles are in the carbs when you are attempting to get your carbs working correctly. Guessing is not fun, when you are \"fettling\" with carburetors. \r\n\r\nNext up, brakes. Stopping is not guaranteed on 40 year old bikes. Plan on servicing the brakes before riding. The maintenance log, if available will help to determine what work needs to be done.\r\n40 year old brake lines - change them\r\nMaster Cylinders - rebuild them\r\nCalipers - rebuild them\r\nPads - inspect, replace if necessary\r\nKEEP THE ORIGINAL PARTS! Box them, labeled DO NOT DISCARD!\r\n\r\nInspect the wheel bearings. When were they replaced last?\r\n\r\nSuspension \r\n\r\nI can see the front fork seals are leaking. They need to be replaced.\r\nPlan on changing the fork oil too.\r\nIf you are going to pull the forks apart, plan on replacing the slider bushings.\r\nBe careful with the forks, many parts are NLA from Yamaha.\r\nConsider replacing the fork springs. The stockers are soft, and probably sacking out due to age. Rider weight specific fork springs are available from aftermarket suppliers.\r\nThis bike still has the original rear shock. Great for authenticity, but for a \"rider\" it is time to replace the shock. Aftermarket shocks are available at a wide spectrum of price and performance. If you have the log book, when was the last time the rear suspension linkage was serviced? \r\nRear suspension is easy to service, most parts are still available from Yamaha.\r\n\r\nOK, these are the minimum things I would address before attempting tp ride the RZ. You will have more to do, but if you are like me, this is a lifetime buy of a bike you will actually take out and ride. Trust me, you should. RZ350's are a blast to ride. Guaranteed to make you smile and feel young again.\r\n\r\nBut remember, they DO NOT MAKE THEM ANYMORE. So, treat them accordingly. Do not drop them, or drop things on them in the garage!\r\n\r\n1. Get a Factory Service Manual. PDF files can be downloaded\r\n2. Join an RZ/RD specific forum. RZ/RD500.com is a good one\r\n3. Start a log book to keep track of your work. great to refer back to.\r\n4. Keep your parts receipts in your log book.\r\n5. Take pictures of your work.\r\n6. Keep your old parts and bolts.\r\n7. Have fun working on and riding your RZ.\r\n\r\n\r\nBuying an RZ is a good choice if you love bikes. They are special, representing the final evolution of the Yamaha two stroke twin, going back to the 1960's. Fast, light, fun to ride, and the build quality was good.\r\nParts availability is good.\r\nThere is a world wide appreciation for two stroke bikes generally, and the Yamaha RD/RZ particularly. I have friends and acquaintances in the US, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Greece, who are all two stroke guys. In person, or by email, or through forums we help each other maintain our bikes and find parts. It is kind of like a cult, but in a good way.\r\n\r\nFinally, I know from experience over many years, I have met some really cool people at gas stations, coffee shops, or at bike meet ups. Some of whom have become good friends and/or business associates. An RZ is a great conversation starter.\r\n\r\nSo if you want an RZ, from my viewpoint, this is a good one.\r\nBid to win!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1745449739, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17448861, "authorName": "Scotty17", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/scotty17/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The is a nice, fairly original survivor. There are not many left as complete as this one. I have owned an '85 from new. 40 years of RZ fun. They are great bikes, but they require specific care. The good news is they are easy bikes to work on, with good parts availability.\r\n\r\nIf i were bidding, I would want to ask if the owner has kept a log book for the bike with maintenance dates, part receipts, and riding impressions after he performed various service work. A log book would be very helpful to the new owner to know specific things such as carb jetting, or for planning future service projects.\r\n\r\nOne thing to keep in mind is, a circa 1995 engine rebuild was 30 years ago.\r\nDo not assume 30 year old crank seals are good, due to low mileage!\r\nAge matters more!\r\nLeak-down test the engine and plan your maintenance accordingly.\r\nPrevention is better and cheaper than the cure.\r\nTrust me.\r\nGet a Factory Service Manual- PDF files are out there for free. \r\nJoin an RD/RZ specific forum\r\nLearn to do your own service work.\r\nEnjoy riding your RZ.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745451029, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17449340, "authorName": "Raffi (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/raffi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks for the caution @Scotty17 you've had one since new so you know what the fuss is over these bikes. I appreciate that. \r\n\r\nIt's good for bidders prudent with their purchases. In my experience buying vintage gear, you buy the owner as much as the object. \r\n\r\nIn this case, the owner of this bike is a 50+ year veteran of motorcycle service, rebuilding, custom builds, a voracious reader and researcher and a regular rider. His workmanship and attention to detail are second to none. You want to know the details on this bike? We can get them to you or anyone else. He's encyclopedic, humble, and spends nearly all of his recreational time learning to do motorcycle service, builds, or restorations in new ways. \r\n\r\nI suppose a log book with maintenance dates might be helpful but it's more likely that expert scrutinies would just vary in their assessment... \"I've never done a .003 grind on those parts. Always at .004.\" \r\n\r\nCarb jetting? Happy to share whatever you need to know about how and what to do with these Mikunis which are Toomey Carb kitted (produced by DynoJet), with Boysen dual stage reed valves, and a single layer head gasket. \r\n\r\nHappy to answer any specific questions about this bike or the mechanical features, longevity of the components, or the settings, measurements, and methods used on this bike to further engage you or anyone else's curiosity about this RZ350.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1745455357, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17450207, "authorName": "b757ninja", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/b757ninja/", "bidAmount": 4000, "content": "USD $4,000 bid placed by b757ninja", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745468046, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17451133, "authorName": "PrimeMoto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/primemoto/", "bidAmount": 4100, "content": "USD $4,100 bid placed by PrimeMoto", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1745500240, "type": "bat-bid"}]