Unleash the Beast: Uncover the Secrets of the Yamaha RZ 350!

The Yamaha RZ350 is a high-performance two-stroke motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company from 1983 to 1985. It was powered by a 347 cc (21.2 cu in) liquid-cooled, reed valve-inducted, parallel-twin two-stroke engine. The RZ350 was known for its aggressive styling, nimble handling, and impressive acceleration. It was a popular choice for sport riders and racers alike.

The RZ350 was a significant motorcycle for Yamaha. It was the first production motorcycle to use a YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System), which helped to improve the engine’s power and torque throughout the rev range. The RZ350 was also one of the first motorcycles to feature a deltabox frame, which provided increased rigidity and handling. These innovations helped to make the RZ350 one of the most successful and iconic motorcycles of its era.

Today, the RZ350 remains a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts. Its classic styling, impressive performance, and historical significance make it a highly sought-after motorcycle.

Yamaha RZ350

The Yamaha RZ350 is a high-performance two-stroke motorcycle that was manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company from 1983 to 1985. It was known for its aggressive styling, impressive acceleration, and nimble handling. Here are 8 key aspects that make the RZ350 a significant motorcycle:

• Lightweight: At just 319 pounds, the RZ350 is one of the lightest motorcycles in its class.
• Powerful: The RZ350’s 347 cc engine produces 59 horsepower, which gives it a power-to-weight ratio that is comparable to many modern sportbikes.
• Agile: The RZ350’s deltabox frame and 16-inch wheels give it excellent handling and agility.
• Stylish: The RZ350’s sharp lines and aggressive styling make it one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1980s.
• Rare: Only 10,000 RZ350s were ever produced, making it a rare and collectible motorcycle.
• Affordable: Despite its rarity and desirability, the RZ350 is still relatively affordable, making it a great value for collectors and enthusiasts.
• Historical: The RZ350 was one of the first motorcycles to use a YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System), which helped to improve the engine’s power and torque throughout the rev range.
• Nostalgic: The RZ350 is a reminder of a bygone era of motorcycling, when two-stroke engines and lightweight sportbikes were the norm.

These 8 key aspects make the Yamaha RZ350 a truly special motorcycle. It is a lightweight, powerful, agile, and stylish machine that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. If you are looking for a classic motorcycle that is sure to provide you with years of riding enjoyment, the RZ350 is a great option.

Lightweight

The Yamaha RZ350 is a lightweight motorcycle, which gives it several advantages over its competitors. First, a lighter motorcycle is easier to maneuver and handle, making it ideal for both novice and experienced riders. Second, a lighter motorcycle requires less energy to accelerate and brake, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency. Third, a lighter motorcycle is easier to transport and store, making it a more practical choice for riders who live in urban areas or have limited storage space.

• Improved Handling: The RZ350’s light weight makes it very easy to maneuver and handle, even at high speeds. This makes it a great choice for riders who enjoy riding on twisty roads or racing.
• Increased Fuel Efficiency: The RZ350’s light weight also helps to improve its fuel efficiency. This is because a lighter motorcycle requires less energy to accelerate and brake.
• Easier to Transport and Store: The RZ350’s light weight makes it easy to transport and store. This is a major advantage for riders who live in urban areas or have limited storage space.

Overall, the RZ350’s light weight is a major advantage that makes it a great choice for riders of all levels. It is easy to maneuver, fuel-efficient, and easy to transport and store. This makes it a great choice for both everyday commuting and weekend riding.

Powerful

The Yamaha RZ350 is a powerful motorcycle, thanks to its 347 cc engine that produces 59 horsepower. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio that is comparable to many modern sportbikes. This means that the RZ350 can accelerate quickly and reach high speeds. It also handles well, making it a great choice for both street riding and track days.

The RZ350’s power is one of its most attractive features. It makes the bike exciting to ride and gives it the ability to keep up with much larger and more powerful motorcycles. The RZ350 is also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver and handle. This makes it a great choice for both experienced and novice riders.

Overall, the RZ350’s power is a major advantage that makes it a great choice for riders of all levels. It is fast, fun to ride, and handles well. This makes it a great choice for both everyday commuting and weekend riding.

Agile

The Yamaha RZ350 is known for its excellent handling and agility, which is due in part to its deltabox frame and 16-inch wheels. The deltabox frame is a lightweight and rigid design that provides the RZ350 with a high degree of torsional rigidity. This means that the frame is resistant to twisting, which helps to improve the bike’s handling and stability. The 16-inch wheels are also a contributing factor to the RZ350’s agility. Smaller wheels are lighter and easier to maneuver than larger wheels, which makes the RZ350 more responsive and easier to ride.

• Lightweight: The deltabox frame and 16-inch wheels help to reduce the RZ350’s overall weight, which makes it more agile and easier to maneuver.
• Torsional rigidity: The deltabox frame’s high degree of torsional rigidity helps to improve the RZ350’s handling and stability.
• Responsiveness: The 16-inch wheels make the RZ350 more responsive and easier to ride.

Overall, the RZ350’s deltabox frame and 16-inch wheels are two of the key factors that contribute to its excellent handling and agility. These features make the RZ350 a great choice for riders who enjoy riding on twisty roads or racing.

Stylish

The Yamaha RZ350 is a stylish motorcycle, with sharp lines and aggressive styling that make it instantly recognizable. Its unique and distinctive design has made it one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1980s.

• Sharp lines: The RZ350’s sharp lines give it a sleek and aerodynamic appearance. The angular lines of the fairing and bodywork create a sense of speed and aggression, even when the bike is standing still.
• Aggressive styling: The RZ350’s aggressive styling is evident in its low-slung stance, upswept exhaust, and sharp angles. This styling gives the bike a predatory look that is sure to turn heads.
• Iconic design: The RZ350’s sharp lines and aggressive styling have made it one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1980s. It is a bike that is instantly recognizable, and it is still popular with collectors and enthusiasts today.

The RZ350’s stylish design is one of the things that makes it so special. It is a bike that is both beautiful and functional, and it is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Rare

The Yamaha RZ350 is a rare motorcycle, with only 10,000 units ever produced. This makes it a highly sought-after collectible among motorcycle enthusiasts.

• Low Production Numbers: The RZ350 was only produced for three years, from 1983 to 1985. This short production run, combined with its popularity, has made it a rare motorcycle.
• High Demand: The RZ350 is a popular motorcycle among collectors and enthusiasts. This high demand has driven up the value of the bike, making it a valuable collectible.
• Investment Potential: The RZ350 is a good investment for collectors. The value of the bike has been steadily increasing over the years, and it is expected to continue to rise in value in the future.

Overall, the RZ350’s rarity and collectibility make it a valuable asset for any motorcycle enthusiast. Its low production numbers, high demand, and investment potential make it a wise choice for collectors and investors alike.

Affordable

The Yamaha RZ350 is a relatively affordable motorcycle, especially considering its rarity and desirability. This makes it a great value for collectors and enthusiasts who are looking for a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and a good investment.

• Low Production Numbers: The RZ350 was only produced for three years, from 1983 to 1985. This short production run has made the RZ350 a rare motorcycle, which has driven up its value.
• High Demand: The RZ350 is a popular motorcycle among collectors and enthusiasts. This high demand has also helped to drive up the value of the bike.
• Relatively Affordable: Despite its rarity and desirability, the RZ350 is still relatively affordable compared to other classic motorcycles. This makes it a great value for collectors and enthusiasts who are looking for a classic motorcycle that they can actually afford.

Overall, the RZ350’s affordability, rarity, and desirability make it a great value for collectors and enthusiasts. It is a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and a good investment.

Historical

The Yamaha RZ350 was one of the first motorcycles to use a YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System). This system uses a servo-controlled valve to alter the exhaust port timing, which helps to improve the engine’s power and torque throughout the rev range.

The RZ350’s YPVS system is a significant technological advancement that has helped to make the RZ350 a more powerful and responsive motorcycle. This system is a major factor in the RZ350’s success on the racetrack and the street.

• Improved Power: The YPVS system helps to improve the RZ350’s power output by increasing the amount of air and fuel that is able to enter the engine. This results in a more powerful engine that is able to accelerate more quickly and reach higher speeds.
• Increased Torque: The YPVS system also helps to increase the RZ350’s torque output. This results in a more responsive engine that is able to pull stronger out of corners and accelerate more quickly from a standstill.
• Broader Powerband: The YPVS system helps to broaden the RZ350’s powerband, which means that the engine produces more power over a wider range of RPMs. This makes the RZ350 more versatile and easier to ride, as it is able to accelerate quickly and smoothly at a variety of speeds.

The RZ350’s YPVS system is a major technological advancement that has helped to make the RZ350 a more powerful, responsive, and versatile motorcycle. This system is a major factor in the RZ350’s success on the racetrack and the street.

Nostalgic

The Yamaha RZ350 evokes nostalgia for a bygone era of motorcycling, when two-stroke engines and lightweight sportbikes were the norm. This era, which spanned the 1970s and 1980s, was a golden age for motorcycling, and the RZ350 is a perfect embodiment of the spirit of that time.

• Lightweight and Agile: The RZ350 was one of the lightest and most agile sportbikes of its era, weighing in at just 319 pounds. This made it a joy to ride, especially on twisty roads.
• Two-Stroke Engine: The RZ350’s two-stroke engine was a screamer, producing 59 horsepower from its 347 cc displacement. This gave the RZ350 a power-to-weight ratio that was comparable to many larger and more powerful sportbikes.
• Aggressive Styling: The RZ350’s aggressive styling, with its sharp lines and angular fairings, was a departure from the more conservative designs of previous Yamaha sportbikes. This new look helped to define the era and made the RZ350 one of the most iconic motorcycles of its time.

Today, the RZ350 is a reminder of a time when motorcycling was all about fun and freedom. It is a bike that is sure to turn heads and bring a smile to the face of any rider who is lucky enough to experience it.

FAQs

The Yamaha RZ350 is a rare and iconic motorcycle with a cult following. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this legendary machine:

Question 1: What is the Yamaha RZ350?

The Yamaha RZ350 is a high-performance two-stroke motorcycle that was produced from 1983 to 1985. It was powered by a 347 cc, liquid-cooled, reed-valve-inducted, parallel-twin two-stroke engine. The RZ350 was known for its aggressive styling, nimble handling, and impressive acceleration.

Question 2: How many RZ350s were produced?

Only 10,000 RZ350s were ever produced, making it a rare and collectible motorcycle.

Question 3: What is the RZ350’s top speed?

The RZ350’s top speed is approximately 125 mph.

Question 4: How much horsepower does the RZ350 produce?

The RZ350 produces 59 horsepower at 9,000 rpm.

Question 5: What is the RZ350’s weight?

The RZ350 weighs 319 pounds, making it one of the lightest motorcycles in its class.

Question 6: Is the RZ350 a good investment?

The RZ350 is a good investment for collectors and enthusiasts. The value of the bike has been steadily increasing over the years, and it is expected to continue to rise in value in the future.

Overall, the Yamaha RZ350 is a rare, iconic, and highly sought-after motorcycle. Its combination of performance, handling, and style make it a true classic.

If you are considering buying an RZ350, be sure to do your research and find a reputable dealer. The RZ350 is a complex machine that requires regular maintenance and care. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, the RZ350 will reward you with years of riding enjoyment.

Yamaha RZ350 Tips

The Yamaha RZ350 is a rare and iconic motorcycle, but it is also a complex machine. Here are a few tips to help you keep your RZ350 running in top condition:

Tip 1: Use high-quality oil and change it regularly.

The RZ350’s two-stroke engine requires high-quality oil to lubricate its moving parts and prevent premature wear. It is important to change the oil regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Tip 2: Clean the air filter regularly.

The RZ350’s air filter helps to protect the engine from dirt and debris. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can lead to performance problems. It is important to clean the air filter regularly, especially if you ride in dusty or dirty conditions.

Tip 3: Check the spark plugs regularly.

The RZ350’s spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the engine. Fouled or damaged spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire or run poorly. It is important to check the spark plugs regularly and replace them if necessary.

Tip 4: Keep the cooling system clean.

The RZ350’s cooling system helps to keep the engine from overheating. It is important to keep the cooling system clean and free of debris. You should also check the coolant level regularly and add coolant as needed.

Tip 5: Store the motorcycle properly.

If you are not going to be riding your RZ350 for an extended period of time, it is important to store it properly. This will help to protect the motorcycle from the elements and prevent it from deteriorating.

Summary:

• Use high-quality oil and change it regularly.
• Clean the air filter regularly.
• Check the spark plugs regularly.
• Keep the cooling system clean.
• Store the motorcycle properly.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Yamaha RZ350 running in top condition for many years to come.

Conclusion

The Yamaha RZ350 is a rare and iconic motorcycle that is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its combination of performance, handling, and style make it a true classic. If you are considering buying an RZ350, be sure to do your research and find a reputable dealer. The RZ350 is a complex machine that requires regular maintenance and care. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, the RZ350 will reward you with years of riding enjoyment.

The RZ350 is a reminder of a bygone era of motorcycling, when two-stroke engines and lightweight sportbikes were the norm. It is a bike that is sure to turn heads and bring a smile to the face of any rider who is lucky enough to experience it.