Yamaha RZ350

Yamaha RZ350 (RD350LCII) (liquid cooled) is a motorcycle powered by a twin-cylinder two-stroke engine, reed valved 347 cc engine. The bore and stroke are 64 mm × 54 mm (2.5 in × 2.1 in). Coming out in 1983, it was the evolution of Yamaha's popular and well known RD350 (1972–75) and RD350LC (1980–86). Production was carried on into the 1990s and a different version with no YPVS power valve in the engine was used in Yamaha's Banshee ATV until its final model year in 2006 in the United States. Yamaha Motor sold the Banshee in Canada until 2008. There were several other models, the 1985 RZ350F, 1986-92 RZ350F2,N,NF, and the 1992-5 RZ350RR were produced in Brazil. The picture shown to the right is a model with an aftermarket, "Expansion Chamber" higher flowing, high-performance exhaust system, devoid of the catalytic converter and other exhaust pollution control items.

RZ350 is now a sought after collectors motorcycle in America, as it was sold exclusively in the USA as a signature model. It is also raced extensively in Vintage racing leagues, as well as its own racing leagues, often dubbed "RZ cups" in Europe.

Generally 4 main versions, but not all markets received all versions.

1983/4 - bikini fairing attached to the forks, separate side and tail panels, offset fuel filler and semi-italic wheels with holes.

1985 - F1 models introduced with RD/RZ500 style full fairing (frame mounted and using the same top panel as the 500) and Variable damper forks, alongside N1 (naked) models with no fairing. Seen as a halfway house between the early and late models and having styling from both. Detailed information on this model can be found here

1986-1992 - F2 and N2 models with one restyled fuel tank, seat and side/tail panels that looked '1 piece'.

1992-1995 - UK importers bring in RD350R model (made in Brazil) with FZR600 style twin light top fairing and various detail differences.

The 1983-1985 models are the most collectible.

This bike was sold in the Europe from 1983-1992, UK (1983-1995), Australia (1983-1988) and in United States 1984 / 1985, and Canada in 1983-1990.

EU/UK - All designated RD, not RZ. 1983 350 models designated 31k. 1985 F1 models introduced. New F2 and N2 models in 1986 model runs until 1992. 1992-95 UK importers bring in RD350R model (made in Brazil).

Australia - Same 83 - 85 models as UK/EU, but more 250's sold due to registration cost savings. 1986 sees the introduction F2/N2, but in 1987 a round light full fairing model appears. Discontinued in 1988.

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