Yamaha RZ
The Yamaha RZ is prized as the last two-stroke street bike Yamaha sold in the U.S., a true end-of-an-era machine. It's a celebrated giant-killer from the mid-80s, using its innovative power-valve system to challenge heavier four-stroke superbikes.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Yamaha RZ ranges from $1,900 to $21,955, based on 58 sales tracked on Hypercars.
The Yamaha RZ series, particularly the RZ350, represents the end of an era as the last two-stroke street bike Yamaha sold in the United States. Derived from its RD-series racing predecessors, the liquid-cooled RZ featured the innovative Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS), which varied the exhaust port timing to create a broader powerband. It was a giant-killer in its day, offering a raw, lightweight alternative to the heavier four-stroke superbikes of the mid-1980s.
Collectors prize the RZ for its unfiltered riding experience and historical significance. The bike's peaky power delivery, sharp handling, and distinctive two-stroke smell and sound evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. The yellow-and-black RZ350 Kenny Roberts signature edition is especially sought after for its link to the American racing legend. Finding unmodified examples is becoming increasingly difficult, pushing values up for well-preserved bikes.
The market for the RZ is strong, with an average sale price over $13,000. Clean, low-mileage bikes often sell for more than double that, while project bikes can still be found for a few thousand dollars. Given their age and performance focus, many have been raced, modified, or neglected, making originality and condition the primary drivers of value.
Buying Tips
- Check for a properly functioning YPVS. The servo motor should cycle when you turn the key on. Seized or carbon-fouled valves are common and will hurt performance.
- Inspect the frame carefully for cracks or damage, especially around the steering head and engine mounts. Many RZs were ridden hard or raced.
- Listen for engine noises like piston slap, which indicates a worn top end. Ask for compression test numbers; they should be strong and even between both cylinders.
- Look for rust inside the steel fuel tank. Corrosion can break loose and repeatedly clog the carburetors, creating a persistent running issue.
Prices range from $5,100 for project bikes to $29,250 for top-tier examples.
58 Yamaha RZ vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars. Sold prices range from $750 to $29,250.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Yamaha RZ cost?
Based on 58 sales tracked on Hypercars, Yamaha RZ prices typically range from $1,900 to $21,955.