Ride the Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts two stroke rocket and learn all the secrets
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ส.ค. 2021
- Yamaha RZ350 Kenney Roberts is the best two stoke ever made. You need one! The inside story.
How the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) works and all the amazing details of this street legal racer, plus wheelies and twisties in SoCal. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Hmm yes we did have the power-valve versions in Europe, the original 350LC simply came first in 1980. The power-valve version in part was created to tame down and smooth the power curve that we had on the wild original RD350LC, which remain to this day the most sort after RD models (RZ in the States) While the power-valve models are great bikes, and maybe the most fun you can have on a 2-stroke in the States, here in Europe we were also lucky enough to have 500cc Power-valve models as well 🙂
Yanks are clueless!
These guys really need to do more research before making a fool of them selves... Yeah we had a ypvs ...mine was an 1985... As for them all having a steering damper ..not in the UK ...I'm still on an LC
Had a few back in the day, now on the look out for another to recapture my youth before its too late!@@ianmcgarrigle9510
@@Jer0867Not all Yanks are wankers. Some of us are sterling fellows. 😅
We never got the LC in the US. We rode the older air cooled RD's while we suffered from envy from '80 to '84 when Yamaha brought the RD350 LC2 YPVS to the US as the RZ350. I remember when I heard the news. It was a happy moment. We were getting a second chance at dating the hot girl! After 3 years of pining for the LC, we finally could buy the newer updated LC2. Happy Days.
Ran out and bought an '85 model. Still have it, still ride it. I will never sell it. Having too much fun. 😊 Thank you, Yamaha.
Bought an 85 for $1999. Still own it. Still ride it regularly. I will never sell it. It is too much fun. A virtual time machine. Takes me back to being 19 again, every time I ride it. 😀
I bought a 1985 red, white and blue Kenny Roberts edition in 1987. It was still in the crate at the dealership because no one wanted them. It was only $1800 at the time and I was 20 years old. Man it was fun and I kick myself for selling it.
Yes my Orange RD 35l0 was a blast until i almost ran it out of oil (crying like a lil baby) 🤣
We had the ypvs in Europe too
They had a race series in the UK back in the early '80's where all the riders rode a standard version of the bike. I remember being stood in the pits at Donington Park at a race meeting in 1984 where all the bikes were all stood in a row (about 25 of them).Made for great racing as it was down to the rider's skill and not about the best bike. Give me a 2 stroke any time!
Great video in the UK I used to own a pre-YPVS 350 LC and that was a real headbangers bike, the power and speed you got from a 350 2stroke was awesome😊😊
Yes, I rode the early 350LC that belonged to a mate of mine back in about '85. I was still a learner at the time and only had a 125 but the LC was wicked in comparison and with some allspeed pipes sounded fantastic. Rode one a year or so later after I had passed my test and managed about 120 mph two up. By far the most exciting bikes I ever rode including all the big 4 strokes I owned years later.
Being an ex-SoCalian and 2 stroke street rider, I'd have to say that I particularly enjoyed this vid.
And yes they're still available. Reminds me of about 10 years ago when a friend came into a small windfall and wanted me to find him an RZ350, and I found one for sale on EBay from a seller in British Columbia, about 3K miles away from where I am in Connecticut.
"Let's go get it" he says.
I just laughed as this was a person who had never traveled west of NYC and had no idea of the distance or any possible registration issues relating to getting a bike from Canada. Not to mention also that this person has a history of destroying anything on wheels within weeks of getting ownership.
He will never know the favor I did in refusing to take part in that wild scheme.
OMG…. What a blast from the past..!!
My friends father owned a Yamaha dealership… and we got our hands on one of these…. Boy did we ring her out
Yes… we also beat on a few Banshee’s as well…!!! OH THE GOOD OLD DAYS
THANKS FOR SHARING…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Ypvs in Europe.. I paid £2000 in 1985 at home in Ireland. Happy days and memories.
A buddy of mine has owned a KR Edition RZ350 for years and I LOVED riding it back in the day. Still think it looks sweet after all these years!
I had an 84 rz 350 so much fun mine was Eddie Lawson paint scheme red white and blue you bring back memories tyvm keep up good work
Thanks for the video, they sure were great, I raced one back in 97 very cheaply on a 14 year old bike against some way newer 600's and 750's they could punch well above their weight . Only wished I had put pipes on it and I kept it.
Had a red and white one in 1984, would love to have it back
Great review of the YPVS. I had the air cooled 74 RD350 when I was a young man. It was simple yet powerful and put a smile on my face every time I rode it. I had the points converted to a CDI.
Awesome! I have a '75 RD350B with the Vape CDI fully electronic ignition kit. Runs better than ever with the new ignition. No more points or relying on 45+ year old factory ignition electrics to get me home.
Thanks for sharing, one of my favorite bikes
I had a 1985 Kenny Roberts RZ350 as my 1st street bike back in 1991. It was mint and only had 1200 miles on it when I bought it. Had a set of nice aftermarket headers and glass packed pipes. Made so much good noise and got more attention then the modern big bikes my buddies were riding. Good memories for sure.
Probably keep up with ur buddy's bikes too, if the power is similar to a banshee
I bought a new one in 87 , it was a hold over. Took it to Hawaii with me soon after when I was stationed there. Good times.
I had the 1985 Red, White and Blue RZ 350, like the one shown in this video !! Sweet !! I wish I still had it !
Started out in '91 riding an rz350. Was quite the back marker until an old timer, he was oooold, probably 35, taught me to shave the head and use Bosch blue coils. Started doing better. Wound up doing a bit of R&D for Yamaha for its R6 due to track ratings. I now grey in my beard and have a horse farm in NC and my first track bike is in the upper barn in my guy room
AMAZING VIDEO!!!! Thanks Kirby!! Cant wait to get mine done!
Glad you enjoyed it Eric!
I would have thought that old pros like yourselves would know better than to drive with bare arms. Some never learn!
I just bought one, restored and rebuilt, from the frame up. 500 miles on the new engine. I got it from Kaplan Cycles, that own the New England Motorcycle Museum, in Rockville, Connecticut. Paid $14,500 for it. It's mint condition, and is being delivered in an enclosed trailer, this Thursday August 18th. I can't wait! I've been a life long lover of 2 stroke motocross dirtbikes, and 2 stroke streetbikes. This will be the first 2 stroke streetbike that I've ever known, and I'm quite happy, having learned, that it has a vicious powerband on it. Kaplan America and Kaplan Cycles are both awesome channels on You Tube, for motorcycle lovers.
I recently bought a Mini Enduro from them. Nice guys.
@@cramersclassics Yep. First Class People and Customer Service. I love their old school mentality, and the 100% Pride they take in everything.
Sonny, I hope you're enjoying riding your RZ from Kaplan. I watch Kaplan all the time on TH-cam. I own two RDs, two Suzuki GTs, a DT175 and Honda Aero 125. They all get driven regularly. The GT550 triple is a hoot. Sounds like nothing else.
@@bluoval3481 I am, brother, and Thank You. A few months later, after buying the RZ from Kaplan, I also bought a 2022 GasGas 2 stroke MC 250, that I love. I've been buying custom parts from The Kaplans, as I can afford to do so, to customize the Gas. It's gonna have gold rims and red hubs, and will be gorgeous. Nice talking to you brother. Much love and respect from Sonny in New Orleans, La. #KaplanAmericaForLife
of course we had the power valve here in europe.....we had the rd 350 lc and then the updated model rd 350 ypvs..i had both here in ireland.....it was Called the RZ in the states and RD everywhere else....
I did not know the later RZ's had YPVS in Europe.
Thanks for sharing!
@@cramersclassics .some bike back in the day when i was only about 19 ripping up the roads on them...great vid by the way....
A mate of mine owned the original RD350LC back in 1984 in the rare metallic blue colour which I have never seen again. He then bought a YPVS version with a full fairing (the F2) version back in 1986 when they were first released. Admit I always liked the earlier version though.
@@cramersclassics RD 350 had YPVS from 1983-1988 in Europe. 1986-1988 was the last version with 63 hp
@@cramersclassics yep my father had it crashed twice almost killed both times...now i rebuild it.... its called Rd 350 in Greece to with Ypvs this thing killed many many many many greeks
I had a 85 and a half with chrome tummies after I swing arm and shock and v Force reads that thing really was fast. Right now I'm still recovering from a terrible motorcycle accident on it I'm very forces of your life I was dead at the scene. Still have fun bikes don't ever wish I had it
Nice collection, glad to hear you're still riding them! Thanks for watching.
Mr. Cramer, where are you located ?
I would like to speak to you about the Rz500.
Please let me know the best way to contact you.
Thank You !
@@RichardQueen-nk3te Hi Richard. You can reach me via cramersclassics@gmail.com
I never had an R5 but I still have a DS7 (pre-RD) and a RD 350. I bought a used 1984 RZ 350 Red/White/Blue in 1985 for $1100. I sold it in 1987 for $1100
Very nice. Thanks for posting. Still have on the road legal my RZ bought as a leftover in '86 for $2k out the door. 37k miles now. All the dents and patina I've put on it over the years. Since these bikes lack a TPS on the carbs, I don't believe load has any bearing on the power valve position. I used to think it came on all of a sudden at 7,500 rpm but have since learned it raises gradually over 3k rpm. The YPVS brain is only connected to the CDI brain which electronically communicates RPM to the regulator. Handy as I've had dysfunctional instruments for decades. Other ready to ride 2 strokes: '67 YCS1; '71 R5B; '72 CS5; '77and '79 RD 400; '89 DT50LC Enduro (the only fully street legal liquid cooled 2 stroke dual sport ever sold in the US).
Very good explained, very interesting. Thanks !!!
Damn. I miss my girl. Called her my little fart. Funnest bike I ever had. I've had 4 rz350s but the one stuck out. Red with the pearl white.. cheers man. Great video of a loved bike..
Awesome video Sir.
Great video!
I had an English power valve 350 from new. That power valve was incredible. Could keep up with much more powerful bikes. It had a full fairing also. It just wanted to sit at 90 mph + all day 😊
I wish I had known that expansion pipes saved that much weight 😂
Awesome Cramer《☆》Nice RZs with cool roads for riding. I would love to have one. I would probably do some Banshee Cheetah Cub mods to see how 100 hp feels on the featherweight road rocket😁◇¿.😎🎱☮🔊🖖👍
One of my brothers had an early seventies RD350 and I bought my RD400 from another brother. The 400 perked up real well at 5,000 r.p.m.
Great video Kirby! I think the "Kenny Roberts signature decal'" came on all the bikes... (in both colors)... some folks just peeled them off or repainted the fairing without replacing the decal(s). My RZ-350 is a1985 model in Red/White and it too has the Kenny Roberts signature decals... Many folks don't realize it, but as you mentioned the Power valves were actually to make the bikes easier to ride with more mid-range power and better MPG, to soften the abrupt power change when the engine come "on the pipe"... My Suzuki RG-250 is the same way... Early moto-magazines were disappointed with that bike when the addition of the power valve in 1985 didn't actually increase top end power, as they were hoping. Looking forward to our next 2-stroke ride! Cheers!
Thanks for your comments and insight Victor. Cheers! -Kirb
I bought my first RZ from Grenada Hills Yamaha in 1985 for $1995 off the showroom. Only the yellow bikes were kenny Roberts bikes. I have a original brochure and that what it says, even tho I had a red wh and blue one that had the kenny roberts sticker on the head light fairing. I had kenny sign my headlight fairing at Willow springs once. Still have the photo. I had so many of these bikes over the years. Awesome machines. We terrorized the San Fernando Valley in the 1980s on these bikes me and 5 friends all had RZs
Great story! Happy my video brought back the fun. Thanks for watching - Kirb
Best 2 stroke bike ever made I owned one in 1984 my buddy stole it and did not put 2 stroke oil in the tank.yes I could not repair the bike I am still crying today.
Great summary - I've had several of these - and now have the RZ250R in Australia. (Too bad there was an idiot with no protective gear - what a dill.)
Page 70 of the June 1984 issue of Cycle Magazine. I still remember that because I always had that particular issue on front of me turned to page 70 when I was in my room. 😄
Man they Are cool bikes! Iam currently in the beginning of my Rd350 ypvs 83/84 model build. That Will be like this red, White model with red frame.
Awesome! Look forward to seeing when complete. Thanks for watching. -Kirb
Yeah great fun bikes in the day with the light weight and zingy 2 stroke powerband..However ridden the way they should be fuel and oil consumption was rather high for touring purposes..My 1985 model 350 was considerably more thirsty than my mates Honda VTR1000 Firestorm with a 3 times larger 4 stroke engine,and considerably more power with an awesome v twin exhaust note.
Enjoying your channel. Liked and subscribed.
Interesting... I think there were several variations on the models for different countries. All 3 of my RZ350's have the same factory-looking air valves on top. The air pressure supplements the internal springs.
I can't recall Kenny Roberts ever riding one of these models!
He was paid to sit on one at least. rocket-garage.blogspot.com/2015/07/rz-350-stock-original-kenny-roberts.html
In Europe the the name is RD not RZ,and all over the wold after 1983 all bikes had YPVS valvesystem,and not only in the usa,as you Said in the video.
Small correction to video information - I remember my second UK RD350LC YPVS (at the time of it's release) had the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) system. YPVS was not just a US feature on the RZ350. And the LC initials stands for liquid-cooled which both the RZ and RD 350s were. So both the USA and Europe versions in question were RD350LC/RZ350LC with YPVS. The YPVS first appeared on the second version of the RZ/RD350LC in 1983 and on the RD500LC. I also remember the YPVS system being present on the Yamaha TDR250 dual-sports.
I grew up and owned virtually all of Yamaha's road-going two strokes at the time of their release, from the FS1E and up to the RD500LC. I am pretty sure that the road-going Yamaha RZ/RD350LC YPVS did not have air forks. The RZ350 utilized telescopic forks for the front suspension encased long coil springs with hydraulic (oil) damping. The air forks are more common in off-road bikes.
That mechanism does not adjust "Spring Rate". It adjusts Preload.
I remember these so well when I was in my late teens . And wanting one so bad. I always thought they where so cool .Have you ever owned or ridden one of the mightily 500cc 4cyl. Version of these from that early 80s era?
Yes I have indeed. Here is the video:
th-cam.com/video/-FXlhLPLTeE/w-d-xo.html
..it changes the port timing..the sooner the EX port opens, the more top end power is made, due to the exhaust gases evacuating the cylinder at higher velocities.
Lower the port timing the more low end and mid range..more push on the piston.
There was also a 500cc version sold in the UK. I do not think it was available in the US because of emission regulations but it was sold in Canada. A neighbour owned one and it accelerated as quick as my GPZ1000 ninja . It was in Marlboro colours just like the Kings 1983 GP bike and looked superb. Very rare and collectable now like most decent 2 strokes!
Yes I think this is it, the RZ500?
th-cam.com/video/-FXlhLPLTeE/w-d-xo.html
@@cramersclassics Yes it was actually called the RD 500 LC in the UK. Suzuki also did an RG 500 gamma two stroke in direct competition with the LC which was introduced in 1985. Always remember seeing one in the local dealers when they came into the UK. Two of the best two strokes around at the time. Worth a fortune now if you can find a mint one.
@@timcolder2789 The RD250 or 350LCH came out in 1981 to 1982 any model after that were RZ's . They were RZ250, 350 and 500.
@Neil Hammil they were known as the RZ in the US and also Japan I realise but they were known as the RD two strokes in the UK and western Europe just as the earlier air cooled bike was in the late'70's. My cousin had an aircooled RD250 which was made in 1975 ,the pre water cooled 350 LC bike. Quite why the difference between RD and RZ anyone knows as they wrre the same model. A mate had a fully faired RD350LC F2 in 1986 which was the last year they were sold new on the UK market. Recently seen a mint German 1981 registered early version for sale at a local dealer's priced at about £13000 (about €15600.00). Two other friends owned rare metallic blue versions which came out in the UK about 1984. Whether they were sold in the US no idea. I rode two different black 350LC's about 1985/1986? the first before I passed my test in December 1985. Great bikes whatever their title. Best wishes from the UK.
@@topcat4759 The first model was the R5 350 and from there were RD up until 1982 they were RZ until they stopped making them in Australia.
The LC and YPVS models were both developed by Yamaha Japan in conjunction with Yamaha Europe ( Yamaha Motor NV, Amsterdam, Holland ) my personal preference was an LC with YPVS forks, engine and a damping adjustable aftermarket shock. This combinatoon is lighter, lower and shorter than the YPVS and in my opinion is the best of both.
Excellent commentary. I recently found an RD350LC and it is unique. Cheers! -Kirb
Don’t forget Yamaha also made the the R1Z, the TZR, the RZV, and the TDR two strokes….
All more modern than the 350
Yes, I was thinking of street legal version for the USA. Man I would love to ride some of those! Thanks for watching.
Top ten most important and incredible motorcycles built in Japan
I agree, if I could only have one bike, this would be it! Thanks for watching and subscribe please. Cheers -Kirb.
The banshee engine was different in that it didn't have a power valve. Edit: the banshee also didn't have electronicly adjusted ignition, but many companies make a bolt on solution for it.
Like my friends RD Top de line!
I had an R5 when I was a senior in high school in 1974-75. As soon as I bought it I threw away the sissy bar (??!!) and bolted on a clubman handlebar. From then on I was Kenny Roberts! Of course I was never really as good as I think I was. A few years later a friend foolishly left his RD400 Daytona Special in my care while he was away. I went for a Sunday ride on some twisty mountain roads with several friends including one on a Yamaha XS Eleven! As soon as the curves got tight all the other headlights receded in my mirrors and then disappeared except my roommate on his new Suzuki GS750. For my money nobody else came close to the smiles per hour provided by the Yamaha 2 stroke twins.
Great story! I had my first 1975 RD350 as a college freshman in 1979, since there were no parking spots available on campus for cars. Milk crate clamped to the fender rack for hauling beer. Quickly learned bottles vibrated so much the tops popped off. Cans only.
Added Dick's Cycle West pipes for a wild ride into a neighbor's front yard on a cul-de-sac; thinking the curve was gentle. No harm except the lawn, quick get away. Those days were epic!
@@cramersclassicsMy brother still has his 75 RD! It's in his garage under a pile of old boxes and his kid's greasy Jeep parts. Hasn't been started in at least 40 years.😥
I hope he gets it running again soon!
@@cramersclassics lol !!
Europe has YPVS from 1982 on and don't have the catalyst.
is there any chance that you have an extra set of jugs for an RZ?
You boys in America really missed out on the original rd350lc
You are so right!
In the US, guys who had air cooled RD's were pining for Yamaha to give us the Elsie. Imagine our surprise and delight when Yamaha brought the RZ350 into the US. Three cheers, hurrah!!!!!
I promptly went out and bought a new RZ350. Still have it today. Most fun on two wheels. 😊
My friend had aRD 250. That little bike kicked the ass of much bigger machines. I would do 107mph! He added FPP chambers and flat slide carbs. Air tech body work. Looked like a early 60s faring and seat . He named it Ring Ding!
Mine is the 84 Kenny Roberts special, I want to be Buried with it.
Would you happen to have a set of jugs for an RZ that you would sell?
Nicee!! Any rz350 kenny roberts for sale?I'm interested
1979 was the last year for two stroke street bikes in the U.S.
Or so we thought. Have a Daytona and brother bought one back then. Kawasaki and Suzuki folded their tent in '76. Yeah we thought that was it till Yamaha came to the rescue in '84/5 with their catylyzed RZs. Bought one new and it's still in service.
Just thinking,what if they made a scrambler version?Or flat track?
don't think they made a scrambler version, but that would be so cool!
5:43 How do you mix oil and gas?? I'd love to know how THAT'S done!
Easily. Many of the early RDsRZs were converted to take premix as opposed to the factory set up where the oil was mixed with the fuel via the seperate oil tank and oil feed system. It was not easy to get the proper ratio if you had to refuel on the road on longer distances. This principle is the same as chainsaws and other fuel operated gardening tools. Generally they run around 25 to one fuel/oil ratio. I have not converted my 1980 RD250LC so I am not sure of the ratio.
Let's go see how fun these bikes are * Proceeds to video himself lugging it around
Whats the chase bike?
Had a 85 in Red and White. The amount they’re asking today for these is stupid. Despite being quick for their time, a new 600 will eat its lunch and a qtr the cost of what they’re asking.
😍
I have the yellow version
4:23 Aloominum! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hard to believe those aftermarket expansion chambers add 20% more power
Yes, however, when you consider the stock pipes had a catalytic converters and had to meet US smog restrictions, 20% seems reasonable to me based on my experiences. Anyway, the JL pipes are so much lighter they certainly feel faster! Thanks for watching.
Is there any for sale?
you want to take your time, do a full global search for the '85, which maintain's the '83-'84 slim oil covers flowing back into the thinner rear (flared) fairing (in) which the(y) housed that art-deco triangulated(key-hole) pyramid tailight, PLUS the F(1...(edt. ..'85, 1st year Full Fairing) also sported the (later)square headlamp and the RD500 instruments...this style combo is an utterly unique, ONE year only exercise, and in Euro/UK.(and a few(very few)Aussie) KenRobSpecial still put's out the full 63bhp specs (sans the catylists and emmission controls).....the very next year year they took a down turn with the overly square, heavier styling, heavier weight...still not bad but, if you want the one(?)
Hola...soy del norte de Argentina🇦🇷, tengo una RZ350R modelo 1987, roja blanca azul como la del vídeo...NO CONSIGO LA CAJA NEGRA bajo el tanque de combustible > como puedo conseguirla?
Not exactly sure what you want. Can you give more details please?
@@cramersclassics Hi...I'm from the north of Argentina🇦🇷, I have a 1987 RZ350R, red white blue like the one in the video...I CAN'T GET THE BLACK BOX under the fuel tank > how can I get it?
R Zeeee 🤣 Zed mate 👍
1:18 Europe didn't have the YPVS??? I'm in the UK, and in the early-mid 80s, they were all over the place! You really don't know your bikes, do you?!
I think you'll find they were closer to 60 bhp, not 52
Can I buy one
We're having too much fun with them to sell. Hope you fine one!
@@cramersclassics I’m working on my 1972CT1 175. I’ve seen some used online I want to get to our rd 350. But I’d like to own one of these one day to let me know if you find one for sale one day post more videos they’re fucking sick bikes I love two strokes wish they still made them like this road legal and everything I guess the good old days will never come back.
@@jezzeestewart3712 Love the CT1. My buddy had one back in the 1970's I think. Its was his Dads and a big bike for us back then.
I guess one bike needs new piston rings when passing that car.
All are 2-strokes! They smoke under acceleration ...
One hundred horses from a banshee i wonder how long that's going to live 🤔
I've been told not too long depending on porting and timing/
6:28 A single disc at the back...as opposed to what? A twin disc?!
Gentleman you supposed to hang a little and put down in third
The power valve was invented by jawa refined by yamaha
We did have them in England, but they were called rd instead of rz
The most powerful in Europe claimed 59hp but in reality was 47hp.
The YPVS valves on this bike are a weak point.
The SAEC Suzuki from the same period is much more reliable.
"Yamaha RZ350 Kenney Roberts is the best two stoke ever made" Really? On what basis? Can you qualify that rather grand claim?
Rd 350 LC BADDEST bike on the planet STAN STEPHENS stage 2 TUNE all speed PIPES, the ypvs was more tamer I smoked z900s on that bad boy power band was sick CHELSEA bridge on Friday night's, BOX HILL ON SUNDAYS AFTERNOON MISS THOSE DAYS !,
You really should get your facts right before making statements. Of course Europe had the YPVS models
the first "secret" tevealed should be that KR NEVER raced the RZ350 as his job....
second is that the "strobe" stripe was NOT KR idea it was his mechanics design for his personal racebike.....
add yo that the "signature" is a sticker and ya end up with a bike shrouded in marketing nonsense
Us 'Europeans' Chief...were racing these in there own specialist Pro-am series in the UK, so we were way ahead of you guys!
@great race series. Remember watching at Donington Park and also on tv. Proof that it was down to who was the best rider and not who had the best bike. They ought to bring it back, not sure which bike they would use, they tried the R6 cup back in 2003 but not as good as LC pro am series.