Sold mine 3 years ago. I was at peace with it for a while, no regrets. Lately, the sellers remorse is finally setting in. Lost buyer’s contact info. The lesson learned is this…1)only buy bikes you could envision yourself keeping forever. 2) keep said bikes forever. Hold strong.
@@weasel698 I couldn’t give the damn thing away 3 years ago on Marketplace (pre-Covid) Barely any interest in it. It was a solid 7/10 rider with 8K miles and fresh motor from reputable Yamaha dealership. I got a measly $4 grand and a broken heart! Also strangely, nobody ever complimented the bike or knew what the hell it was, so the pride factor lessened during the ownership experience. Especially when the only place to meet riders was a Harley infested bike night.
had one my whole life. "it was dad's" they do sound nice. Mine is stock with only a toomey racing kit (reeds, pipes, intake boot/filter, jets) and it will lift the front wheel easily. just don't be a 'larger' rider. be a small dude at about 130-140 pounds and you will be just fine.
@@machrider2333 I wound up buying it. I'm 210 lbs, and the front wheel still comes up easy, without playing with the clutch. Still getting the feeling for it, feeling it out. I'm too smart to allow myself to lose respect for the bike. Don't want it to bite me on the ass. Couple weeks of riding time, I'll be where I need to be. Nice talking to you brother.
Test rode a Red/White one w/ pipes when I was 20. Should've bought it but instead bought a 86 GSXR750 which I crashed, got paralyzed and of course I'm the token wheelchair guy now LOL It's all good! I LOVE the content OF COURSE! Love 1300 ELRRR! Eddie Lawson Replica Replica Replica.
beautiful machine, I remember so many of those bikes as a young guy, im glad I was a enthusiast back in that time... motorcycles have got to be one of mans greatest creations...
100% agree. Helps alot with depression, bring families and friends closer, bring parents and their kids closer. What Ken says is true. It never crossed my mind before hearing him say that. Take Care, Brother.
Actually, these bikes were extremely rare and hard to come by even when they were new. I ended up with a Honda CM450E because the RZ350 was just too expensive to even think about.
Dang that one sounds wicked! Got me even more pumped to get the RD350 going I started restoring not long ago. Was actually an RZ350 on marketplace somewhat locally for I believe $7500, way out of my price range but it was a beauty.
Another Legendary machine to obsess over... Really love your videos Kaplan .. love what you guys do.. Keeping these old school bikes going is so brilliant. They don't make 'em like this anymore. Miss the old school bikes... 👍
Damm! Takes me back! I had my parents " help me" buy one of these when I was mid 15 yrs old.. I did Toomey pipes ,jet kit, Metzler's, a fork brace and some low clip on bars..the bike was a blast! Would take down 750cc superbikes at the time.. and they had no chance with corner speed. I had no idea.what I had . If I did I would still own it today..a classic..💪👍.(I moved on next to a new fz750.. at age 18)
Yeah I had a Daytona special 400cc Bassani expansion chambers the bubble -like odd firing of of the exhaust at low rpms was hypnotic but once the pipes came on it was front wheel to the sky. That powerband was a force to be reckoned with. Got away from me twice resulting in broken wrists both times catching myself on asphalt at the very end of first gear when power comes on quick, very quick. It’ll bite ya but fun as hell.
Bought mine new at Montclaire Yamaha in California for $2300 OTD......sold it 2 years later for $2250! Had a lot of fun popping wheelies and zipping around but the combo of killer brakes and narrow tires was out to get me and I moved up to a Ninja 750. 34 years later I still have the Ninja!
Growing up… my friends dad owned a Yamaha dealership… we got our hands on one of these…!! Oh boy did we have a blast with this machine Great memories..!! ACTION YAMAHA OF EDISON…. NJ 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
And all the R and D to make this is what lead to the Yamaha Banshee 4wheeler. I loved my quad. I ripped it at the dunes and is still the best for all out high rpm fun. Edit: you get some really cool cycles Ken!!!
As a 15 yr old i enjoyed my brothers RZ Back in '86. It had the Toomy pipes. Just remember hitting the powerband and it threw me back so hard i couldn't let go of the throttle. The smell of a 2 stroke will live with me forever.
I used to love the Kawi 2 strokes of the early 70s, Yamaha took it to the next level.Their bikes were safer & better handling.The first reed valve 6 speed was I think the 73.Red w/ white,I loved that bike,this is a newer version & slightly improved.
Damn you. I miss mine so much. I think a ring got caught and chunked up and just ripped the left cylinder to shreds I had to sell it as I had no margins at the time. th-cam.com/video/50XP1ImbioA/w-d-xo.html
Perfect example of this phenomenal machine. When I rode one of these many, many years ago as a much younger man I remember feeling my first dose of terror after blatting down a road only to realise the brakes were naff. But I'm still alive to write about it.
Has all three, RD 350 and 400 (Daytona Special) and the RZ (red/white) as well. These bikes were awesome, but current prices for a $2500 bike are just stupid. Fork seal issues were common as were the sprockets. They were pretty docile until you got them "on pipe" and then they really took off. The ONLY bikes I ever feared at the time were Kawi Machs III and IV and the new (at the time) Kawi Z1 . Hondas were cannon fodder for the RD series. Even the CB750 couldn't keep up. My RDs had DG heads and pipes, new reeds and are sorely missed. The RZ was not much quicker than the RD400s.
Excellent video presentations by Kaplan. The Yamaha Kenny Roberts is a legendary motorcycle masterpiece beauty paying well deserving homage to a great motorcycle and professional competitor. The Yamaha 2 stroke showcased here is truly a time capsule with so much to remember with unique greatness that doesn’t get old through time. Thank you Kaplan for your generous and excellent work in making it possible along with your caring working staff..!!
Lovely machine had a few back in the day a few 81LCs plus Chas Mortimers F2 Drs Tz alloy framed /Ypvs tuned motor ....bang for buck .....btw nice helmet 😅
Bought one brand knew in '84. Sold in '87. More fun than the law should allow. Question:. Why wear boots, gloves & wrist supports(?)...yet no helmet or jacket? Seems backwards to me.🤷🏻♂️
Dont ever sell it! I sold mine way back in the mid 90s and of all the toys I have bought and sold over the years that RZ500 is my only regret and Ive have been fortunate enough to own some sweet machines.
If you like to, add some 250cc 2 stroke streetbike like Honda NSR250 Suzuki RGV Γ 250 Yamaha TZR250 or Kawi KR1S to your collection. These buzzing hornets are fun to ride and fast too. They are rare in the States.
Bought one new in 1983 or 4? Cheap, like mid 2000's I think. Fun bike. Nobody wanted them at the time. Dealer had leftovers marked down. Did a bunch of "Spec 2" upgrades. Pipes, air box, jetting. The biggest gain was the milling of the head though. Motor had quench designed in but not used because of emissions. The milling restored quench, ran cooler, started easier, significant power increase too.
In 1989 I could have bought one but they were £3500. A lot of money for a 350. The FJ 1200 was £4500. A lot more bike for the money. It made sense to buy the FJ. I already had a RD400. So I didn't want to go down in engine size.
In 85 bought ninja 600 loved it. Buddy had 600.ninja but also had rz350, man i lived that rz350. Up to 70mph or so he would get me. Light flickable and more than fast enough for street. In curves i had no chance.
The simplicity of this “Liquid Cooled “ 2 Stroke design is genius because as 2 Strokes get hot they lose their performance ! plus the “Chambers “ don’t look too ugly as they usually do ! I want it but I would wear the safety clothes and helmet !!!
I totally get riding without a helmet I never did either until I had a seizure out of nowhere at work and it made me realize that even with how confident I am at riding (I'm VERY confident in my riding ability i ride mx/enduro and road) something out of my control like that could happen and it could end your life. Would never ride without a helmet again. I mean that I never felt there was anything wrong with riding without a helmet because I am confident in my riding, specially in a situation like this where ur just doing a few drive bys for a video in a place u feel safe. Anything can happen though it's really never worth it
My first motorcycle. Stolen from me back in 91 in Jacksonville when I was more brave than smart about how I rode. Might have been the best thing that happened to me but i was damn pissed about it.
The Banshee has that engine but without the power valve--and man that's a fun engine. It's a bit weak off the bottom but when it's on the pipe she rips.
When I was younger. I walked into South Bay Yamaha in San Diego/National City. I had a choice of the RZ350 or the XT 350. My dumb ass bought the XT. Til this day I still kick my self in the azz for not purchasing the RZ.
Sold mine 3 years ago. I was at peace with it for a while, no regrets. Lately, the sellers remorse is finally setting in. Lost buyer’s contact info. The lesson learned is this…1)only buy bikes you could envision yourself keeping forever. 2) keep said bikes forever. Hold strong.
I feel sympathy for you man. They're only going up in price and the bad ass factor is even more. Long live two strokes baby 😎
Ouch…. I can’t find find them anywhere.
@@weasel698 I couldn’t give the damn thing away 3 years ago on Marketplace (pre-Covid) Barely any interest in it. It was a solid 7/10 rider with 8K miles and fresh motor from reputable Yamaha dealership. I got a measly $4 grand and a broken heart! Also strangely, nobody ever complimented the bike or knew what the hell it was, so the pride factor lessened during the ownership experience. Especially when the only place to meet riders was a Harley infested bike night.
If you have the vin the ministry might be able to help you
@@kawasaki000000000000 I should have all my old registration papers I’ll have to look!
One of the all-time greats. Not just a legend in it's own right, but it's the father of the legendary Banshee.
That's a lovely RZ, I love the way this dude rips around town like he owns the place, fucking awesome.
One of my absolute dream bikes. Love the old school Yamaha Graphics on it.
They rock. th-cam.com/video/50XP1ImbioA/w-d-xo.html
had one my whole life. "it was dad's" they do sound nice. Mine is stock with only a toomey racing kit (reeds, pipes, intake boot/filter, jets) and it will lift the front wheel easily. just don't be a 'larger' rider. be a small dude at about 130-140 pounds and you will be just fine.
@@machrider2333 I wound up buying it. I'm 210 lbs, and the front wheel still comes up easy, without playing with the clutch. Still getting the feeling for it, feeling it out. I'm too smart to allow myself to lose respect for the bike. Don't want it to bite me on the ass. Couple weeks of riding time, I'll be where I need to be. Nice talking to you brother.
Test rode a Red/White one w/ pipes when I was 20. Should've bought it but instead bought a 86 GSXR750 which I crashed, got paralyzed and of course I'm the token wheelchair guy now LOL
It's all good! I LOVE the content OF COURSE!
Love 1300 ELRRR!
Eddie Lawson Replica Replica Replica.
If you couldn’t handle a 750 how you gonna handle a 2 stroke lol
@@skylermummert24 I was 20 and thought I could handle anything lol.
When I was younger I had no fear either!
One of my all time favs, old school Yamy yellow+black, plus Kenny Roberts is pure legend
beautiful machine, I remember so many of those bikes as a young guy, im glad I was a enthusiast back in that time... motorcycles have got to be one of mans greatest creations...
Was thinking that same thing on my ride home yesterday (xl600)
100% agree. Helps alot with depression, bring families and friends closer, bring parents and their kids closer. What Ken says is true. It never crossed my mind before hearing him say that. Take Care, Brother.
Actually, these bikes were extremely rare and hard to come by even when they were new. I ended up with a Honda CM450E because the RZ350 was just too expensive to even think about.
Well done once again KEN thank you for the trip down memory lane 👍🇦🇺
Dang that one sounds wicked! Got me even more pumped to get the RD350 going I started restoring not long ago. Was actually an RZ350 on marketplace somewhat locally for I believe $7500, way out of my price range but it was a beauty.
Another Legendary machine to obsess over... Really love your videos Kaplan .. love what you guys do.. Keeping these old school bikes going is so brilliant. They don't make 'em like this anymore. Miss the old school bikes... 👍
A buddy of mine rode one of these and had no trouble keeping pace with our GSXR’s in the twisties back in the day. Total blast to ride 👍🏼
Damm! Takes me back! I had my parents " help me" buy one of these when I was mid 15 yrs old.. I did Toomey pipes ,jet kit, Metzler's, a fork brace and some low clip on bars..the bike was a blast! Would take down 750cc superbikes at the time.. and they had no chance with corner speed.
I had no idea.what I had . If I did I would still own it today..a classic..💪👍.(I moved on next to a new fz750.. at age 18)
Same here!!! Moved on to a Ducati 900ss which I modified!
Metzlers haven’t seen those since 03 lol
@@skylermummert24 Got to have the ME33 Lazer front in 16"!
I loved shocking guys on larger bikes as they got to stare at the tailpipes.
Beautiful bike! I really wish you would wear a helmet, head injuries are terrible
That’s is a mind blower. Had a RD 250 lc. Wow wish I kept her greeting from the uk 🇬🇧
Probably my favorite motorcycle of all time.
Same here bro....
Same
I liked the original back in 73 but were in the same bal!park.
One of My Favorite, Machines / 2 Strokes, 🤜🧨🧨🤛,How much 🤷♂️,So I can make This Dream Come True, Before my # Get's, Called ,🙏
I had 14 of those badboys one time, we used to hybrid them with VJ22 suspension because no one wanted RGVs, oh how things were so easy back then!
Well that bike is so beautiful and sounds so good and crisp. Yeah really knocking this one out of the park guy's great job
This sounds just as good as it looks. The higher the RPM it just screams like crazy. I want it so bad.
It’s a 2 stroke of course the higher the rpm the better hahah
@@skylermummert24 Honestly sounds more like V tec.. lol
@Skyler Mummert Game over at 11k rpm though .
I didn't hear you mentioned that it was ahead of its time because it had electronic powervalve before anyone else for production two stroke
After all these years still a very capable bike. Used to have a White and Red many, many moons ago!
Anyone that knows anything about bikes this should be ur dream bike but I know I can’t handle it lol
Dream bike. I’ll own one some day
I owned a brand new 1985, seriously great motorcycle. Let a friend take it for a spin and it came back in a box! I still miss that bike.
Two strokes are freaking awesome
Yeah I had a Daytona special 400cc Bassani expansion chambers the bubble -like odd firing of of the exhaust at low rpms was hypnotic but once the pipes came on it was front wheel to the sky. That powerband was a force to be reckoned with. Got away from me twice resulting in broken wrists both times catching myself on asphalt at the very end of first gear when power comes on quick, very quick. It’ll bite ya but fun as hell.
I learnt to ride on the street on one of these. Scary fast 💨 back in the day
Come on Ken no wheelies ! These bikes wheelie like a dirt bike !
Bought mine new at Montclaire Yamaha in California for $2300 OTD......sold it 2 years later for $2250! Had a lot of fun popping wheelies and zipping around but the combo of killer brakes and narrow tires was out to get me and I moved up to a Ninja 750. 34 years later I still have the Ninja!
Sounds🤏 like my banshee 🤣
Love it, whoever rebuilt it did a great job, iv rebuilt a few LC Yamahas and know exactly how much it costs and how quickly it can mount up.
Growing up… my friends dad owned a Yamaha dealership… we got our hands on one of these…!! Oh boy did we have a blast with this machine
Great memories..!!
ACTION YAMAHA OF EDISON…. NJ
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Im on my 4th FZR1000 now. Never give up on the old Yamahas!!
One of the best sounding bikes I've heard except for the 6 cylinder bikes ! And a few vtwins
And all the R and D to make this is what lead to the Yamaha Banshee 4wheeler. I loved my quad. I ripped it at the dunes and is still the best for all out high rpm fun. Edit: you get some really cool cycles Ken!!!
As a 15 yr old i enjoyed my brothers RZ Back in '86. It had the Toomy pipes. Just remember hitting the powerband and it threw me back so hard i couldn't let go of the throttle. The smell of a 2 stroke will live with me forever.
That thing should pull the front wheel hitting third when running right!
Dang, I wish I had NEVER sold mine !!😭
I used to love the Kawi 2 strokes of the early 70s, Yamaha took it to the next level.Their bikes were safer & better handling.The first reed valve 6 speed was I think the 73.Red w/ white,I loved that bike,this is a newer version & slightly improved.
Totally different with a water cooled engine
Damn you. I miss mine so much. I think a ring got caught and chunked up and just ripped the left cylinder to shreds I had to sell it as I had no margins at the time. th-cam.com/video/50XP1ImbioA/w-d-xo.html
Perfect example of this phenomenal machine. When I rode one of these many, many years ago as a much younger man I remember feeling my first dose of terror after blatting down a road only to realise the brakes were naff. But I'm still alive to write about it.
Has all three, RD 350 and 400 (Daytona Special) and the RZ (red/white) as well. These bikes were awesome, but current prices for a $2500 bike are just stupid. Fork seal issues were common as were the sprockets. They were pretty docile until you got them "on pipe" and then they really took off. The ONLY bikes I ever feared at the time were Kawi Machs III and IV and the new (at the time) Kawi Z1 . Hondas were cannon fodder for the RD series. Even the CB750 couldn't keep up. My RDs had DG heads and pipes, new reeds and are sorely missed. The RZ was not much quicker than the RD400s.
Excellent video presentations by Kaplan. The Yamaha Kenny Roberts is a legendary motorcycle masterpiece beauty paying well deserving homage to a great motorcycle and professional competitor.
The Yamaha 2 stroke showcased here is truly a time capsule with so much to remember with unique greatness that doesn’t get old through time. Thank you Kaplan for your generous and excellent work in making it possible along with your caring working staff..!!
Right on!
I'd love to have this but dang, $14k buy it now, maybe Ill get one in 20 years haha
Lovely machine had a few back in the day a few 81LCs plus Chas Mortimers F2 Drs Tz alloy framed /Ypvs tuned motor ....bang for buck .....btw nice helmet 😅
Keep that one
Wonderfull
They were called RD 350 LC power valves cause of the exhaust port valve
Bought one brand knew in '84. Sold in '87. More fun than the law should allow.
Question:. Why wear boots, gloves & wrist supports(?)...yet no helmet or jacket? Seems backwards to me.🤷🏻♂️
Possibly the funest street bike ever !
I own an rz500, one scary bike.
Dont ever sell it! I sold mine way back in the mid 90s and of all the toys I have bought and sold over the years that RZ500 is my only regret and Ive have been fortunate enough to own some sweet machines.
If you like to, add some 250cc 2 stroke streetbike like Honda NSR250 Suzuki RGV Γ 250 Yamaha TZR250 or Kawi KR1S to your collection. These buzzing hornets are fun to ride and fast too. They are rare in the States.
A truly great motorcycle. Toomy exhaust and intake kit got 54hp if memory serves. A real giant killer.
I'll trade you my FZ07 and my sister for the bike!
I own a 81 rd350lc matching numbers original condition, superb bikes,
Bought one new in 1983 or 4? Cheap, like mid 2000's I think. Fun bike. Nobody wanted them at the time. Dealer had leftovers marked down. Did a bunch of "Spec 2" upgrades. Pipes, air box, jetting. The biggest gain was the milling of the head though. Motor had quench designed in but not used because of emissions. The milling restored quench, ran cooler, started easier, significant power increase too.
In 1989 I could have bought one but they were £3500. A lot of money for a 350. The FJ 1200 was £4500. A lot more bike for the money. It made sense to buy the FJ. I already had a RD400. So I didn't want to go down in engine size.
In 85 bought ninja 600 loved it. Buddy had 600.ninja but also had rz350, man i lived that rz350. Up to 70mph or so he would get me. Light flickable and more than fast enough for street. In curves i had no chance.
How many miles would these get before needing a top end?
Around same time it will need a clutch rebuild
The simplicity of this “Liquid Cooled “ 2 Stroke design is genius because as 2 Strokes get hot they lose their performance ! plus the “Chambers “ don’t look too ugly as they usually do !
I want it but I would wear the safety clothes and helmet !!!
I totally get riding without a helmet I never did either until I had a seizure out of nowhere at work and it made me realize that even with how confident I am at riding (I'm VERY confident in my riding ability i ride mx/enduro and road) something out of my control like that could happen and it could end your life. Would never ride without a helmet again.
I mean that I never felt there was anything wrong with riding without a helmet because I am confident in my riding, specially in a situation like this where ur just doing a few drive bys for a video in a place u feel safe. Anything can happen though it's really never worth it
Thanks
beauty
I had a RZ 400 it was orange, with black stripes, quick up through the gears. Would wheelie without riding the clutch. Fun, but dangerous little bike.
When you go on Merriam-Webster dictionary for the definition of "RIPPER", it should have a picture of this bike with it.
Fun little back road blaster.
bought mine the first year they came out, and sold my H2,
which almost killed me..
RZ was my favorite road bike ever
Lee Betty Robinson Shirley Thomas Laura
A1 rep of that model. Absolutely beautiful
God bless kaplan America 🇺🇸 ❤️KING OF TWO STROKES
Why can't motorcycles come with comfortable seats anymore? Sold my fz07 because I couldn't ride it more than 30 min .
Love it! Cool if you could add an rz500 and rg500 to the collection.
Superb bikes, though I prefer the more brutal power delivery of the original LC.
My first motorcycle. Stolen from me back in 91 in Jacksonville when I was more brave than smart about how I rode. Might have been the best thing that happened to me but i was damn pissed about it.
One of the last 2strokers? Loved my bone stock rd400 so I think this bike would be amazing
This was/is a bike for wailin' thru corners leaned waaay over, it is not meant for straight up highway miles. She's a rippa!
Seen one of these at the Rhinebeck show some years ago, thing was immaculate, full fairing though*, really cool bike.
The 1983 one didn't have a rev limiter . My mate ended up blowing his motor .
My favorite smell racing fuel and klotz 2 stroke oil. Wish they made a candle that smell. Lol
heyyyyy that's the Banshee engine!!! Awesome bike!!!
Not the Banshee engine. Very similar, but with some important key differences.
In the 1960s there were a few motor scooters with 300+ cc engines, they don't haul like this though.
Would that be similar to the RD350LC we had in the U.K.?
I love the smell of burning two stroke oil in the Morning…… Afternoon, Evening and Night time.
Great bike, but where's your helmet and jacket? Two-Stroke owners are rare these days. We need all we can get to keep these bikes running.
Had a 77 GS 550 tricked to the hilt. I had a hard time keeping up with one of those RZ threw the twisty's
Fyi, those are Spec II pipes. I have a set on my RWB 85 RZ. 36 years of fun. Miles of smiles.
Great video, but much prefer it when you do the 'cool dude' thing and catch the mic as it's thrown to you....
Damn Captain America I never knew they made such a thing that's so cool
I put that engine in a banshee because of the power valve. Talk about ripper had it to 119 beside a 69 charger
Beautiful! I was hoping to see you lift the front wheel as you blasted through the parking lot ala dirt bike.
I had rd ypvs 350 , was a rocket ship, their still quite a few for sale in UK.
The Banshee has that engine but without the power valve--and man that's a fun engine. It's a bit weak off the bottom but when it's on the pipe she rips.
Pretty much the same engine they stuck into the Yamaha Banshee Four wheelers
Remove the centre stand. If you corner hard on a left hander the centre stand will grind and lift the back wheel off the road and away you slide.
I've been looking for a clean rz 350 for over a year. Where's the price?
I’ve lucky enough to say , I’ve ridden one 💯
Two Strokes smells... Better times memories back to My mind!!!
When I was younger.
I walked into South Bay Yamaha in San Diego/National City.
I had a choice of the RZ350 or the XT 350.
My dumb ass bought the XT.
Til this day I still kick my self in the azz for not purchasing the RZ.
While they pissed all over the 4 strokes with similar bore size back in the day. I still found them to be lacking in power as a bike
I had one,this bike is an icone and a Legend for me.Thank,s Yamaha for the dream!
Sounds vaguely similar to a Banshee, I wonder why?!