RZ350 THE PRINCE OF 2 STROKES 1984 YAMAHA RZ350

Check out the live Kaplan Cycles Vintage auctions; ebay.to/2TZsQ7E
Donate to the 501c-3 New England Motorcycle Museum; www.paypal.com...
For all inquiries, apparel, and more, contact us through our website!
www.newengland...
or www.kaplancycl...
Follow us! Instagram: @kaplan.america
Facebook.com/KaplanCycles & Facebook.com/NewEnglandMotorcycleMuseum
MAIL:
200 West Main St.
Vernon, CT 06066

[@brianwills4398]

Fun fact. Kenny Roberts was such a badass that he raced in germany and didn't bring rain tires and it rained, nobody would lend him any so he carved out his dry tires and spanked em all silly..

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

Rain tires are overrated

[@syby1112]

That was common in those days

[@calvincooley1074]

Back in 88 I was 19 and looking for a bike and I looked at one of these. Instead I opted for a friend's friends 86 Gixxer 750 w/ 3200 miles on it for $2950. Like brand new. Lol 3 mos. later I crashed it and traded it for a wheelchair. THIS IS THE BEST MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL ON YOU TUBE.

[@officerofftap]

Hope you're ok and doing well m8,big love from an old Aussie dickhead

[@calvincooley1074]

@Marc Poindexter I've had several. The smaller the better. Lol

[@jimnotbob]

I bought one of those new when I was 19 years old. I'm 54 now and it's in my shed right now. Still has its original battery 👍👍

[@Scott-ph2yk]

Still have mine after 37 years. Nothing like it. Miles of smiles. 😀

[@pulsar2355]

When I see Ken driving up and down the street in front of the museum, plus the sound, I get goose bumps all over my body. Fortunately, I also have a piece of racing history at home in the form of an Aprilia RS 250.

[@mikestowe6136]

one of the coolest bad ass looking bikes when they first came out still are

[@Stevo736]

A 350 with the heart of a Superbike.👍

[@madnessmaker6162]

I was lucky enough to have my parents help me buy a brand new 85 rz350 and start my street bike madness when I was just tuning 16 years old. I had Toomey pipes , jet kit ,and a fork brace waiting for it when I took delivery. I had no idea of what an iconic bike it would become.. it wasn't the yellow Kenny Robers.edition but rather the red white version. Wish I still had it today. Was so much fun. Staying loyal to the brand I ended up stepping up to a new Yamaha fz 750 genisis, then to a couple fzr 1000's. Before. My ultimate days of a 200hp turbo gsxr750 limited with dry clutch and then A 300hp gsxr 1000 turbo engine powered cbr 900 hypred..

[@wheelie63]

mad respect to Billy..........what a story !. [ true story ] .......what a BARK that RZ has... like no other....... so happy to say i got same one in the barn.

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

The birth of the banshee engine

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

It goes back a whole lot farther than that.. like 1967. Not the Banshee engine.

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

@@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443 I didn’t mean this bike literally, I just meant the twin 350

[@amanteapasionado6836]

See I heard this engine is what the banshee engine was based off of too.

[@Hutch_moto]

Sounds so tame at low rpm with that exhaust

[@danstevens2204]

Discontinued in 87 the same year the banshee was born.

[@andrewp7385]

Cult following here in the UK we love our power valves and lc"s

[@ericdebisz9458]

I had a mentor that eventually became a really good friend when I started in the automotive business. He had one I believe since new and when we met it was 2002. I had an 88 mustang GT at the time and would go to new England dragway Friday nights. I remember he said he would go and bring the RZ I thought he was joking but actually raced it. I believe it would run anywhere from 13.7-14.0 depending on how good he could slip the clutch. I know he sold it to a friend because he was moving. I know there is a bike shop local to me that has one hanging from the rafters with a manican dressed in full race leathers. wish I got to ride my friends just once.

[@rockthesix1679]

My brother had one back in '86. It had the Toomy pipes. This was the bike i learned how to ride a street bike. I was 14 at the time. Once this bike hits the powerband.....SEE YAAAA!!!!

[@canadianfirst8326]

I’ve got an 89rz in Canadian Blue. Love your guys channel from BC Canada. One day I’d love to visit your museum. God bless guys !

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

All of the comments are about the Banshee engine... THIS IS NOT THE BANSHEE ENGINE! They are similar, but not the same. Namely, the powervalves, lighting coil and I believe, carbs. The Banshee is more closely related to the RD/LC and goes back into the late 60s for its basic design.

[@wheelie63]

thank you.

[@NEFloridaDirtRiders]

In high school I had the Yamaha RD 250 and then I got the RD 350 and I was looking to buy a RD 400 but ended up going into the military and that changed all my plans. I would’ve sold my brother for that RZ 350. 😎👍🏻🏁

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Nice, had a couple of the RD400's with Toomey's back in the day and loved them.

[@amanteapasionado6836]

My uncle had this exact same bike when I was a kid back in the 80's, had the signature and all. And someone has one in the town I'm from that I see every once in a while. These bike are unicorns now.

[@joegaskill8742]

Let's all take a minute to appreciate the precision of the mic throw,and catch in almost every bike review!!

[@ericbarnes6612]

Big fan of your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@andybowyer3602]

I had an RD125 RD250 RD400 AN A RD350!! I've owned many bikes Kenny just like you!! 👊✊💨💨💨👍

[@rayrice9060]

sexiest 2 stroke sound ive ever heard we had them in the uk called the rd same engine that made the banshee quad an icon

[@wheelie63]

'cept the Banshee does not have the power valve. RZ better.

[@wheelie63]

@Niggatron2004 the Banshee did not.

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Being, as you said, that this is the first RZ 350 2 stroke Kenny Roberts Edition that ever came through the museum, it makes me feel even more lucky and grateful, that I got to buy another one, your second one, from Y'all. I'm seriously excited to get mine delivered from James, supposedly this Thursday. God Bless Y'all Brother, and God Bless The Kaplan Family, and the Beautiful USA!

[@richard9444]

These where popular in the UK ,used to beat 1lt bikes with them , mental really Stan Stephens was the guy to see in London

[@ericgibson4629]

Thank you for this video. The RZ350 was my first street bike in the 80s. I was still racing motocross at the time so a 2 stroke street bike was my first choice. Brought back so many great memories.

[@daveyt4802]

Never rode one but sure would like to take a spin on one!

[@xipingpooh5783]

Nothing like a 2 stroke street bike👍🏼 I’ve got two Lucky Strike RGV250’s a 1992 VJ22 and a 1997 VJ23 SP. although I love my GSXR 750, it is no where near as fun as the RGV’s🇺🇸

[@meyerlansky4528]

350 rdlc ypvs in France this bike was my favorite in eighty years this restoration is absolutly insane sorry for my English God bless America .

[@j4cko180]

I had a 1983 rd 350lc it used to make me smile every time I went out on it loved it

[@joshuaross4644]

Here in Australia we got RZ’s all the way up to 1989. In 2003 YAMAHA released for Japan 🇯🇵 only a limited run of RD 350 LC H spec bikes in the OG Blue & White

[@seather863]

One of my all time favorites.... RZ sounds Fu**in Mint!

[@davecalvo6418]

In 1984 I had this bike plastered all over my bedroom walls, I wanted one so badly! What a great interview with this gentleman! I just realized the museum is in Vernon CT not far from me in Burlington CT. I will def stop by there soon on my FJ-1300 Thanks for the video of this iconic 80's two stroke!

[@scottyd2262]

I wanted one of these when I was a kid so badly ! Ours were white and red in Australia

[@Davido50]

Cool mate! Yamaha #1.

[@56redjets]

Had this model back in the day. Around 1990 I bought a Suzuki RG 500 Gamma. It was not imported to the USA. This was a four cylinder two stroke street bike made from 1985 to 1987. Way more power than the 350.

[@paulmunton1483]

I am from England and I rode the English version RD350 power valve. I could leave most bikes in my exhaust fumes.

[@treeguyable]

Still have my 71 RD 350 Yammie. Bought it slightly used, in 72.

[@richardmorris7063]

Imagine being fastest in the country at Daytona on one of these.Great bike,lots of fun & handles too!

[@rictech1325]

I remember .... thanks captain Kaplan.. wow

[@mattjones4581]

Back in the day I had a gpz550 and my buddies both had RZs. I was always jealous. I want one. I'm gonna buy one.

[@brandongardner3073]

The GPZ 550 Was a awesome little Bike Too, I had One And absolutely loved it.

[@bluez97]

Fantastic video! Here in Brazil we had the RD350, it is basically the same bike as the RZ, the notable differences were in the rear headlight and the front of the bike. And here the RD 350 gained a nickname of "Black Widow" (In Portuguese - "Viúva-Negra") due to several people having already lost their lives walking in one. A motorcycle that is among the motorcycles with Two Strokes engines is the one that holds the greatest respect and admiration for a golden era of Brazilian motorcycles during the 80s and 90s.

[@MegaSkypes]

Okay I’ll let you know what happened I bought a 1988 F2 thrashed it permanently in the power band! High sided at 80 mph on the way to work cleaned up and rode that evening to a date! Magnificent motor cycle! Worth big money now! Wish I still had this motorcycle! Love the interview with the legendary man! Shit man this was the heartbeats 💓 of motorcycle passion ♥️♥️

[@mauserwinchester]

Now thats a bike that brings back great memories.

[@superzuki5831]

I had an orange 75 too. It was an awesome little bike. I wish I still had it.

[@Davido50]

I'm BUYING this one! Its mine. - Dave, Ohio

[@seanegan4236]

One of the best motorcycles ever, punched above it's weight, and such fun to ride. A classic.

[@gregbishop3167]

Remember when I worked at a shop in the 80s and one of the techs used to tune one for the RZ Challenge. Actually I believe Charlie at Razee’s tuned his race bike.

[@andrewtucker7990]

So, you 2 are the reason I haven't been able to find one of these bikes.

[@jaycastello1171]

Yamaha ended up putting a variant of that motor in the Banshee. Legendary quad!!

[@PeterParker-hw5rv]

Still got mine ! I remember the front cover of dirt wheels in 85 it said brand new rocketship and it was the banchee! First n second gear was useless but 3rd through 6th the more you rev them out the more they loved it still got my 05

[@Davido50]

Wow good info!

[@Davido50]

@@PeterParker-hw5rv keep it forever they are IMPOSSIBLE to find ..an values goin up every yr. On all good sport quads really. Got 2 Yamaha quads. YFZ450R & Raptor 700R-SE!

[@whiteboysteve4474]

Banshees are only good in straight line.

[@anthonyiadarola1201]

@@whiteboysteve4474 I’ve owned 2 banshees you need to pump $1000’s into them to make them handle somewhat good … there cool but overrated … the 2stroke sport quad to own is a 1986-1989 Trx250r

[@thegit8698]

I used to own one of those, we call them the power valve in the uk, I've owned 2 125cc RD's and a 250cc RD as well, unbeatable grin factor

[@scottlochans4180]

Very nice, being a semi retired 650 fuel injected BANDIT, Banditeer BANDITAHOLIC. I had no bike, Kawasaki, for 27 years, March 19, chance to get a bike, no Kawasaki shops near, not a lot of money, maybe get a good used RD 250,350,500 LC, refused a CBR600RR, sight unseen, saw it, wanted it, just sold, BUMMER. Dancer, I had opted for a 05 fuel injected 650 BANDIT, one very careful, cautious owner, who basically ran it in for 15,000 miles. And it pulled up steep, steep hills, like it was falling off a cliff, capable of just over 80mph, before the red-line, in 2nd gear. First ride in ernest, 27 years, just after midnight, hit a PERFECT STORM in 4th gear, felt like an industrial catapult got it going, from 4,000rpm,up to 6,500 rpm, 4th gear? 91,92mph. Red-lines 12,000 rpm. Sort of wipes the floor biking wise, more joy than my nearly new GPZ750TURBO in 84 first production bike any size, to do standing quarter mile 10 seconds, mine did 161MPH. Much, much rather have a healthy fuel injected 650 Bandit, best bike ever, throttle response was immediate, as was acceleration. 3rd gear, going up a steep, steep hill, 7,000rpm,fast forward X4, biking BUZZ??, right up there with, Glasgow to Leeds, GT750 shaft drive petrol station near Carlisle, police, we've been chasing you for 30 miles, doing over 120mph, God knows what you were doing?. Dumfries Sheriff Court said 138mph, fined 50 pounds, banned 3 months, today it would be very heavy, they could throw the book at you. So over top end speeds. RZ, RD, very nice 2 stroke acceleration, but a fuel injected 650 Bandit WOW, BEST BIKE EVER. PROFESSOR BANDIT 650 B.T.E.OUT., BANDIT TORQUE ENJOYMENT ONLY, NOTHING TECHNICAL.

[@benlondon8467]

They were a quick little bike, I had a 1986 250s & 350s. Stock 350 were good, but they had a lot more to give. Stock didn’t rev into the redline that well. All that was required was, modified air box ( get rid of all the baffles in the box). Punch the mufflers thru the baffles. Change main jets, bigger by about 50sizes up on standard. Small adjustment to oil pump for more oil based on now more fuel. My old 350 stock, done about 210/15 kmh. Modified 245/50kmh. Modified 350 would rev a lot better,

[@smokinjoeb3926]

I wonder what Kaplan would think about my 1994 Yamaha Tzm 150. Ypvs liquid single. Got it out of Thailand as a brand new leftover couple years ago. I got it to do 95 mph just under red line. Believe I have the only one in the u.s.

[@brandongardner3073]

That's very cool man 🤟

[@54macdog]

I really really miss these bikes. So much more bad-ass than today's, eg R3.

[@andrewSUN17]

That was my second RZ 350! KR edition...looks exactly like mine which a left w a friend in Kerhonkson NY! Had Toomey pipes....It seized up at 60mph on the gas! So sad! Luckily I had already bought a Ducati 900SS!!! Still melancholic about it and still want another!!!! And I owned it when I lived on Prince and Mulberrry in NYC!

[@dannydepino3874]

Light fast 2 stroke power very cool!

[@jasonvoorhees2701]

What a blast from the past ...they just dont make em like they used 2 ... I wish these manufacturers would bring back some of these awesome bikes ..

[@Mike10700]

Two right feet because of one of these? That’s awesome I gotta get one too

[@OzTwanger]

Great stories from Billy. What a champion bloke

[@kk2into194]

Every time I watch your featured bike vids I wish I had millions of dollars to buy a couple..

[@kevinroberts361]

I will also add my riding bud, Frank Fillingham won the RZ challenge in 1987 and has a 5 foot trophy, you got jipped bro haha!! He had a full Toomey motor and pipes and was bad ass !!! Those were the days.....

[@thindonut8879]

It’s funny I was looking at these because of your hill climb video now you got one

[@Thefailcycle]

Glad to see the old intro

[@tbone67gthenderson78]

Stunning bike I would love to cruise that thing these days now that I have some sense totaled my 84 white theme color

[@popeyeman69]

I own serial number 113, it was one of the first in the country in 1984. Still have it, less than 11,000 miles on it. What a beast. Boyesen reeds, Toomey Pipes are included

[@johnc5023]

I had 116.....bought at S&S Yamaha .....Lakewood,N.J. $2199. + Tax....$200. below list price

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

Legendary bike, probably lots around half taken apart covered in an inch of dust at the back of a garage

[@shiftittwistit6677]

You ripping that put a smile on my face. I would be proud to ride that!

[@mike300406]

1988 rz i had out of the crate i loved it and miss it

[@CS_247]

Hell yeah, now that was a cracking little bike. They went like stink!!

[@kenbaker1353]

I had 84 loved it miss it my was rz

[@2-strokeracer531]

The Kaplan America THEME MUSIC is back.. ! 🏁🇺🇸🏁

[@johnc5023]

39.19 hp stock with catalytic converters per Cycle magazine......52 hp with Toomey pipes and k&n filters.....per Cycle magazine. I had Allspeed pipes on mine. First RZ350 was 1983 in Canada(mostly red)....84 and 85 in US.....86 thru 89? In Canada with full fairing. Cylinder and head should be black....Red 85 US model had striping like yellow version..I had optional rear seat cowl also. List price was $2399. I paid $2199 plus tax. Allspeed pipes were about 16 lbs....stock converter pipes weighed about 40 lbs....never needed a fork brace but tapered steering head bearings to replace ball bearing ones. Top speed about 125mph with pipes

[@albertsammut433]

I wasnt so lucky with my 1983 first model LEMON in the day...It shattered a piston after 24000kms I remember and took the whole motor with it..cost me an arm and leg to get it going again..sold it and went to Suzuki trippples after that with never a major issue..God bless 2 strokes.

[@syby1112]

Another RZ350 fun fact.....swap the spark plug wires #2 cylinder to #1 runs exactly the sale , the reason is the magneto triggers at tdc and bdc stroke.

[@SuperBigdanno]

I had the 500cc version in the mid 90s. That thing was 75hp at the wheel on a dyno. Very durable 2 stroke engine... I put an additional 50000kms on it and it still ran great on the original crankshafts and 3 of 4 pistons, plugged main jet took out the original piston. Total kms at sale 75000km which is approx 50000 miles. Kick myself all the time for selling that thing.

[@victorgonza4528]

Beautiful machine , twin cylinder two stroke sound incredible .

[@wasupfool5692]

Had a new one in 1984, mine was red and white. Sure wish i still owned it

[@Mysterycultist999]

Best motorcycle ever made in my opinion. I had the Mk1 RD125LC at 17 years old on Learner plates. It would easily exceed 110 mph and leave much bigger bikes for dead on a twisty road.

[@eariamjh71]

The ultimate hooligan bike.

[@2StrokeSmoke544]

Love the way the stingers sound on them oipes!

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Way to work Billy! Pretty much anywhere you show up on that thing, you can bet it'll be the coolest machine there. Bike is slicker than snot on a doorknob

[@todd8109]

I had a red and white one. Awesome bike. Gas oil and tires was all that was needed

[@Gerk8]

A great bike and a great story! Thanks for sharing.

[@taddmason1187]

Love love love it.

[@raymundogt2634]

I had one of those 1985 RZ in Los Angeles 11 years ago. People was crying to pay 3500$ ... Also had one in 1980 back in Venezuela RDLC. I believe the RDLC is faster than RZ

[@gerardorubio3612]

With a set of factory pipes! FPP they were Tom Turner copies. TSR racing. My neighbor has one identical to yours. Awesome bikes!

[@frankwilliams2198]

I'm a Yamaha lover my first bike to was a GT80 that 350 is bad ass.

[@spencerwvcmoon]

Yep I had a new n2 the last model it was blueprint tuned by matsui with a superchipped ecu it won the proddie challenge here in the uk there were 30 black and red n2 s racing

[@spencerwvcmoon]

Very spindley front end but I loved that bike bought it after it crashed straight after crashing in prodding challenge less than 80km on the speedo which was wrecked I put an fz750 clock on that we had in stock repaired a scratch on tank and it was like brand new again BUT IT HAD A HIDDEN SECRET! the tune it was amaaazballs never missed a beat all the old guys said it would be unreliable nope I miss her

[@trentnichols5075]

I can still see Bob “Hurricane” Hannah running that same paint job on the MX tracks too. That was fun racing then! I remember one year when Hannah showed up on a Friday morning in a rental car, and decided a small hill in the empty parking lot was just the right thing to get that rented car airborne!! 🤣 Mrs. Ritchie came out from the house where she was having morning coffee with Gene & ripped Bob to pieces. She threw him off the property and team Yamaha was flipping out!!! They was doing everything to try & get the Ritchies to let him back in. She finally gave in on Saturday just in time for practice lol. But Bob had to write a letter of apology & hand it to her. Of course Hannah won the overall + the title that year. I do know that they became good friends after that & she even said that she loved him dearly & worried about him the same way she did over Tim (her son) when he was racing. 😂 the race is this weekend. RIDE RED BUD!!!!

[@dougderby9454]

Last one I saw brand new in a Yam dealer. In Mi. 1985. Was white/red. From Canada.

[@naths.weerakoon6173]

Pinnacle of two stroke Yamaha's, wish you guys could lay your hands on a RD 350LC the model prior to this

[@RadioReprised]

I bought mine new for $2350 OTD Red/Wht version. I had a 77 RD-400 Orange and took my Riding test on it! The KR was fun but the bike needed more Tire, and with the killer brakes it would break loose violently. Wheelies were fun though! I sold it for a Ninja a few years later for $2500!

[@kevinroberts361]

I had an '85 Red White Blue. The metallic pearl white was electric in the sun !! The Yellow Black is iconic, but.... Everyone who had one, admitted that mine looked the best of all RZ's. Fuck I wish I never sold that bike what a bummer

[@derryjones1029]

Shame thay dnt make bikes like this anymore shes a gem👍

[@christinnerman2709]

Dream bike

[@jasoncarskadon6809]

I've never ever seen one in real life. But I've messed with a lot banshees. It's just crazy to see a street bike with a banshee motor. Very cool peice.

[@raymondj8768]

GOD I LOVE ME A 2 STROKE N THATS A BEAUTY !!!!!!!!!!!

[@donkeyballs3307]

Love those 2 stroke street bikes

[@amanteapasionado6836]

The 350 engine the Banshee uses is based off this 350 engine isn't it?

[@mr.m325]

I had an 84.....used to be able to wheelie it right through 3rd gear....and they were geared high

[@ajsold-schoolmotors2225]

Luv them 2 stokes!