Yamaha RZV500 V4 Two Stroke street legal Kenny Roberts & Eddie Lawson GP500 Racer The Inside Story

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  • čas přidán 20. 05. 2020
  • In this video we show you what made the street legal Yamaha RZV500 V4 two strokes so amazing and how World Champion Yamaha OW71 GP500 factory bikes inspired their production. Come along on a ride with two RZV500's you won’t forget!
    12:45 Riding
    14:38 High speed drive by's

Komentáře • 575

  • @rottenanimal619
    @rottenanimal619 Před 7 měsíci +10

    Yamaha RZ500. I bought one new in 1985 and still have it today. It's in excellent condition. It's also one crazy bike.

  • @natural9743
    @natural9743 Před 3 lety +13

    Im 60 years old and this takes me back with a smile🤗

  • @robhill8894
    @robhill8894 Před 3 lety +50

    I worked for a guy back in 1984 that was a professional road racer. He bought one of these for racing only, so he was able to get it into the USA. I helped him un-crate it and finish assembly. I was riding a 1979 RD400 Daytona Special at the time, so seeing this water cooled 500 with full fairing was pretty awesome. My RD with expansion chambers would start pulling hard at about 5000 rpm and never seemed to loose torque until about 10,000 rpm. I could pop up the front tire with just a wrist snap of the throttle right at the 5000 rpm mark without even touching the clutch. Once, with my girlfriend on the back, I took off full throttle in 1st gear, and at 5000 rpm, just the powerband itself lifted the front tire off the ground. Two stroke road bikes are in a different class. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +4

      Sounds like your had your Daytona tuned nicely!

    • @GNX157
      @GNX157 Před 3 lety +4

      I had an RD400 Daytona special too. Aftermarket pipe and solid state ignition, and a Shoei quarter fairing.

    • @SKRAPNOID
      @SKRAPNOID Před 3 lety +2

      I also had an rd400f. (x2). First one was mostly stock, except for a KZ1000 front end and a swingarm off a gs1000 with some piggyback shocks that worked okay. The second one was my bottomless money pit, fully ported and polished with DG heads, keihin carbs, factory pipe products pipes, some drag bars, steering stabilizer, ditched the dual shocks and grafted a pro link from a xr and chopped the spring down, customized LP fairing, and a baja 1000 halogen headlight that could fully cook venison before impact. Running avgas mixed with amsoil, I had the bug killer from hell. Having 7 total rd's in the garage and a brand new CR500 at 19, my neighbors could only shake their heads, but I thought I was king shit! The good ol days! Wish I had kept those Daytona Specials. Real head turners they were! Now Im riding an old TLR, a Duck, and Im working over an old gs1100 into a drag bike. With nitrous. Its ridiculous.

    • @pierremarctremblay9461
      @pierremarctremblay9461 Před 3 lety

      honda ! i ad a rz 350 1984 ...thought me 2 ...to rebuild ..! ounce ...ns 400 ...me rz 350... an younger that blew a rz 500 ...bought a suzuki 500 ...walterwolf ....! of corse ...plans where made ....we were carring 0.0-5 beers ....! copps came ! what a thrill !

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci

      ​@SKRAPNOID so how's the GS drag bike coming? It's been 2 year's!...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠

  • @acceleratefaster46
    @acceleratefaster46 Před 2 lety +42

    Nothing can beat the sound of two strokes ❤️

    • @gunplacustoms5444
      @gunplacustoms5444 Před 2 lety +1

      They sound so amazing

    • @topcat4759
      @topcat4759 Před rokem +1

      Yes totally agreed. Owned many four strokes over the years but still had far more fun on my two strokes. Always remember the smell of Belray or Castrol 'R', the smoke going down the street along with expansion pipes screaming. Not that my neighbour, a cop appreciated it, waking him up at 2.00 in the morning. 😃😃😃

    • @gorn9161
      @gorn9161 Před rokem +1

      Agree whole-heartedly. Almost cried when Moto GP changed. I still vividly remember being at Laguna Seca, for my first GP. I get out of the girlfriend's AUDI and see all these guys are there with three foot camera lenses in this corner, so I run over... Turns out here comes Wayne Rainey, railing turn 6. I actually ducked down because NO WAY was he gonna' make it! Scraped the fairing and both wheels sliding to the very edge of the sharks-teeth, then firing-up towards the Corkscrew. Then the smell..............

    • @bendeleted9155
      @bendeleted9155 Před rokem

      The 2-rotor Wankel-powered Crighton CR700P may take that title, at least in my opinion. Very much like a 4+cylinder 2 stroke, but somehow even better.

    • @theblytonian3906
      @theblytonian3906 Před 10 měsíci +2

      Or feel. Amen!

  • @two6s722
    @two6s722 Před 3 lety +15

    I had the 77 RD400 and the 84 RZ350. Both were super-fun, but fear of cars failing to see me got the better and I sold them both off by my early 20s. Now about to turn 54, and not hanging on to both forever is a major regret.
    These RZVs are truly like something from a dream, thanks man!!

    • @kent7927
      @kent7927 Před rokem +2

      I have a 77 rd 400 and a 85 rz ypvs ride them both but 350 is so sweet and much easier to work on than the 500 in this video. I have had lots of cars that i should have never sold and kick my own ass for that every time I think about them, I will not make the same mistake with my bikes.

    • @HegelsOwl
      @HegelsOwl Před rokem +1

      Boy, you had a rare wisdom in your twenties. About half my friends, who had street bikes at that age, got killed.

    • @shawnpennell1627
      @shawnpennell1627 Před 2 měsíci

      I don’t think it’s wisdom I think it’s fear

  • @syby1112
    @syby1112 Před 3 lety +13

    Bought mine in 1986-87 and still have it. Truth be told they make a pretty damn good street bike.

  • @cramersclassics
    @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +23

    Happy you enjoy the videos! My son shoots and produces them. A wonderful father-son experience. Thanks for watching. -Kirb

    • @aw2787
      @aw2787 Před 3 lety +2

      Your welcome and keep it up it was very entertaining !

  • @joanne8127
    @joanne8127 Před 3 lety +30

    I bought the RZ500 brand new off the dealer floor in 1984, it was one of few brought into the Prairie provinces in western Canada. I had put about 100 kms on it and had the dealer send the engine to Vance and Hines for some head work and a better balance. The dyno came out at 105 hp. All I can say is I miss this bike... ended up laying it down after some unmarked roadwork took out my front wheel in a corner. Still to this day I miss it, my friend had a new V-Max back then and was always shocked at how a 500 could beat his monstrosity.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +6

      Great story! Thanks for sharing and watching my video. Cheers, Kirb

    • @alexguiver815
      @alexguiver815 Před 3 lety +2

      Interesting story, here in the UK in the 90s, as a 19-year-old I owned an RZ500 and worked in a shop which imported full power V-Maxes from the US (the UK only got the 90bhp version without V-Boost). And yes, I concur, most of the customers hated me

    • @A-FrameWedge
      @A-FrameWedge Před 2 měsíci

      It is not that easy to get 100hp out of that engine, takes much more work.

  • @ralphvalkenhoff2887
    @ralphvalkenhoff2887 Před 3 lety +22

    I was at the Grand Prix in Assen back in 83 in the Netherlands watching king Kenny and fast Freddie fighting for the championship. Kenny’s 500 was so beautiful and always wanted one. Then when it came out I couldn’t afford it. Now that I can afford it I can’t afford it lol.

    • @tomtheplummer7322
      @tomtheplummer7322 Před 3 lety +2

      I still have a KR poster of him on the TZ750. What a beast!

  • @wasupfool5692
    @wasupfool5692 Před 3 lety +24

    I had an RZ350 and my buddy had a RZ500 was a fun summer. Wish we still had them

    • @cazrealist1
      @cazrealist1 Před 3 lety

      You could if you have 36k spare one for sale in the UK with 7 legitimate miles on her from new out of my price league

    • @Fee.1
      @Fee.1 Před 3 lety

      What would they cost today

    • @D4mo2612
      @D4mo2612 Před 3 lety +1

      No you had an RD350.

    • @Fee.1
      @Fee.1 Před 3 lety

      @@D4mo2612 R2D3PO

    • @parchy6464
      @parchy6464 Před 3 lety

      Rd's back in the uk👌

  • @MarcS4R
    @MarcS4R Před 3 lety +14

    this was my dream bike as a kid, and it kind of still is. love the sound, so good

  • @soundzrinmygarden3833
    @soundzrinmygarden3833 Před 2 lety +2

    I had a KR1-S back in 1991 and what a fun bike that was, nothing like a screaming 2 stroke road bike.

  • @michaelreis8266
    @michaelreis8266 Před 3 lety +10

    Brings back memories of my 1989 Honda NSR 250, it was tiny and such fun to ride. Power band felt like a sling shot 😁👍

  • @georgef1176
    @georgef1176 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for showing these amazing bikes. I love them

  • @sircharles7323
    @sircharles7323 Před 2 lety +1

    For me the most beautiful and emotional serial production bike ever! Love the RD500, it was first love in 1985 and it will last until I go back to earth!

  • @ATCDave1
    @ATCDave1 Před 3 lety

    Fantastic video! Thank you for showing us around your RZ's. What a fantastic sound! I had an RD 350 back in the day that I just loved. Nothin' like a 2 stroke sound and smell!

  • @philgoogle1535
    @philgoogle1535 Před rokem

    Thanks for a great review and for rekindling some pleasant memories.

  • @donsmith3573
    @donsmith3573 Před 2 lety

    I’m enjoying the channel thanks for showing these amazing bikes

  • @keithrides65
    @keithrides65 Před 3 lety +3

    Interesting video. I had two RZ500's that I sold to someone in the US back in the 80"s. Made me think for a moment these were my two old bikes! Was nice watching to relive some good times on the RZ500!

  • @badmattam
    @badmattam Před rokem

    Excellent video, thank you. Two beautiful examples.

  • @grandriver3152
    @grandriver3152 Před 3 lety +5

    I had two of these. A natural upgrade from my RD350. Loved them all.

  • @festol1
    @festol1 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks for sharing this beauty with all of us :)
    When bikes gains senior status, the brand doesn't matter and all fan boys chill out.
    We love then all regarding the machine itself, and inspite the rivality when they were new :)

  • @davidg-m1768
    @davidg-m1768 Před 2 lety

    That brought back memories. Rode one in New Zealand for a few years…. Thought it was fun to back the throttle off and crack it open to put it on the back wheel, madness when I think of it now! Thanks for sharing.

  • @oilinmyblood3906
    @oilinmyblood3906 Před 3 lety

    You two are some lucky dogs!!! That must have been unbelievable riding on those two legendary RZ500'S!!! JESUS HOW COOL IS THAT!!!! I can only dream and hope someday I may be able and lucky enough to get to ride an rz500!

  • @TB-vf6dx
    @TB-vf6dx Před 3 lety +1

    Had 2 friends back in high school ,1987, that had RZ350's , quick little bikes off the line . Both of my friends worked at Kenny Robert's Yamaha Country store/shop in San jose Ca, on 13th street . Had some great summers riding bikes with all my buds 🙂

  • @brucekendall52
    @brucekendall52 Před 3 lety +1

    Brilliant.Bought the RZ350 in 1985 in JHB-SA.There was a RZ500 parked next to my 350 and I just couldn't justify the extra money so I took the 350.If only I could have thought ahead.Thanks.

  • @niteflyer777
    @niteflyer777 Před 3 lety

    Great video. I owned one back in the day. Brought back a lot of memories.

  • @Gmanndogdeguy
    @Gmanndogdeguy Před 3 lety +3

    The only thing the vidoe is missing is the smell of those beautiful sounding bikes. Had an RZ350 when I was 18 back in 1986. Couldn't afford the 500. They were very expensive and super rare. The real Gem was the Gamma RG500. Wicked bikes

  • @stripervince1
    @stripervince1 Před 3 lety +3

    I had Kenny sign my rz350 fairing at willow springs back in 1992, the good old days!!!!

  • @goldenwheeledbanshee9160

    Wow thanks 4, sharing this. I've heard of these bikes but first time I've ever seen them.

  • @Scott-ph2yk
    @Scott-ph2yk Před rokem +4

    Nothing like a two stroke street bike. The most fun on two wheels you can have. 😊

  • @andycrawley8276
    @andycrawley8276 Před 3 lety +3

    I had the RZ350 1984 and I loved that bike. The 500 was my dream but I never owned one. I thought it looked better then the Gamma 500. Eddie was my favorite Kenny was the king.

    • @hagaxxx
      @hagaxxx Před 3 lety

      Don't forget the Honda NSR400 I believe was 3 cylinder only but beautiful.

  • @h.d.mech.mortenson2098

    Beautiful bikes ! I remember Eddie Lawson winning on the two strokes when I was in high school .

  • @richardc2374
    @richardc2374 Před 3 lety +2

    I sold my 79 RD 400 and bought a brand new RD400 Daytona. Thanks for bringing back great 2 stroke memories! Many years later I’ve moved on to an RV7A 😀, noticed your shirt.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      We have a one too, same model. Hope to do a video on it soon.
      I also built a Kitfox 4 back in 1993. Here is a link to my son's first solo in the Kitfox in 2019:
      czcams.com/video/ClTFpdtW8wg/video.html

  • @sydsnott5042
    @sydsnott5042 Před 3 lety +6

    Good video. Those 500's are wonderful. We had them here in England and I test rode a Stan Stevens stage 3 tuned one. I didn't buy it because I set off on it quite gently , went up the gears and at 80 mph the front wheel hit the ground. Unbeknown to me I was wheelying it. Geeez that was a monster.

  • @mobiledetail4you
    @mobiledetail4you Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome bike, great video! Thanks for sharing this amazing detailed video!

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      My son produces these videos and we have a great time doing them! Thanks for watching. -Kirb

  • @samcoon6699
    @samcoon6699 Před 3 lety +1

    Reminds me a good bit of my wonderful Yamaha FZ700. Loved that motorcycle and it did everything I could ever want it to do. 150 MPH down the straights in South Carolina. Took me everywhere I wanted to go.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      The FZ700 is a really good looking bike. I had a Honda Interceptor 700 about the same time. Gobs of power and 50cc less to beat the tax man.

  • @seandavies6159
    @seandavies6159 Před 3 lety +2

    What a beauty mate. I had the RD350lc, what a ripper.

  • @ramishrambarran3998
    @ramishrambarran3998 Před 3 lety +2

    Excellent presentation. Very comprehensive explanation. Very innovative for its time. Thanks and respect. Trinidad & Tobago.

  • @Porsche996driver
    @Porsche996driver Před 3 lety

    Wow amazing. Love that tank tip access ha. Thanks for sharing!

  • @dirkvandermerwe6027
    @dirkvandermerwe6027 Před rokem

    A guy I knew in the early 90's had a RZ 350 YPVS ( LCII 31K ) with twin ( matte black ) Wildcat expansions, TZ350 race reeds and I can't remember what else but I think the engine itself was stock but boy did that thing go! A TZR 250 3XV could but just keep up with it on the pull and midrange but was left way behind at top speed... But the sound of the RZ as soon as the YPVS opened up was enough to give a teenage boy chills down his spine... Awesome video - thank you very much for the / your very well detailed walkthrough - it is very much appreciated and shared publicly on Facebook... ✌

  • @dave7856
    @dave7856 Před 3 lety +2

    The Yamaha shop in my town had two new RZ500’s for sale when I was at high school, I remember seeing one back in the service bay six months or so later had a burned through piston after a high speed run. Awesome looking bike back then and still fabulous now. I really like your video no dubbed in silly music and factual about the topic. Well done and greetings from New Zealand.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +2

      Glad you like it. I too don't care for music backgrounds that cover up the great music of engines. I remember going to the local motorcycle shop in high school and dreaming.....
      Cheers, Kirb.

  • @EinarLerschen
    @EinarLerschen Před rokem +1

    Nice video and very well explained the features of these beauties.

  • @brettparkes3647
    @brettparkes3647 Před 3 lety +2

    Great vid mate, I owned my rz500 in the late 90's, rode it every day for around 5 years, insanely quick, still regret getting rid of it ☹️

  • @wilmawife
    @wilmawife Před 3 lety +4

    I love two strokes, thank goodness I lived in this time zone.

  • @leonleon5523
    @leonleon5523 Před rokem +1

    Awsome bikes..Gotta love our Yamaha 2 strokes.

  • @camexican1
    @camexican1 Před 3 lety +7

    Beautiful condition!!!! Back in the day my buddy had an 84 and I had an 85. The only difference we ever found was that the upper triple clamp on my 85 had a ring cast around the ignition key mechanism . Driving side by side at 6,500rpm was as sweet a symphony as a gear head could ever wish for, but that 16" front wheel was scary. Both of us had multiple head shake incidents above 90mph that almost tossed us. Some how the FJ1100 with the same wheel was a lot more stable, but it also had a 16" rear. Long live the smokers!

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci

      The FJ didn't headshake like your 85 for a couple reasons, fork angle, and total length is a few reasons why!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸👋🤠

  • @barnigerollheimer2227
    @barnigerollheimer2227 Před 3 lety +2

    yes so great Bike, and in a good condition, looks perfect for a Bike from the 80's. Amazing sound with the JL exhaust. It's fantastic...greeting from Germany

  • @BanjoLuke1
    @BanjoLuke1 Před 2 lety +4

    A friend had one of there on period and a colleague had an RG500 (road registered but largely used on track). Both bikes scared me even though I rode neither. I never rode a 2-stroke faster than a Power Valve Elsie... and that was quite fast enough to empty the rider's bowels at its own convenience.
    My memory of riding alongside those 2-stroke fours on the road is of them being held back and ridden at low revs, smoking terribly, to keep speeds reasonable.

  • @zzr7502
    @zzr7502 Před 3 lety +1

    Great video! keep up the good work!!!!

  • @queenslander954
    @queenslander954 Před 3 lety +6

    Dial up ‘Castrol 6 Hour Oran Park’ in Oz - Michael Dawson blitzed all the big 1000’s on a RZ 500

  • @m.b8257
    @m.b8257 Před 3 lety +1

    I love the sound of a two stroke, I had an 82 RD 350 back in high school, what a great and fast little bike for the day, I wish I’d have kept it.

    • @FrensTimmerpens
      @FrensTimmerpens Před 3 lety

      After a Bol D’Or 900 i bought a Yamaha RD 350 LC in the old days and i was quit as quick with this crazy machine!!

  • @fleuger99
    @fleuger99 Před rokem

    Miss the 2-strokes of the 80's and 90's. Growing up in South Africa, I had a buddy who had the Suzuki 500cc Gamma 2-stroke. Like these, a lovely classic 2-stroke.

  • @theblytonian3906
    @theblytonian3906 Před 10 měsíci +4

    Aesthetically beautiful looking bike. I recall lusting after a Yamaha RZ500L in late 1984 when they arrived, but they were sold out on preorder. In 1985 my relocation for work and career priorities in aviation precluded pursuing purchase and storage of an RZ500N. As things eventuated it all worked in my favour when releasing a year later, I bought a Suzuki RG500Γ instead. I still have it.

    • @MrSimplesimon007
      @MrSimplesimon007 Před 9 měsíci +2

      I had the 500 ypvs back in the 80s in marlboro colours, but always wanted a Rg500 in the skoal bandit finish, but having a big loan at the time made it impossible to swap, really glad you still have it 👍

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Your lucky to have hung onto your baby. I wish I could've hung onto ALL my toy's that I had over the year's! The last two bikes I sold were my 1975 Z-900, and my 1981 XS1100 Venture royal convertible!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠

    • @theblytonian3906
      @theblytonian3906 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@billallen4793 I think we all have that regret to some degree? Sadly, the surplus funds needed to indulge in that comes at the wrong end of life for most of us. More than a few others I'd like to have kept rather than sold if one could turn back time.

    • @MrSimplesimon007
      @MrSimplesimon007 Před 9 měsíci

      @@billallen4793 the Z900 was a beautiful bike, friend of mine had an XS1100 back in the 80s, I remember it being so heavy.

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci

      @@MrSimplesimon007 yeah the shaft drive made it weigh more. Most of the XS bikes got the ugly rounder fuel tank. Mine was a convertible and had indents for the knees, and was squarer!

  • @davidteller7681
    @davidteller7681 Před 3 lety +1

    Very nice video. I have one sitting in my garage. In regard to the fuel tank hinging for maintenance, they came originally with a cable with hooks on the ends to hold it up. It hooks onto front mount and frame cross member in the rear.

  • @ThePaulrmcadam
    @ThePaulrmcadam Před rokem

    Excellent post!. New subscriber here from Guyana, South America.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před rokem

      So nice to hear you like the video! Sharing these treasures and my passion for them is what its all about. Thank you, Kirby.

  • @glennp1690
    @glennp1690 Před 3 lety +6

    There is something about the sound of a 2 stroke when its on song! Magic.... Thanks for sharing Mr Kirby from an old bloke down under ;)

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      So right Glenn. At some points in the video you can hear 8 cylinders between to bikes harmonize. Quite a song. Thanks for watching! -Kirb

    • @seniorrider9337
      @seniorrider9337 Před 3 lety +1

      Especially if that song is just to your rear and down a little. :-) 75 RD-350,not stock. Many smiles per mile.

  • @6bt_str864
    @6bt_str864 Před 2 lety +1

    These and the RG were like seeing a unicorn (even back in the mid 80s) walking the Lauderdale strip on weekend evenings. We were in Awe even then. 😧🙂

  • @tysoncott7402
    @tysoncott7402 Před 3 lety +1

    super good video, thanks for sharing!

  • @EVILSPAWN1003
    @EVILSPAWN1003 Před 3 lety +16

    They were called RD500 in Europe. A friend of mine had one and they were SAVAGE. For the day....

    • @bystander1489
      @bystander1489 Před 3 lety

      @Aitch widow maker

    • @SvenTviking
      @SvenTviking Před 3 lety

      They were considered a bit of a disappointment at the time, engine performance wise. The tune was conservative. The Suzuki RG500, as long as you filed out the exhaust pipe around the attachment flange welds was quicker, on some bikes, the rough welds could restrict the gas flow. The NS400 handled better and would have been fastest of the lot if it had been a 500.

    • @EVILSPAWN1003
      @EVILSPAWN1003 Před 3 lety +1

      @@SvenTviking I was 15-16 yrs old when the RD500 hit the streets in my neck of the woods and i guess we all kinda knew that the Gamma was the faster bike. But when you live in the sticks in scandinavia,the only dealer for miles and miles and miles is a Yamaha dealership AND your friend buys one and lets you ride it before you even have a car licence AND there is no Suzukis around,it`s easy to become biased. Rode one in later years and i remember i felt like there was nothing infront of the bars. There was the tank,the bars and then bike just STOPPED if you know what i`m trying to say... I didn`t particurlarly like that.

    • @mr.whiskers6273
      @mr.whiskers6273 Před 2 měsíci

      No the RD500 and RZ500 are different bikes the RD and RZ shared the same engine but the RZ has a blueprinted engine meaning that the engine is perfect factory spec while the RD has the engine production spec meaning that the squish and other clearances are off a bit loosing power. The RZ has different suspension.
      Both beautiful bikes but the RZ just that bit extra.

    • @EVILSPAWN1003
      @EVILSPAWN1003 Před 2 měsíci

      @@mr.whiskers6273 Hmm, i have never heard that one before and i can’t find anything to verify what you’re saying. Links?

  • @RedRupert64
    @RedRupert64 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for the vid. It brings back great memories. These bikes came with a cable (not a stick) to keep the fuel tank in place when rotated up. They never handled that well due to the 16" front wheel.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +1

      I think the idea behind the small front wheel was to make them more nimble.

    • @RedRupert64
      @RedRupert64 Před 3 lety

      @@cramersclassics It was, but it didn't work. My current bike has a 21" front wheel that makes it nicely stable, but it still turns easily because the contract patch is narrow (but similar in size as it's longer).

  • @CaptainCraigKWMRZ
    @CaptainCraigKWMRZ Před 2 lety

    Awesome video!
    I owned the butterscotch 350 back in about '88 in Key West. I bought it with Atocha shipwreck coins. Didn't know they made these!

  • @loganmpe7559
    @loganmpe7559 Před 3 lety +1

    This just popped up in my notifications, how cool.
    You're killing me dude, how I wish I could own one of those Yamies, wow! The intake system is fascinating, 26mm's, I would've expected at least 34mm!

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      Happy to share with you. Thanks for watching! -Kirb

    • @oneshot1984
      @oneshot1984 Před 3 lety

      don't forget, 125 cc/cylinder....4 cylinder.....thats even big

  • @topcat4759
    @topcat4759 Před rokem +1

    My neighbour here in the UK had one in Marlboro colours. Great looking bike, certainly stood out in a crowd! A massive KR fan I always wanted one but rare in the UK and worth a fortune now if you can find one. Acceleration was wicked, unfortunately I only had chance to ride the 350 belonging to a mate whilst I was still on 'L' plates before passing my test.

  • @BuddWolf
    @BuddWolf Před rokem +1

    Love ❤️that “Pissed off 😡hornet 🐝” sound. Yamaha had a way 🤓with 2strokes(Yamalube). Thanks for sharing 🙂the 👍🏻video post and best of luck 🍀

  • @dave1096
    @dave1096 Před 3 lety

    i had two 86' NS400r back in the day and my buddy had one of these RZ, so much fun

  • @masterbbqer
    @masterbbqer Před 3 lety

    A coworker back in '86 let me take his weekend racer RZ500 for a ride. Bike was safety wired and burning 100 octane avgas. I rolled the throttle at 6000 in 2nd, quick shifted into 3rd to keep front wheel down. Quite a rush from 40mph to 100mph in a very short distance. Lots of fun on the street. I would have loved to try it on the track.

  • @jaygdav
    @jaygdav Před 4 lety

    Wow! I sure enjoy your videos! So well done! 🏁🌪👍

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 4 lety

      Thank you! So much fun to make these. My son does the camera and edit work. Cheers -Kirb

  • @geoffnelson6756
    @geoffnelson6756 Před 3 lety +2

    I had a half of one of these, a TZR250, it looked similar( from a distance) and was super 3njoyable and a big bike killer. The 500 was a dream bike at the time, and looking back was absolutely attainable, I regret not getting one, I moved on to an FZ750, another awesome bike. Currently have a 150hp FZ-1000, but always ah ker back to the 2 stroke days.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      I have always dreamed of riding a TZR250. Curt Jordan (in my dyno videos) was a winning racer and tuner of them back in the day. thanks for watching! -Kirb

    • @geoffnelson6756
      @geoffnelson6756 Před 3 lety +1

      @@cramersclassics I had a 350lc before that, but the throttle was very much an on/off switch, incredibly exciting when you were in the mood, but at times a little irritating, the TZR felt so sophisticated by comparison, still had the awesome power band, but smoother at low revs, and superior suspension and braking. You really felt you could do a TT on one. Matt Oxley set the first 100mph lap on a production 250 on a standard bike, I recall he said he was at 11,000 revs for most of the race.

  • @winstonchurchhill3264
    @winstonchurchhill3264 Před 3 lety +1

    Nice review an what lovely bikes , we took all the two strokes for granted before the emission law came in . I have a Rd 350 ypvs 1989 in black an red an it’s makes me smile every time I jump on it 😆 ! Greetings from Portsmouth England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +1

      A nicely tuned RD/RZ350 is my favorite ride. So light, nimble and fast!

  • @racerrr2231
    @racerrr2231 Před 3 lety

    your the dad I never had great video thank you for sharing your beautiful motorcycles.

  • @danstevens2204
    @danstevens2204 Před 3 lety +1

    Magnificent machines thanks for the vid 👍

  • @pedallinraw
    @pedallinraw Před 2 lety +1

    Those speedy passes made me smile ....can smell that 2 stroke 😁👌🏻

  • @brianzaborowski2724
    @brianzaborowski2724 Před rokem

    I just subbed, you always have some sweet old 2 strokes on. My whole life I've wanted one, but they cost too much!

  • @seanyuke3249
    @seanyuke3249 Před 3 lety +2

    Did my open licence test on one. Great fun.

  • @bobsoft
    @bobsoft Před 3 lety

    I miss those days of hanging out at Westwood track watching these bikes race alongside the RG500

  • @SvenTviking
    @SvenTviking Před 3 lety +2

    I was just getting into bikes when the RD/RZ500 was released, the RD having a steel tube frame. They were pretty revolutionary along with the GPZ900R, which was also in vogue at the time. The feeling was that the 500 was a little conservatively tuned in comparison to the 350 or the Suzuki RG500 which, in a good example, was over 90hp.

  • @matthiasmaiwald8236
    @matthiasmaiwald8236 Před 3 lety +1

    Very well explained. Thank you!

  • @deangiacopassi8757
    @deangiacopassi8757 Před 3 lety +2

    A thrill to see these or the similar Suzuki in the wild. Enjoy

  • @shredfest30
    @shredfest30 Před 3 lety +2

    I've owned 3 of these bikes over the years, and had one as my first bike at 16. they would run right beside any current 750 of the day and it used to give them fits. They were also made from 1984-1986 so there was 3 years of production, and the Europe model also came in black and red.

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety

      Wow. Talk about setting the bar high. Certainly would have killed the average man :-) Cheers, -Kirb

    • @tylergerein4909
      @tylergerein4909 Před rokem +1

      My dad had an rz500 (still has it) and he said that it would walk all over 750s, but he dragged an 1100 or 1000, something like that, and they just pulled away from him after 3rd or 4th gear. I didn't think he was lying, but it's nice to hear the same thing from another rider.

  • @fredflintstone9449
    @fredflintstone9449 Před 3 lety +1

    For those of you that dont know? Crankcase induction means no incoming ports in the cylinder! This means transfer and exhaust ports can be much wider ,hence breath about 25% more than cylinder induction! Yamaha had disc valve crankcase induction on their very early 2T ,in fact 50cc FS1E was disc valve crankcase induction in 1970!

  • @jamesstewart7224
    @jamesstewart7224 Před 3 lety +1

    Great viewing much appreciated.👍 Regards uk.

  • @marcosmateucci1372
    @marcosmateucci1372 Před 3 lety +3

    Nice vídeo, I own two, 85 and 86, Canadian bikes the 86 1/150 last produced RZ-500s (engine has a upgrade)

  • @robertrishel3685
    @robertrishel3685 Před 3 lety +1

    I grew up dreaming of owning one of these bikes....I think the only other bike I wanted more was the JDM Kawasaki KR250 two stroke street bike meant to compete with the Suzuki RG250 and Yamaha RZ250’s (TZR250’s) of the late 80’s-90’s. We never got any of these glorious two strokes in the US, save the RZ350 in 84-86, also a very cool machine. I still dream of lightweight two stroke road bikes....I think I would love to get my hands on a KTM RC390 chassis to swap in a RZ350 (or banshee) motor. I think that would be just about perfect!

  • @boybuyo83
    @boybuyo83 Před 3 lety +1

    Great bike
    Music to my ears

  • @jeriksson7686
    @jeriksson7686 Před 3 lety +1

    Two strokes are amazing to ride! Raced on 125 and 250s =)

  • @kextrz
    @kextrz Před rokem +1

    I'm not sure why Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson names are mentioned in the title.
    I had that bike. Bought it used with Boyesen dual stage reeds already installed.
    The engine, while still being underpowered, would pull endlessly 'till 11,500 RPM. Red line was at 10,500 RPM. That's when I thought "maybe it's time to upshift"
    Road handling, high speed stability were another story.
    Too much weight on the front wheel, non adjustable forks (unless using different oil viscosity/quantity), gravity center too high (on a 2T no less), wheelbase too short, that horizontally mounted rear shock. The gap between 1st and 2nd gear.
    At least it was incredibly easy to not only get rid of excessive heat coming from the rear expansion chambers, but to dramatically improve the bike's rear half esthetics as well.
    I miss this bike very much.

  • @avelinovelez5090
    @avelinovelez5090 Před 3 lety

    Awesome run!

  • @ronlandman6267
    @ronlandman6267 Před 2 lety

    very nice bikes . i like that sound .

  • @danielreider2812
    @danielreider2812 Před rokem +1

    I road one across country to coco beach Florida and back..great bike.wish I had it still...

  • @bigfilsing
    @bigfilsing Před 3 lety +5

    I could almost smell the Castrol R watching this Thanks for the vid

    • @fw1421
      @fw1421 Před 3 lety

      Oh yea,great smelling oil!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

    • @tomtheplummer7322
      @tomtheplummer7322 Před 3 lety

      Not these with the bean oil, synthetic more likely. I remember when Klotz synthetic aroma was around, even in the ‘70’s 👍🏻🏍

  • @valerianodoncel6258
    @valerianodoncel6258 Před 3 lety

    I had an Rd 500, they were amazing bikes

  • @Drifty40
    @Drifty40 Před 3 lety +1

    I was given one of these as a courtesy bike for a week, when my GPZ900 was in getting a cam chain tensioner replaced and the part was on order, back in the 80s.
    Great fun on a 2 stroke again and lethal quick, when it reached the power band. I was tempted to do a trade for one or an RG500, when the GPZ was ready, but then I thought I'd kill myself on one of them, as you ride a 2 stroke like a hooligan and I done a lot of two up riding in those days, so stuck with the Kawasaki. lol

    • @cramersclassics
      @cramersclassics  Před 3 lety +1

      GPZ was indeed a hot ship. Cool looking too. Cheers! -Kirb

  • @alemarin4335
    @alemarin4335 Před 3 lety

    Amazing piece of Yamaha engineering. YAMAHA RD500 LC in Europe. Thank you

  • @cLickphotographySEA
    @cLickphotographySEA Před 3 lety

    Kool stuff of yesterday

  • @MrAdrianOldfield
    @MrAdrianOldfield Před 3 lety

    I had a 350lc power valve in 1983 superb

  • @ESPE2M1
    @ESPE2M1 Před 3 lety

    That's sick. I had a '89 FZR1000 with similar paint job

  • @GlennEverittMasterofMachines

    Damn, I so badly want one of these. My Dad had a brand new one on order here in Aus back in the day and the dealer talked him into cancelling it and getting a CBX750F.....Argh!!! Probably had 50 people lining up wanting it! He was upgrading from an RZ350, also an awesome little bike.

  • @vmontijo
    @vmontijo Před 3 lety +5

    Great video Kirby! Really cool to see two of these rare bikes side by side! I have an RZ-350 in the Red/White, so it would be fun to get these bikes together! I am primarily a Suzuki guy, so I love all *8* of my RG's... RG-50, RG-125, RG-150, RG-200, RG-250, RGV-250 VJ-21, RGV-250-VJ-22, and of course my RG-500... We need to get together sometime soon! Bravo!

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci

      Wow 8 RG'S! I'm envious sir!...lol I have a oddball Suzuki, sort of smoker, it's got oil injection at any rate! I was building it for a run at the Bonneville salt 🧂 Flatts, with a goal of 200mph by adding a Garrett turbocharger water cooled and oil bearings, and probably a squirt of giggle-gas to reach it! It's a Wankle engine 1975 RE5!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠

    • @vmontijo
      @vmontijo Před 9 měsíci

      @@billallen4793 Good luck with the Bonneville run! Keep us posted!

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci

      @@vmontijo my projects were stopped in September of 2003 when I became disabled, and can't mechanic anymore 😢 😪! I've got several projects laying around my shop. Plus my drag boat, it's in my picture thing!...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸👋🤠

    • @vmontijo
      @vmontijo Před 9 měsíci

      @@billallen4793 Sorry to hear that Bill... it seems that your disability has not stopped your interest in machines made for speed though! Stay connected!

    • @billallen4793
      @billallen4793 Před 9 měsíci

      @vmontijo My interests are the same! It's just I can't do much! Frustrating isn't a big enough word!!...lol stay well!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸👋🤠

  • @jh-tech5546
    @jh-tech5546 Před 2 lety

    Nice and clean bike! I want one :)