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The Yamaha RZ 500's twin-crank, four-cylinder, two-stroke engine was smooth at lower speeds but unleashed incredible power as it approached its 10,000-rpm limit. Check out more photos of this iconic motorcycle.The 1985 Yamaha RZ 500 motorcycle pursued high performance through a unique and unconventional engine design. Sadly, this model never made its way to the U.S. market.
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During the early 1980s, Yamaha's marketing team identified a demand for a high-performance machine designed to dominate the roads.
The goal was to create a lightweight machine that mirrored the appearance and performance of a Grand Prix racing bike while staying within budget constraints. Following years of development, the Yamaha RZ 500 was launched in 1984.
Breaking away from tradition, the Yamaha RZ 500 featured a 499-cc "square" four-cylinder two-stroke engine, equipped with twin crankshafts and liquid cooling.
The chassis, crafted from square-section aluminum-alloy tubing, offered a more conventional yet effective design. This material ensured exceptional rigidity while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Despite its impressive performance and handling, the Yamaha RZ 500 was deemed too demanding for casual riders, leading to disappointing sales for this high-powered machine.
In skilled hands, the Yamaha RZ 500 proved to be a formidable track competitor, though it was notoriously challenging to handle in everyday urban settings.
Additionally, the two-stroke engine's inability to comply with emissions standards prevented the Yamaha RZ 500 from being officially sold in the United States, although a few units still made their way into the country.
Proceed to the next page to view additional images of the 1985 Yamaha RZ 500 motorcycle.
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1985 Yamaha RZ 500 Pictures
A six-speed transmission enabled riders to maintain the high-revving two-stroke engine within its optimal power band.The 1985 Yamaha RZ 500 utilized a chassis constructed from square-section aluminum-alloy tubing, delivering exceptional rigidity while keeping the weight minimal.
Bulbous expansion chambers in the exhaust system were designed to enhance power output.
The front forks featured an adjustable antidive mechanism, activated when the front brakes were applied.
The Yamaha RZ 500 thrived at high RPMs, as evidenced by its 10,000-rpm redline. The speedometer displayed kilometers per hour, reflecting the fact that this model was never officially available in the U.S.Discover more fantastic motorcycle articles and images by exploring:
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