The 1985 Yamaha RZ 500motorcycletook an unusual road to gamy operation with an odd choice of locomotive engine . Unfortunately , the route did n’t head to the United States .

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In the early 1980s , the marketing section at Yamaha sensed the need for an all - out performance car .

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It had to be light in weight , depend and carry like a Gran Prix racing bike , and be within budgetary guidelines . After several old age of development , the Yamaha RZ 500 shot out the Yamaha factory door in 1984 .

In a nervy departure from the norm , the Yamaha RZ 500 was powered by a 499 - cc " square " four - cylindertwo - strokewith twin cranks and liquid cooling .

more or less more conventional was a soma make from straight - section aluminum - alloy tubing . This pick of material allowed for superb inclemency matched with light weight .

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The RZ ’s over-the-top performance and manipulation were actually seen as detriment to the average rider , and sale of Yamaha ’s little sack rocket engine were poor .

Placed in the proper manus , the Yamaha RZ 500 was a stiff weapon on the track , but unfortunately a handful around town .

Furthermore , the two - shot powerplant ’s unsuccessful person to meet emissions regulation excluded the Yamaha RZ 500 from the list of bike uncommitted for sales agreement in the United States , though several examples managed to find their way in anyhow .

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1985 Yamaha RZ 500 Pictures

The 1985 Yamaha RZ 500 motorcycle featured a material body form from straight - section aluminum - alloy tubing , allowing for superb stiffness and clean weightiness .