1985 Yamaha RZ350N Sport Bike reviews

I have owned my RZ350 since I bought it new in 1985. Light, fast, easy to work on. Good parts availability in 2022, and there is a large community of enthusiasts around the world. The RZ350 is fairly civilized compared to earlier two strokes. Water cooling and the YVPS make the engine flexible, reliable, and versatile. Great fun. I will never sell it. Show less

I have owned my rz for 15 years now. I will never sell it. Every time i ride it i cant resist riding on one tire. Nothing can beat the lightweight and quick power of this little rocket. Great brakes and lean angles are tough to beat. Show less

I was a two-stroke guy from way back. I had Kawasaki 250(Samurai) and 350(Avenger) 2-stroke twins back in the late sixties and started racing on an RD400 in 79. I also owned a couple of RD350LC's but the RZ350 was the ultimate pocket-rocket. At the track, in '83 when they first appeared, I could run down and pass almost anything and had many podium finishes in Formula 1 to prove it. Even in '85 when the RZ500 4 cylinder came out, I could still hang in there on my 350. Ridden normally a friend of mine did over 50,000 km without any engine work but had to redo everything from the crank up when he did rebuild it. A reliable but not very durable extreme fun little bike. Manny Show less

The little RZ is the most amazing bike I have ever owned. A 350 that can leave 750s in the dust, racebike handling and stopping, and comfortable ergos for a six footer. I have ridden this bike all day (1000 Kms-600 miles), taken large passengers for a 160 KPH spin, wheelied through intersections, stoppies you name it. I have installed Spec II chambers, boyesen reeds and larger jets and a smaller front sprocket(16 tooth). To get to the power you need to keep it spinning between 6 and 9,000 RPM. I have seen 210 KPH on the speedo (about 128 MPH). The 16 tooth sprocket is probably the cheapest and most effective mod. Even though it drops the gear ratio, it actually increases top speed, as the bike is way over-geared stock. The downside is you gotta love two strokes. Big bike performance means big block (as in 454) gas mileage, and keep a close watch on that oil tank, a new crank will probably cost what you paid for the bike. Show less

This is one of Yamaha's "hybrid" street rockets. Yamaha started out with a lightweight tubular steel street frame and stuck a 350cc Banshee two-stroke motor inside of it. This combination makes for a VERY light bike with tons of two-stroke power...make sure you hold on tight! Remember, the GP bikes that the factory races use the same set-up to win big dollar Grand Prix sponsor money. The after-market has tons of go-fast parts available to make these little rockets scream even more than they do from the factory. The handling on the RZ is incredible in itself. Throw one into a high-speed sweeper and stick your knee to the tarmac, and you can exit the turn even faster than you entered it. The only downside to the RZ is finding one in good condition without paying an arm and a leg. Show less

At the age of 15 when this cycle came out I had the luck of knowing a friend of mine whoose parents bought him one. In turn, I was able to ride it often. I was 4'11" inches tall and 102 lbs. and it was the first cycle I could ride with ease. Most were too tall or heavy. If you're 5'8" or taller I would recommend going to at least 600cc's. I haven't seen one of these since 1990, but I can remember how nimble and smooth it was! If speed is an issue...again, go to a higher cc. Today this would make a great beginner bike for someone younger or of a small frame. I would also suggest one of these to maybe rebuild and use as a fun recreational bike. If you find one, and you are looking for these attributes, I would highly recommend it! Show less