1985 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts Edition

Pristine, Fully Serviced, Tuned & Detailed

A Collector-Grade Two-Stroke Icon

Offered here is an exceptional example of the legendary 1985 Yamaha RZ350, the last street-legal two-stroke sportbike sold in the United States. Produced for only two years (1984–1985), the RZ350 represents the end of an era—when Grand Prix–inspired race technology was still available to the public.

This particular bike is the highly sought-after Kenny Roberts “Bumblebee” Edition, finished in the iconic yellow and black livery and bearing the signature of racing legend Kenny Roberts, a three-time 500cc World Champion. It is widely regarded as one of the most collectible and recognizable sportbikes of the 1980s.

Performance & Engineering

• 347cc liquid-cooled parallel twin two-stroke

• Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for broad powerband

• Twin Mikuni carburetors (re-jetted and tuned)

• Estimated 52–63 HP (enhanced with performance exhaust)

• 6-speed transmission

• Lightweight: approx. 371 lbs

This bike is often called a “giant killer”—known for outperforming much larger displacement machines thanks to its razor-sharp handling and explosive power delivery. When it comes “on the pipe,” it delivers an unforgettable surge of acceleration.

Comprehensive Mechanical Refresh – $9,600 Investment

This RZ350 has just undergone and received a 61-hour professional service and restoration at Kaplan Cycles, ensuring it performs and presents at the highest level.

Highlights Include:

Fuel & Induction System

• Tank flushed and cleaned

• Carbs fully disassembled, rebuilt, re-jetted, and synchronized

• Needles raised for optimal performance with expansion chambers

• New fuel lines, fuel filter, spark plugs

• Intake manifolds resealed

Engine & Fluids

• Fresh VP 94 ethanol-free fuel

• Oil injection system serviced with Bel-Ray oil

• Gear oil replaced with Spectro 10W-40

• Cooling system flushed and serviced

• New water pump cover

Braking & Controls

• Front and rear brake systems flushed (DOT 4)

• Braided stainless front brake lines installed

• New brake and clutch levers

• New rear brake pedal (NOS Yamaha)

Drivetrain & Chassis

• New 520 X-ring chain

• Sprockets cleaned

• Throttle cable lubed

• New grips, shifter rubber, footpeg rubbers

Suspension & Setup

• Tire pressure set (36 PSI front/rear)

• Fork pressure set (14 PSI)

• YPVS adjusted to factory specification

Cosmetic Condition – Show Quality

This bike received a full rotisserie detail and presents in outstanding condition:

• Original paint on fairings and front fender (minor professional touch-ups)

• Fuel tank in Good condition with Some Paint Touch Up, Buffed, Polished & Waxed

• Brand new seat cover

• Polished aluminum wheels, fork lowers, and components

• Expansion chambers appear near new (polished rear, freshly painted front)

• Radiators, gauges, and controls in excellent condition

• Frame rails, swingarm, Center & Side stands, and hardware repainted and detailed

Mileage: 16,469 miles (lower than most surviving examples)

Provenance & Rarity

• Fewer than 20,000 units produced worldwide

• Many were raced, modified, or destroyed—survivors like this are rare

• Highly collectible Kenny Roberts signature edition

• One of the last street-legal two-stroke sportbikes ever sold in the U.S.

Kaplan Cycles has sold multiple RZ350s ranging from $15,500 to $22,500—this example represents one of the finest we’ve offered.

Ready to Ride or Collect

This RZ350 is:

• Fully serviced and dialed in

• Turnkey ready for summer riding or vintage track days

• A blue-chip collectible investment

Passenger pegs are intact for two-up riding

Every detail has been addressed by our performance specialist A-Tech's and master detailers with decades of experience.

Sale Details

• Financing available

• Trades welcome

• Nationwide shipping available

Call us at 860-454-7024 and ask for Kenny Jr.
We’re happy to answer questions, provide videos, or assist with shipping logistics.

Final Word

If you’ve been waiting for a true, investment-grade RZ350 that’s been professionally sorted and preserved, this is it. These bikes are only getting rarer—and this one is as close to new as you’ll find without being in a crate.

Bid with confidence. Ride a legend. Own a piece of two-stroke history.

God bless America

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.