1984 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts Edition – Matching Numbers – Fully Serviced

SHIPS FROM GRANGER TEXAS, 76530

Low Serial Number 179 | 10,078 Miles | Exceptional Collector Quality

Kaplan Cycles is proud to offer this absolutely spectacular 1984 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts Signature Edition. This is one of the finest, cleanest, and best-sorted examples we have had the privilege of representing.

This RZ came from the prestigious Barry Lamb Collection in Florida, where it was stored in a climate-controlled garage that was more like a private motorcycle trophy room. Barry owned approximately 15 motorcycles and rarely rode them. It arrived at Kaplan Cycles showing 10,025 miles and now has just 10,078 miles following our inspection, service, testing, and final road evaluation.

This is an early-production example with a December 1983 manufacture date and the extremely low serial number 179. It retains its original matching-numbers engine and cases, original unrestored frame, original fuel tank, bodywork, gauges, controls, mirrors, handlebars, levers, footpegs, and many remarkably well-preserved factory finishes.

A Legendary American-Market Two-Stroke

The RZ350 represents the end of an era—the last generation of street-legal Yamaha two-strokes offered in the United States. With its liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, six-speed transmission, Yamaha Power Valve System, lightweight chassis, and unmistakable Kenny Roberts yellow-and-black livery, the RZ350 became an instant classic.

Forty-two years later, clean and correct examples are among the most desirable Japanese performance motorcycles of the 1980s. They are fast, lightweight, exciting to ride, and increasingly difficult to find in this condition.

Original Matching-Numbers Engine

The matching-numbers engine has never been opened and runs exceptionally well. It starts, idles, shifts, accelerates, and performs exactly as a properly sorted RZ350 should.

Even the original engine covers remain in beautiful condition and have not been repainted. New Allen-head fasteners were installed as a tasteful and functional upgrade.

The motorcycle is presently running on VP94 ethanol-free fuel, helping protect the freshly serviced fuel system while delivering that unmistakable two-stroke sound and aroma.

Comprehensive Kaplan Cycles Service

Our technicians performed a complete, top-to-bottom inspection and comprehensive service. Every major system was examined, serviced, adjusted, or rebuilt as necessary.

Work performed includes:

• Fuel tank cleaned and thoroughly rinsed

• Carburetors completely rebuilt

• New fuel lines installed

• New air filter installed

• Fresh VP94 ethanol-free fuel

• Cooling system serviced with fresh coolant

• Front and rear brake fluid replaced

• Forks rebuilt with new fork seals

• New fork sliders installed

• Front brake system completely rebuilt

• New braided stainless-steel front brake lines

• New front brake pads

• Rear brake system inspected, flushed, and serviced

• New Bridgestone Battlax tires installed front and rear

• Front and rear wheels removed, cleaned, detailed, and inspected

• Aluminum wheel lips professionally polished

• Bearings inspected and found to be in excellent condition

• New grips installed

• New seat cover installed

• Complete chassis, control, fastener, and safety inspection

• Final road testing and evaluation performed

The original seat cover showed some age-related patina, so it was replaced with a brand-new cover that presents beautifully.

Upgraded Brakes, Suspension and Tires

The front forks were removed and rebuilt with new fork seals and sliders. The fork lowers present beautifully, and even the chrome hardware remains remarkably well preserved.

The front braking system was completely rebuilt with new pads, fresh fluid, and braided stainless-steel brake lines. Unlike the original rubber lines, braided lines resist expansion under pressure, providing a firmer lever and improved braking response.

Both wheels received extensive cosmetic and mechanical attention. The original tires were still installed when the motorcycle arrived, proving how little use the bike had received, but they were replaced for safety. The motorcycle now wears matching Bridgestone Battlax tires, with the molding nubs still visible.

A steering brace has also been installed to improve high-speed front-end stability.

Performance Exhaust System

One of the best upgrades available for an RZ350 is a quality expansion-chamber exhaust system. The original catalytic exhausts were heavy and restrictive.

This motorcycle is equipped with a highly regarded Factory Pro Products performance exhaust system featuring polished aluminum silencers. The system reportedly saves approximately 20 pounds compared with the original exhaust while improving the motorcycle’s sound, appearance, and performance.

It looks fantastic and sounds wicked—the way a classic Yamaha two-stroke should.

Outstanding Original Condition

The original fuel tank, side covers, painted bodywork, frame, switch housings, handlebars, mirrors, levers, footpegs, turn signals, gauges, and trim remain in exceptional condition.

The gauges are particularly impressive. Unlike many surviving RZ350s, they are not faded, cloudy, or filled with debris. They look remarkably close to new. The original frame stickers are still present and beautifully preserved.

There is no evidence of road rash or any significant accident damage. The frame is straight, the bodywork fits properly, and the motorcycle presents beautifully from every angle.

The original frame remains unrestored and unretouched. Its preservation speaks volumes about the care this motorcycle has received throughout its life.

A Unique Part of Its History

The motorcycle also carries an unusual piece of its history. While traveling in sixth gear at approximately 100 mph, its former owner struck a bird that unexpectedly crossed his path. A small resulting mark was preserved beneath clear coat rather than removed. It has remained part of the motorcycle’s documented story ever since.

Collector-Market Performance

Exceptional Yamaha RZ350s have become highly desirable collector motorcycles. Kaplan Cycles previously sold a nearly identical example showing approximately 3,000 miles for $27,500.

Comparable RZ350 sales reported by Mecum have included examples at approximately:

• $27,000

• $25,400

• $25,000

The exceptionally clean RZ350s we have handled recently have generally achieved approximately $22,500 or more at auction, depending on mileage, condition, originality, and specification.

These comparisons are provided for reference only and are not a guarantee of this motorcycle’s final auction value.

Why This RZ350 Stands Apart

• Authentic 1984 Kenny Roberts Signature Edition

• Early December 1983 production

• Extremely low serial number 179

• Original matching-numbers engine and cases

• Only 10,078 miles

• Long-term climate-controlled collection history

• Original unrestored frame and factory finishes

• Beautiful original fuel tank and bodywork

• Exceptionally clean original gauges and controls

• Comprehensive Kaplan Cycles service

• Rebuilt carburetors and serviced fuel system

• Rebuilt forks

• Completely serviced braking system

• Braided stainless-steel brake lines

• New Bridgestone Battlax tires

• Lightweight performance expansion-chamber exhaust

• New seat cover and grips

• Fully inspected, road tested, and ready to enjoy

An Investment-Grade Two-Stroke Classic

We have bought, sold, restored, and ridden countless Yamaha two-strokes over the years. Ken Kaplan has personally been riding Yamaha RDs since he was 15 years old and owned an RD350 as early as 1980. We know these motorcycles, and we understand what separates an average example from an exceptional one.

This RZ350 is an exceptional one.

It offers the originality collectors demand, the mechanical preparation riders appreciate, and the unmistakable performance and character that made Yamaha’s street-going two-strokes legendary.

If you have been searching for a properly sorted, matching-numbers RZ350 that Kaplan Cycles will proudly stand behind, your ship has come in. Motorcycles of this caliber are increasingly difficult to locate, and we do not expect this one to remain available for long.

Call Kaplan Cycles with any questions or to discuss purchasing this extraordinary RZ350.

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.