Yamaha RD500 turns 40: One of the most sought-after motorcycles of the 80s

The Yamaha RD500 is turning 40 in 2024. The model was one of the most sought-after motorcycles in 1984, but it had an extremely short life.

It was the first replica of the 500GP of the 80s and had everything that was most modern for the time, such as the YPVS system, ventilated front brake discs, 16-inch front wheel, among others.

The engine of this machine was a 500cc two-stroke V4 with up to 90 HP of maximum power, fed by large carburetors positioned inside the ‘V’.

Unfortunately for the street bike, this space was occupied by the YPVS system, forcing the installation of smaller carburetors (26mm Mikuni) on the sides of the engine.

The Yamaha RD500 arrived in Europe (specifically in the United Kingdom) in June 1984, priced at £2,995 (the same as a Kawasaki GPz900R). Despite this ‘salty’ price, it quickly sold out.

However, due to its timid performance, the hype didn’t last long. In 1985, the company launched the FZ750, with the same performance as the RD500, but priced £200 less.

With this, the fate of the iconic RD500 was sealed, with its production ending in 1987, with only 1,400 units produced.

Today, if you find one of these models in good condition, it can cost around £20,000, meaning it has become a collector’s item.

photos: Yamaha