1985 YAMAHA RD500 YPVS - MARLBORO SPECIAL

KEY FACTS

• A great example of the race-oriented, road-legal tribute to Yamaha’s YZR500 Grand Prix racer, which won back-to-back 500GP World Championships from 1978 to 1980.
• It is powered by the matching-numbers 499cc liquid-cooled V4, coupled to a six-speed transmission.
• A UK-market bike, it was acquired by the vendor in 2006 and has since mainly been stored in a heated, indoor space, only covering 2,100 miles over the last 15 years.
• It was treated to a comprehensive mechanical restoration in 2009, though the paintwork was deliberately left as-is.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The bike is highly original, with its factory bodywork still in place, though the vendor opted to have the frame and associated brackets powder-coated in gloss black during the restoration instead of the original silver.
• The bike has an original registration plate from Yamaha’s previous head office in Weybridge, Surrey.
• Its original owner’s manual, toolkit and fuel tank support cable are included.

CONDITION

• The vendor has reported a few hairline cracks in the finish on the body, and some minor stone chips on the fuel tank and rear, but the bike is in excellent overall condition.
• The black seat features some very light creases, and there are a few surface marks on the handlebar grips.
• The most recent MOT test was on 14 May 2021 at 26,171 miles, which was a clean pass with no advisories or defects.

SERVICE HISTORY

• In 2018, the bike was fitted with a new ignition coil, air filter, radiator, plug caps and leads.
• Throughout 2016, it was given new rear discs and pads, a Nitron rear shock absorber and a Racetec spring kit and emulators on the front fork, all performed by Yamaha two-stroke specialist Spa Motorcycles in Cheltenham.
• A previous owner, thought to be an employee of Stan Stephens Tuning, is believed to have rebuilt the engine himself.
• In 2009, the bike has a comprehensive mechanical restoration, with a summary shown in the Documents section of the gallery.

SUMMARY

This Yamaha RD500 YPVS ‘Marlboro Special’ is a great example of the road-legal tribute to Kenny Roberts’ three-time GP500-winning racer, which has been kept in heated storage for much of the last 15 years. Still in fantastic condition with its original body and paintwork, but mechanically rejuvenated, it would make a desirable addition to any collection of rare motorcycles.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.