YAMAHA RD 500LC (1984-1986) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha RD 500LC (Liquid Cooled) was a high-performance motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha for a short period. In Canada and Australia, the bike was known as the RZ 500. Also, a lightened and detuned version was manufactured for the Japanese home market under the RZV 500R designation.

In 1984, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha RD 500LC, where RD stands for Race Developed and LC for Liquid Cooled. The bike was manufactured between 1984 and 1986 and became a sought-after motorcycle.

The bike's visual department was characterized by standard features, such as a full fairing, a rectangular headlight, a medium-sized windscreen, a single seat with a passenger seat cover, a pillion grab rail, and lightweight three double-spoke wheels.

The 1984 Yamaha RD 500LC had installed a 499cc two-stroke V4 liquid-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, fed by four Mikuni carburetors, delivering 88 hp at 9,500 rpm and 66 Nm (48 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.

The engine was coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, sending the power to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to a top speed of 238 kph (148 mph).

Suspension-wise, the bike packed a 37 mm air-assisted telescopic fork with a variable anti-dive system and 140 mm wheel travel on the front. The rear end was handled by an adjustable shock absorber with 120 mm of travel.