YAMAHA RZ 250 (1980-1988) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha RZ 250 was a standard two-stroke motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha from 1973 until 1987 when it was replaced by the Yamaha TRZ 250. The RZ 250 designation was known in the Japanese and Australian markets and RD 250 in other regions.

The bike was manufactured over four generations, including models from 1973 to 1979 powered by an air-cooled engine and those from 1980 to 1987 driven by a liquid-cooled unit. The range included the RD 250LC, RD 250LC-II, and RD 250 YPVS, where RD stood for Race Developed.

In 1983, the British government lowered the maximum cc capacity for learners from 250cc to 125cc. The sudden modification in the legislation had been made due to the RD 250 model that delivered high-speed capability, so it was not quite a perfect machine for inexperienced riders.

In 1980, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha RZ 250, a standard motorcycle with standard features, including a round headlight, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a right-hand-mounted exhaust system, and five double-spoke wheels.

In the performance department, the 1980 Yamaha RZ 250 had installed a 247cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, fed by two Mikuni carburetors, delivering 36 hp with maximum strength at 8,500 rpm and 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.