Yamaha Motor Design Spotlights – 1981 RZ350

The RZ350 and its smaller RZ250 sibling could be called the equivalent of a statement by Yamaha: the 2-stroke supersport wasn't gone yet and that the new era of emissions regulations hadn't yet taken it from showrooms forever as some were predicting.

The design concept and early design sketches for the RZ were based on research of the European market’s preferences and they reflected the strong affinity for 2-stroke models deeply rooted in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing tradition. The integrated form seen in the line flowing from the fuel tank to the back of the seat did away with conventional designs based primarily on horizontal lines and gave birth to one with a sportier, more dynamic look.

The wheels styled in the image of the flames of a fire had been in development before the RZ and were an important factor in making the bike seem in motion even when standing still. Long known as the leader in 2-stroke machines, Yamaha designed and engineered the RZ with the strong conviction to make one last 2-stroke sport bike, and the RZ would in fact spark a revival of passion for 2-stroke machines that led them to becoming a fixture of race scenes across Europe for years.