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Yamaha RD500LC
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Also called	RZ500 RZV500R
Production	1984 - 1986
Class	Sports
Engine	499 cc liquid-cooled V4 two stroke
Power	64.2 kW (88 PS) @ 9,500 rpm
Torque	65.4 N·m @ 8,500 rpm
Transmission	6 speed
Related	Yamaha RD350LC (YPVS)
Similar	Suzuki RG500

The Yamaha RD500LC is a high-performance, two-stroke sports motorcycle, also known as the RZ500 in Canada and Australia. A lightened but detuned version known as the RZV500R was developed for the Japanese home market. Strict United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations meant that the RZ500 was not available for sale in that country. Produced for a short period between 1984 and 1986 it has become a sought after collector's machine.^[1]

[edit] Development

With the success in the early 1980s of Kenny Roberts and the Yamaha YZR500 in Grand Prix motorcycle racing Yamaha realised that a road going replica of their 500 cc racing machine would sell well. Using the similar technology of the smaller RD series of two stroke motorcycles the RD500LC was launched in 1984 to an enthusiastic riding public.

[edit] Design

[edit] Engine

Yamaha YZR500.

The RD500LC uses a 50-degree, twin-crankshaft V4 engine layout. Linked Yamaha YPVS exhaust power valves are controlled by a single electronic unit and servo motor and are designed to give a broader power band. The engine also featured intake reed valves unlike the YZR500 racer which used rotary disc valve induction. The reed valves used two different intake arrangements, the lower cylinders were fed through crankcase mounted reeds; the upper pair used cylinder barrel mounted reeds. The carburettors are side mounted in pairs and feed each cylinder through 90 degree intake manifold. The lower expansion chambers exit normally but the upper pipes cross over each other just behind the exhaust ports to maintain the correct tuned length. The dual crankshafts were geared directly to the clutch, while the front crankshaft also spun a counter balancer shaft mounted between the two crankshafts. The counter balance shaft, unusual on a two-stroke, helped to dampen engine vibrations. The engine is cooled by thermostatically controlled liquid cooling, an auxiliary electric fan mounted behind the radiator cuts in at high temperatures (e.g.when stationary in traffic). Lubrication is by direct injection in to the inlet manifolds using Yamaha's 'Autolube' pump system, normally controlled in other two-stroke engines by throttle position the engine oil pump is controlled by the YPVS servo motor ensuring that the oil supply is not shut off at high engine revolutions.^[2][3]

[edit] Transmission

RD500LC rear view

The RD500LC uses a six speed sequential close ratio gearbox, the gear shafts are removable from the right side of the engine without the need to split the crankcases. The clutch is of the wet, multiple-disc coil spring type and is cable operated. Unusually for a two stroke the gears are lubricated by a separate crankshaft driven troichoid oil pump. Final drive is by O-ring chain and sprockets.

[edit] Chassis

The frame of the RD500LC is manufactured from mild steel box-section and uses a perimeter layout. The rear shock absorber is unusually placed horizontally under the engine and uses the lower crankcase as a mounting point. The under-seat area is occupied by the upper cylinder exhaust chambers, the battery and the YPVS servo motor. The rear of the shock absorber connects to an extruded aluminium alloy swinging arm via several forged aluminium rocker arms. An unusually small diameter 16" wheel is held between 37 mm (1.5 in) spring and oil damped forks
which featured adjustable anti-dive units. The RD500LC used twin ventilated disc brakes for the front wheel with a single ventilated disc at the rear. A solo seat cowl is provided to cover the pillion seat when not in use.^[4]

[edit] Electrical system

RD500LC Speedometer and Tachometer

The RD500LC features a standard 12 volt electrical system. Yamaha's self cancelling indicator unit is used and a variable resistance gauging system is used to monitor two-stroke oil tank contents with associated warning lights. Nippondenso Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) is used in conjunction with two coils.^[5]

[edit] RZV500R

The RZV500R was designed exclusively for the Japanese home market although many have been exported privately. The RZV500R features upgraded parts not found on the standard RD500LC. A major difference is the hand-welded aluminium frame, which is significantly lighter than the steel version used on standard models. The front brake lines are braided stainless steel instead of rubber coated, and the front forks are air assisted with rebound damping adjustment. The rear brake and gear levers are cast from aluminium, as are the clip-on type handle bars. These chassis modifications added up to a weight saving of 20 lb (9.1 kg). The engine was detuned to 64 hp (48 kW) to comply with Japanese legislation, this was achieved by restricting the internal diameter of the exhaust pipes.^[6]

[edit] Models by country

Differences mentioned are comparisons to the UK specification RD500LC, Yamaha model numbers are in brackets where known.

•  Australia

RZ500N (52X)

•  Austria

Front and rear yellow side reflectors

•  Canada

RZ500S (1VW)

•  Denmark

Self retracting sidestand, right dip headlight

•  Finland

Self retracting side stand, extended rear mudguard, right dip headlight

•  Germany

Reduced load capacity (205kg instead of 211kg), self cancelling indicators deleted, right dip headlight

•  Japan

RZV500R (51X early models - 1GG late models)

•  Norway

Self retracting sidestand, suppressor spark plug caps, right dip headlight

•  Sweden

Modified exhaust pipes, self retracting sidestand, right dip headlight

•  United Kingdom

RD500LC (47X early models - 1GE late models)

[edit] Specifications (RD500LC/RZV500R)