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1980s Yamaha RD500LC (incl. RZV500R) Valuation Report

Date: September 2025

Historical Overview

Yamaha’s RD500LC (1984–1986) is the road-going, 499 cc V4 two-stroke GP replica that defined the 1980s 500 class for many UK riders. The Japan-market RZV500R variant features an alloy frame and different spec; both are highly collectable in the UK with strong auction performance and premium classified asks.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition)

Condition	RD500LC (UK/EU spec)	RZV500R (JDM alloy-frame)	Example External Source (plain text)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; import recommission or full rebuild required.	£7,000 – £9,500	£7,500 – £10,000	H&H Classics: RD500 LC sold £9,281 (1986). Historic RZ500S comp £10,688 supports lower-mid market floor.
Roadworthy / Presentable Running, largely correct; older cosmetics or minor mods.	£11,000 – £16,000	£12,500 – £17,000	Iconic Auctioneers & H&H mid-teens results; live Car & Classic asks often in mid/high-teens.
Restored / Excellent High-quality restoration or very original survivor with strong paperwork.	£17,000 – £22,000	£18,000 – £24,000	Iconic Auctioneers: RD500LC hammered at £18,975 (Feb 2025). Earlier UK sale at £17,438 (May 2022). Car & Classic top asks £17,995–£18,500.

Notes: The RZV500R (JDM) can show a premium due to alloy frame/rarity, though some bikes are power-restricted unless properly de-restricted in the UK. Documentation and originality remain the key drivers of value across both variants.

Value Influencing Factors

Originality & completeness: Correct bodywork, exhausts, airbox, clocks and fairings; matching numbers; OEM paint schemes.
Mechanical state: Crank seals, powervalve (YPVS) operation, carburation, charging, and cooling; evidence of recent specialist work is a plus.
Documentation: V5C, import papers, history file, invoices, old MOTs, and dyno sheets (for de-restricted RZV) support top-band values.
Mileage & presentation: Lower, documented miles and clean, period-correct presentation carry a premium.
Timing & venue: Stafford/NEC auctions and spring–summer listing windows typically realise stronger prices.

Conclusion

As of September 2025, UK values for the RD500LC typically fall around £7.0k–£9.5k (projects), £11k–£16k (roadworthy), and £17k–£22k (restored/excellent). The RZV500R often tracks slightly higher at the top end, with documented, very original, or expertly restored examples reaching £24k in the current market.

Sources (plain text):
Iconic Auctioneers — 1986 RD500LC sold for £18,975 (MCN London Motorcycle Show, Feb 2025).
Iconic Auctioneers — 1985 RD500 LC YPVS sold for £17,438 (Peterborough, May 2022).
H&H Classics — RD500 LC sold for £9,281; RZ500S comp sold £10,688 (auction archive).
Car & Classic — Current UK RD500LC/RZV500R listings typically £17,995–£18,500 (top asks).
Bonhams — RZV500R examples in UK motorcycle sales archives used for context.

All Valuations