At 1st glance the RZV 500 R just looks like a RD/RZ 500 but it's very different.
With this page I hope to be able to show the major differences between the two motorcycles : RZV 500 R & RD/RZ 500 YPVS


RZV 500 R

              
   RZ 500                                          RD 500       .
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   (1)  Frame
The RD/RZ is fitted with a steel frame, The RZV has an aluminum frame !
Brackets are wider on the aluminum frame, to give the same strength as the RD/RZ steel frame.
The rear shock dog bone bolt is longer to fit in the wider mountings,
and also where the front headlight/ fairing bracket fits onto the frame this alloy mounting is also wider.

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(2) Clocks
The RD/RZ is fitted with Speedometer, Rev counter & a temperature gauge,
The RZV 500 R has the same but is also fitted with a fuel gauge, added to the temperature gauge.

     
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(2a) Clocks
I have been sent this picture of some odd looking RD/RZ 500 clocks ( Thank's Alan )
The clocks were taken off a bike that came into the UK from the USA !
The bike had originally been sent to the USA from central Europe !
The odd thing is why would a bike from central Europe have MPH clocks fitted anyway ?
Does your 500 have these type clocks fitted ?
Have you seen any fitted before ?

'' NEW ''
Clocks information
Denis Fitzgerald from the USA has sent the following information on the odd RD/RZ 500 clocks !
As the RD/RZ 500 was never officially imported to the USA what someone has done is fit the speedo
from a USA spec bike, Notice the little red 55? That was US mandate during the days of the much
despised national double nickel speed limit, Thankfully now defunct. The speedo used on the FZ 600
( 1986 old air cooled, steel framed one ) is externally identical to the RD unit and will bolt right on ,
However I believe this one is a USA spec FZ 750 as if I recall correctly the FZ 600 speedo only goes
to 135 mph, While the FZ 750 unit went to 145 mph. I hope this solves the mystery of the clocks !

Please see Denis's Homepage
Mustang Bombays

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(3) Handlebars & Pre-load
The RD/RZ is fitted with steel handlebars,
The RZV 500 R is fitted with Aluminum handlebars and the forks are fitted with pre-load adjusters.

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(4) Mirrors & Indicators
The Mirrors and indicators are also different on the bikes,

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(5) Shocker, Brake & Gear lever's
On the RZV 500 R the shocker is alloy bodied,   the gear lever & brake lever's are also aluminum.

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If you can help with any other information or pictures,
Please send it to me.
It will  be gratefully received.
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