Highlights

Matching-numbers example (frame and engine)
Restored by its engineer owner with extensive parts renewal
Only 1,350 miles covered since engine rebuild
Accompanied by parts invoices, expired MoTs, V5C, and service manual

The Appeal

Yamaha's RD500LC remains one of the most coveted motorcycles of the 1980s. With its water-cooled 492cc V4 two-stroke engine mirroring the twin-crank architecture of Kenny Roberts' factory Grand Prix machines, it brought genuine race-replica performance to the road in a way few manufacturers had dared before. The Marlboro-liveried examples, echoing Yamaha's factory GP team colours, are among the most visually striking of all.

This particular RD500LC is a matching-numbers machine, kept in the hands of an engineer owner between October 2014 and May 2026. During that time, it was subjected to thorough mechanical work, with invoices from late 2014 and early 2015 documenting the renewal of wheel bearings, steering bearings, swing arm bearings, brake master cylinder rebuild kits, calliper piston kits, brake discs, brake pads, wheel seals, indicator lamps, exhaust gaskets, and numerous other components.

Key Information

Mileage: 15,625 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: expired in March 2022
Technical specs: 492cc water-cooled V4 two-stroke, five-speed manual, petrol
Paperwork: V5C, parts invoices, expired MOTs, and service manual

The Detail

Wheel bearings, taper steering bearings, and swing arm bearing kit renewed during restoration
Brake master cylinder repair kits, calliper piston kits, brake pads, and brake discs replaced
Wheel seals, indicator lamps, exhaust gasket, front sprocket lock tab, and gear lever rubber renewed
Only 1,350 miles covered since engine rebuild
Finished in Marlboro livery; HPI records previous colour as white
The vendor describes the condition as very good
Three spare brake discs and a screen included in the sale

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.