LOT 213 *N

The Connoisseurs' Collection, Part IV 1980 Yamaha RZ250 Registration no. not registered Frame no. 4L3-050163 Engine no. 4L3 (see text)

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 213^*,N

The Connoisseurs' Collection, Part IV, 1980 Yamaha RZ250

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Connoisseurs' Collection, Part IV
1980 Yamaha RZ250
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 4L3-050163
Engine no. 4L3 (see text)

This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.
If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.

No motorcycle of recent times has achieved 'cult' status to the same extent as Yamaha's legendary 'LC'. Launched at the Tokyo Show in 1980, the RD250/350LC marked the introduction of water cooling to Yamaha's range of potent middleweight two-strokes while also bringing mono-shock rear suspension and – in the 350's case - twin front disc brakes to the package for the first time. Water-cooling had been a feature of the Iwata firm's TZ racers for some years and the family resemblance was obvious. The LC was also relatively inexpensive, endearing itself to impecunious younger riders whose high-street stunts rapidly established the easily-wheelied LC's 'hooligan bike' credentials.

Its '4L3' frame number prefix identifies this motorcycle as an original Japanese-market RZ250, as the RD250LC was known in its home country. Frame number '050163' is consistent with an early production model. The machine currently displays a total of 29,089 kilometres to the odometer and is presented in nicely restored condition (the engine turns over). It would appear that the unnumbered crankcases are either non-matching replacement units or, potentially, original Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cases, as engine cases supplied in Japan were reportedly sometimes left unnumbered.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Offered with key

Saleroom notices

Please note that the odometer currently displays 21,089 kilometres.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

- Automobilia
- Motorcycles

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Motor Cycles (UK)

Tel: +44 20 8963 2817

[email protected]

Auction Viewings

10 October 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
11 October 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

£4,000 - £6,000

United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000

United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500

The Connoisseurs' Collection, Part IV, 1980 Yamaha RZ250

The Connoisseurs' Collection, Part IV1980 Yamaha RZ250Registration no. not registeredFrame no. 4L3-050163Engine no. 4L3 (see text)

Saleroom notices

Additional information

Auction information

Lot Symbols

Related Departments

Conditions of Sale

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Specialist section

Motor Cycles (UK)

Auction Viewings

Lot symbols

Bid now on these items

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

1926 Triumph 494cc

1934 Austin Seven 65

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

Triumph 5T

Triumph Tiger 100

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

Triumph 6T

Triumph 6T

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

1916 Radco 211cc

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

The Connoisseurs' Collection, Part IV
1980 Yamaha RZ250
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 4L3-050163
Engine no. 4L3 (see text)