Y'S GEAR випускає відтворені зовнішні деталі для RZ250. Технологія Yamaha повертає легендарний мотоцикл у майбутнє

[PR] Y'S GEAR: Text/Akira Kurita

As the first installment of Yamaha Motor's "Reproduction Parts Project" for discontinued models, reproduced exterior parts for the first-generation RZ250 (4L3) are now available. The highly anticipated products revive the side covers and tail cowl, which had been out of supply for many years, by utilizing analysis of original blueprints and the latest 3D scanning technology. The lineup includes three types: a complete set with painting and graphics applied, an unpainted set for custom coloring, and a graphics set perfect for repairs and restoration, all available for purchase from Y'S GEAR. This is a noteworthy new initiative where the manufacturer itself supports the maintenance and revival of legendary motorcycles.

Yamaha Tackles Reproduction of Discontinued Parts: Significance and Aims

Reference exhibit of the RZ250 reproduced side cover & tail cowl set at the Yamaha booth during the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2026. Y'S GEAR had previously reproduced the fuel tank, greatly raising the expectations of RZ250 users who visited.

A panel featuring blueprints from 1980, known as "blueprints," displayed the side covers and tail cowls. The official launch of the parts reproduction project under the banner of "Iconic Collection" was big news for Yamaha vehicle users.

The discontinuation of genuine replacement parts is a serious problem for discontinued motorcycles. Not only functional parts, but even the unavailability of a single exterior part can make vehicle repair and maintenance difficult, and in some cases, prevent the vehicle from being kept in running condition.

In this context, the "Parts Reproduction Project" led by Yamaha Motor's Customer Experience Division is welcome news for many owners of discontinued models.

The RZ250 side covers and tail cowls, planned as the first installment of the "Iconic Collection," were reference exhibited alongside blueprints at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2026 held this spring, generating significant buzz, especially among RZ users.

This reproduction project goes beyond simply re-manufacturing discontinued genuine parts. Even with original blueprints in existence, reproducing parts exactly as they were made back then is not easy. Therefore, in addition to analyzing the original blueprints, the project incorporates the latest technologies such as industrial CT scanning of existing parts, 3D data conversion, and reverse engineering to reproduce the texture and design as closely as possible. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that know-how accumulated over more than 40 years since that time has been utilized to make improvements to various parts without affecting the appearance.

Some popular discontinued motorcycle parts are reproduced by third-party manufacturers. Users sometimes have no choice but to select aftermarket parts. The reproduced exterior parts for the RZ250, developed by Yamaha Motor and sold by Y'S GEAR, are genuine manufacturer products and can be said to solve the major concern of discontinued motorcycle owners: "securing genuine parts."

Painted Set Restores the Feel of a New Bike When Mounted

Painted tail cowl with graphics applied. Sold as a set with the side cover.

Y'S GEAR RZ250 Reproduced Side Cover & Tail Cowl Set Retail Price: ¥88,000 (incl. tax)
Compatible Models: RZ250 (1980) Model: 4L30
Color: New Pearl White, Painted
Graphics: Applied

The centerpiece of the parts reproduction project is the RZ250 Reproduced Side Cover & Tail Cowl Set. This product targets the exterior parts of the 1980 RZ250 (4L3) and is sold in a state where painting and graphics application are completed in New Pearl White.

It's not just a simple repair part; the manufacturer's unique attention to detail is incorporated to reproduce the atmosphere of the time as much as possible.

Development involved not only deciphering the design drawings from that era but also scanning existing parts with industrial CT and verifying them through 3D data. The side covers, which are prone to cracking due to age-related deterioration, have been strengthened by adjusting the wall thickness without altering the appearance. Based on this data, new molds were produced, and the parts are manufactured as completely new items. Furthermore, to reduce the risk of damage during installation caused by hardened genuine grommets due to age, replacement grommets are also included, demonstrating thorough consideration.

There is no compromise in the painting process, which is key to the appearance. A three-coat painting process by skilled artisans who also handle the Sunburst tanks for the SR400 is used, and the color separation between the base black and New Pearl White is reproduced by hand. The application of graphics, done one by one by skilled staff, is also superb.

Incidentally, genuine parts sold when the RZ250 was commercially available had separate part numbers for the side covers, tail cowls, graphics, and RZ250/YAMAHA logos, and were not sold in a complete set like this. However, considering the actual installation of the parts, a pre-applied graphics set is more convenient for most users.

While incorporating modern knowledge into unseen areas, the finished product aims to be an RZ exactly as it was back then, a meticulously crafted reproduction. It is a long-awaited reproduced part for owners who want to restore their restored vehicles to a genuine appearance, as well as for users who want to refresh their original parts while preserving them.

Unpainted Set Allows for Painting According to User Preferences

An unpainted set, ideal as a base for custom painting or for achieving genuine colors other than New Pearl White.

Y'S GEAR RZ250 Reproduced Side Cover & Tail Cowl Set (Unpainted) Retail Price: ¥44,000 (incl. tax)
Compatible Models: RZ250 (1980) Model: 4L30
RZ350 (1981, 1982) Model: 4U00
Side Cover (Unpainted)
Tail Cowl (Unpainted)
Graphics sold separately

The molded color of the tail cowl is natural (beige), which is not used in current Yamaha models, but the material was procured for this tail cowl because it was the color used at the time. The developers' commitment to reproduction accuracy extends to the interior, which is visible when the seat is removed after painting the exterior.

The unpainted side cover & tail cowl set is available to reflect the individual preferences of owners. The side covers are black and the tail cowls are beige resin molded colors, allowing owners to finish them in their preferred colors after purchase. The raw material for the tail cowl is a molded color not used in current Yamaha models, procured specifically for this product, reflecting the development team's desire for high reproduction accuracy even in areas that will be hidden after painting.

Since the only painted version released is the New Pearl White specification, owners who wish to reproduce the Yamaha New Black or the YSP limited edition Chappy Red should purchase this set.

In addition to being ideal as a base for custom painting regardless of genuine colors, owners who are particular about matching the aging of their fuel tank and front fender even with a New Pearl White exterior might find this unpainted version appealing.

Considering the parts situation at the time, genuine parts were never sold unpainted, so this sales format is also unique to Yamaha's "Iconic Collection."

Side Cover & Tail Cowl Graphics Set Designed for Easy Application

The graphics set features an applicator shape that has been refined to prevent delicate graphics from losing their form during application.

Y'S GEAR RZ250 Reproduced Side Cover & Tail Cowl Graphics Set Retail Price: ¥16,500 (incl. tax)
Compatible Models: RZ250 (1980) Model: 4L30

Graphics are a crucial element in the overall quality of exterior restoration. The graphics set now released, targeted at the New Pearl White specification of the 1980 RZ250 (4L3), faithfully reproduces the design of that era. It is a genuine reproduction item perfect for users who want to restore the original design lost due to age-related deterioration or repainting, as well as for finishing the unpainted set.

Development involved not just matching colors and shapes, but also detailed verification of the original artwork. Meticulous research was conducted on logo fonts, line shapes, and panel configurations to reproduce the original atmosphere. Meanwhile, modern technology is employed for the materials, ensuring quality and durability. In other words, while the appearance is identical to the original, the graphics are actually finished with modern quality.

Furthermore, the RZ graphics require application on complex curved surfaces, making positioning a challenge. While the original manufacturing process used dedicated jigs for accurate positioning, this graphics set features an applicator shape designed to minimize deformation, allowing for improved application accuracy without jigs. With careful work, even general users can attempt the application, making it suitable for repairing original exteriors or for creating the ideal RZ in combination with the unpainted set.

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