The Yamaha RZ250 made its debut at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. It was powered by a 247cc 35hp 2-stroke water-cooled engine attached to the frame via two orthogonal mounts, which prevented engine vibrations from being transmitted to the frame. This allowed for a more comfortable ride and a more lightweight double cradle frame design. It also featured mono-cross rear suspension and spiral-like spoke design wheels. With its exciting road-legal racer styling and innovative mechanical features, the bike left a lasting impression and became one of the best-selling 250cc class bikes on the Japanese market