Hasegawa 21781 - 1:12 Yamaha RZ250 4L3 1980 Black Color

Plastic model kit of the Yamaha RZ250 (4L3) 1980 motorcycle (black) in 1:12 scale

Hasegawa 21781 is a kit for self-assembly representing the Japanese Yamaha RZ250 (4L3) sports motorcycle from 1980. The machine introduced solutions modern for its time: a liquid-cooled two-stroke twin-cylinder engine, Monocross rear suspension and cast wheels. Its lively performance earned it the nickname “400 killer”.

The model, with about 140 parts, reproduces a black example and faithfully captures the motorcycle's lines.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with frame, engine and suspension parts
• Clear parts (lenses)
• Chrome-plated parts (mirrors, headlight)
• Rubber tyres
• Waterslide decal sheet (black colour scheme)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Catalogue number: 21781
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Assembled dimensions: approx. 174 × 65.5 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

The model is recommended for modellers with some experience. On a motorcycle many components – the engine, frame and suspension – remain visible, so they are worth painting carefully before assembly. This version is reproduced in black, so a smooth finish on the bodywork parts is especially important.

Factory chrome-plated parts (mirrors, headlight) can be left in their original finish or painted with dedicated chrome-like paints. Bodywork parts are usually finished with a clear coat for gloss, and decals are best applied over a glossy surface to avoid decal silvering.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Clear coat for finishing the body
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the motorcycle – Yamaha RZ250:

The Yamaha RZ250 is a Japanese 250cc-class sports motorcycle introduced in 1980. The machine continued Yamaha's tradition of two-stroke motorcycles, offering a lively character and low weight.

The RZ250 used a liquid-cooled two-stroke twin-cylinder engine, Monocross rear suspension and cast wheels. Thanks to its very good performance in its class and its agility, the motorcycle earned the nickname “400 killer” among enthusiasts and became one of the iconic two-strokes of its era.

The Hasegawa model allows this machine to be reproduced in a black livery.

Original specifications (Yamaha RZ250, 1980):

• Type: 250cc-class sports motorcycle
• Engine: liquid-cooled two-stroke twin-cylinder
• Displacement: approx. 250cc
• Rear suspension: Monocross type; cast wheels
• Vehicle manufacturer: Yamaha

About the manufacturer – Hasegawa:

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer of model kits based in Shizuoka, a region regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company has operated since 1941; it began with wooden products and from the 1960s focused on plastic models. The brand is best known for its aircraft kits, but its catalogue also includes ships, cars, motorcycles and models from popular science-fiction series, including Macross. Hasegawa models are valued for their accurate shapes, finely reproduced panel lines and good parts fit. The manufacturer regularly releases limited editions of established moulds with new decal sheets and additional parts that reproduce specific versions and liveries. Hasegawa remains one of the most recognisable model brands in the world and is available in many countries.