Pick of the Ads - Yamaha TZR250

Posted: 24 Jan 2014

WE SAY:

Yamaha’s TZR250 first saw UK light in 1987 as a TZR 250 2MA model. With the demise of the hooligan’s tool RD250/350LC, the TZR picked up and ran off with the mantle of screaming two-stroke sports-cum-nutter’s bike. The TZR was essentially a road-going version of the Japanese company’s TZR race machinery, albeit with a detuned (42-46bhp) engine for reliability, and chassis components geared towards affordability and road use. A simple water-cooled, 249cc parallel twin engine was made a little complicated with CDI ignition and a powervalve system on the cylinders to raise or lower the exhaust port to aid both low and high rpm performance. From new, the TZR was a belting road bike and production racer’s dream. Nimble steering through town became rapid steering on track. This was from a delightful blend of skinny wheels and tyres supporting only 140kg of rolling weight when fully loaded with 16lt of petrol. Obviously racing versions – even today the TZR is still a popular machine in 250cc classes – meant they had a hard life, but road bikes had restricted rev ceilings and proved to be reliable for what many still consider a rattly, dirty two-stroke. Although the first models are nearly 27 years old, the TZR is still a delightful bike to own and ride. The low weight means the 1980s brakes aren’t overwhelmed; a lot of pattern spares keep maintenance costs low; and it really is easy to ride. To find a mint, original example is proving to be difficult today. When one does appear expect to pay good money: case in point is the bike advertised here. At £3800, it is just over a £1000 more than the original retail price in 1988. Worth it though.

THE AD SAYS:

1990 (H reg), 250cc, 10,000 miles, red/white

YAMAHA TZR250 2MA 1990. Perfect original, standard condition. 10,000 miles only. New tyres. New Hagon shock plus original Yamaha unit as spare. Must be seen to appreciate. Contact: 07581008210. Price: £3,800

You can view the ad here.

  or !