Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1991 Yamaha TZR250. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
A repliracer at heart, the 3XV is the last and arguably the most sought-after generation of the Yamaha TZR250 – the lovely little V-Twin motor doesn’t hurt, either. Only sold in Japan originally, the 3XVs were offered in a variety of trims, all of which were limited to 45 horsepower by the Japanese government.
The 249cc V-Twin produced 29.5 lb-ft of torque along with the 45 horsepower, and it was paired with the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) and a 6-speed transmission. Dry weight was just 278 pounds, which is why these bikes are an absolute joy to enjoy on a twisty road. Many owners also derestrict the motors to open up additional power.
This example is VIN: 3XV005361. The seller acquired the bike five years ago from a private party.
The odometer is not currently installed, so true mileage is unknown. However, the seller states that “there are 150 miles on new motor internals.”
Maintenance:
The seller has provided a build thread documenting his ownership of this TZR250.
Additionally, he has provided a breakdown below:
“All nuts, bolts and washers replaced. Stainless steel throughout. ALL bearings and seals replaced with OE spec items from Japan, England and US. Bolts are all Hex Head. Washers holding body panels have rubber backing.”
Frame, Swingarm and Triple Clamps
“Bead blasted and powder coated. Used a custom texture to resemble sand casting. Swing Arm has new needle bearings and SP spec thrust bearings. The stock inner rear fender has been replaced with custom Lexan ignition and battery mounts. Seat cowling mounts are Lexan with aluminum tubing. The stock front fairing mounting cage and instrument have also been removed. Replaced by custom, square aluminum tubing and Koso instrument cluster.
(Front and rear steel fairing mounting cages, throttle position sensor, air control valves, mechanical oil pump, stock instrument cluster and pilot (plus pillion) seat are included in this sale. All are in good shape. The stock coolant temp gauge has been replaced with a Scitzu plasma unit within the stock clocks cluster. Speedometer is also included, but not mounted)”
Brakes
“Completely rebuilt Sumitomo calipers, new seals, cleaned and polished pistons. EBC HH brake pads. Custom Stainless Steel wrapped Teflon brake lines.”
Bodywork
“Fiberglass shell made for TZR 3xv2 SP Racing. The fairing has been modified to accept the larger Toomey, dual-core radiator. Single seat cowling with rubber pad. Except for a few small chips, the fairing is in perfect condition. The bike has never been down on the track. It was dropped during loading once with only slight scrape to left bar end.”
Engine
“All the info you’ll need (and more than you’ll probably want) is in the link above. I’ve had the engine apart three times. First was the stock (original) motor losing its crank bearing. The second time was caused by the loss of coolant and the last time was the result of a custom piston being manufactured without a ring retaining pin. From there, the bike was converted to use TZ Pistons.
I also made it possible to start the bike with electric assistance. This makes a long track day less stressful, physically even though the bike usually starts in 3-4 kicks. Zeeltronics controls the Power Valves and Engine Timing. Power is smooth off idle and usable on the track from 5.5K with a nice punch around 8.5K. Redline is 12K, but with such strong midrange and peak power, I usually shift around 11-11.5K.”
Running Gear
“I’m running a 15 tooth front sprocket, 39 tooth aluminum rear and 520 racing chain. The rear wheel sprocket bumpers are refurbished and in good shape. Both wheels have fresh bearings and seals. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC V3 tires front and rear. Used for only one track day.”
Summation
“I am the first US title holder on this TZR. In my 55 years of riding, this bike is easily the best handling motorcycle I ever ridden. It’s been kept on stands in a temperature and humidity controlled garage. This bike has not been dyno’d, but will pull the front wheel (in first and second) without rider encouragement. My guess is it makes at least 60hp here in the cornfields. The biggest bump in performance came from England’s Martin Johnson’s porting and head skimming, The Zeeltronic programmable ECU, careful attention to tuning carbs, TZR 3XV SP upper air box and new bearing and seals all around. All of these mods can be seen on the TZR forum.”
The seller adds “I discovered that the battery will need replacing. It takes a charge, but doesn’t hold it when the bike is shut off. These days many are going to Solid State batteries, as they are lighter and last longer. The TZR should start without a battery, but the Zeeltronic’s ignition really likes its help. The electric assist starting is an option, but a battery is still required.”
Modifications:
Aftermarket fiberglass bodywork.
Dog Fight R expansion chambers.
Toomey dual-core radiator.
Powder coated frame, Zeeltronic programmable ignition and power valve controller.
Scitzu plasma temperature gauge.
Koso gauge.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ tires from 2021.
Per the seller, the sale includes “electric starting clutch socket, front and rear support cages that were made irrelevant with my aluminum tach mount and polycarbonate rear seat module, stock clocks with new temp gauge, mechanical oil pump (no picture), Stock (-00) ECU, Air Control modules, Speedo drive for front wheel and one liter of Castrol A-747 (Sealed in plastic).”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Elberfeld, Indiana, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Indiana title. Have any TZR250 3XV stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
