Description
Additional photos of this FZR250 are available here for your perusal.
The late 80s and early 90s were an incredible time for 250cc sportbikes…as long as you were riding in Japan. The main option in America was the Ninja 250, with the occasional oddball like the VTR 250 as well. But while we were stuck with single or twin-cylinder commuters, Japan’s 250 class was thriving with DOHCis inline-4s featuring absurd redlines. They were small, yes, but they sure weren’t cheap – and they were constantly evolving.
This JDM pocket rocket has a 17k redline, before which the engine produces its peak of 45 horsepower (the Japanese limit for 250cc motorcycles at the time).
We once loaned a FZR250 to Cycle World for a JDM 250cc comparison, and this is what they thought: “The 1988 Yamaha FZR250 is a visual throwback to anyone who ever owned or raced an FZR600 in this country during the late ’80s. All the styling cues are the same, from the racy bodywork to the box-section steel-tube frame and swingarm. Like the FZR600, the FZR250 engine’s bore/stroke dimensions are less oversquare than the class norm, with a longer 34.5 mm stroke working smaller 48 mm pistons…the 2.75-inch rear wheel only allowing a 120/80 tire; add to this a 25.5-degree rake angle with just an 88 mm trail plus a 54.1-inch wheelbase, and you have a recipe for a very agile motorcycle.”
This example is VIN: 2KT172704. The seller acquired it two years ago from a collector who imported “a few containers of bikes in the late ’90s from Japan.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 600 miles. The odometer shows 7,039 kilometers (4,373 miles).
Per the seller, this is in “very original condition. This bike has never been restored and nothing has ever been changed on it from standard. I bought it for my son 2 years ago to get him involved in the modern classic motorcycle scene. He loved this bike and really cherished it all those two years that he has owned it. He rode approximately 1000km on it since he had it. He is now wanting to graduate onto something larger and thus ready to put it up on the market. The bike runs lovely and is incredibly smooth.” The seller states that there are no mechanical issues.
Modifications:
The seller states that this bike is stock.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
“It has a few imperfections, from being transported in the container, many years ago when it came into the country. Nothing unsightly and very consistent with the age and low mileage that the bike has and it has very good patina.”
Currently located in Randburg, South Africa, this Yamaha is offered on a Bill of Sale only.
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