Description
Additional photos of this 1988 Yamaha 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.”
The original VIN of this example is 2KR-164216. However, it also has another VIN assigned by British Columbia, which is 2BG109079KR164216.
The odometer shows 18,671 kilometers (11,601 miles)
The seller acquired it on a trade towards one of his other motorcycles eight months ago, and he notes that “the previous owner had the carbs professionally rebuilt and balanced and the same shop rebuilt the front caliper and master cylinder, but I cannot produce receipts.” There are no known mechanical issues.
The most significant cosmetic damage is a crack in the upper left fairing. We also note some aftermarket red fairing bolts and a scratch on the left mirror arm.
The seat covers are aftermarket.
If necessary, the seller’s reserve includes preparation of the bike for shipping, crating, and delivery to a shipping agent in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The seller can also obtain shipping quotes anywhere in the world for the next owner.
Have any FZR250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
