The Yamaha TZR250 was manufactured and sold from 1986 until 1995 in three main iterations exclusively for the Japanese market, never being officially imported to the United States. Born out of the RD250, the model evolved from the more modest parallel twin 250 two stroke of the 2MA and 3MA variants to the 90-degree v-twin 3XV.
In the early 90’s the Japanese manufacturers were in an arms race to create the most advanced 250cc repli-racers for license limited riders and track racers alike. These small quarter liter bikes were very different from the budget small cc bikes produced today to meet the needs of restricted license holders, they were brimming with the latest race bred technology and excellent build quality. While restricted to 45 HP to meet the Japanese rules of the time, de-restriction and tuning could release a lot more power. The 3XV could even be further modified by using TZ250R race bike engine parts (such as cylinders) to increase power, unlike the Honda NSR250 that shared almost nothing in common with the RS250R race model. Many TZR’s therefore found their way into club racing and local track days proving to be very capable, even by today’s standards.
Yamaha produced the 3XV in three different trim levels, including the R, the RS (Racing Sport), and the ultra-limited SP (Sport Production). The RS – like the one shown here – featured several upgrades over the base R model, such as a dry clutch and some adjustable suspension.
This example is VIN: 3XV080713. The seller acquired it in October 2022 through an Iconic Motorbikes auction.
During his ownership, the seller has covered about 900 kilometers. The odometer shows 5,545 kilometers (3,445 miles).
“Best bike I’ve ever ridden, but I’m looking to get rid of all of my carbureted/two stroke bikes at the moment to cut back on maintenance, and to make room for more bikes. I would buy another one in a heartbeat if I had more room. Received the bike and rode the hell out of it for the first week or so. The engine was low on compression in one cylinder so I started tracking down parts. I had originally planned to do a SUGO build on it and was looking for parts in Japan, but then through the forums I learned that you could do quite a lot without that kit through electronic tuning, pipes, new head, honed, and cleaned up the ports in the cylinder. I put it back together and learned just how amazing a 250 can be.”
Maintenance:
“Completely rebuilt engine. New clutch plates and some replacement parts and bushings. Everything has been gone over inside the engine.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, flush the hydraulic fluids, replace the petcock, replace the front/rear intake manifolds (very rare) clean/sync the carbs, add 3 liters of ethanol-free 93 octane fuel, and touch up some paint on the sides of the tank. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok but needs service
Tire Date Code Front: 35/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 34/21
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.49V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.2V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles
Modifications:
According to this site, the VIN of 3XV080713 corresponds to a 1992 RS model. However the bodywork appears to be from a 1994 RS model.
TZR250 SP (up-spec) forks and swingarm.
“Electronic ignition (Zeeltronic) Jim Lomas expansion chambers. Stainless. All internals media blasted. NOS sp crank giving it a 12,500 redline. Every OEM SP part. New ported pistons. Dyno tuning. Dyno was giving north of 70hp. But not sure if it was calibrated perfect. Probably high 60’s I’m guessing. Bike has done long weekend rides a few times since rebuild. I am forgetting stuff, but it is absolutely amazing. Must be ridden to understand. Coil on plug spark for the electronic ignition. Aftermarket heads with inserts.”
Tyga keyless gas cap.
Swingarm spools.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tires with date codes of 3421 and 3521.
The sale includes three keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Tank was leaking when I received the bike originally. Iconic sent me a tank they had laying around and it was much appreciated, but the bike was so fun to ride that I patched the original tank before the other tank arrived. Frame has paint missing where tank leaked. I would have repainted the tank and powder coated the frame if I kept it longer. I’m sure there are other blemishes.”
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean Texas title.
Have any TZR250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
