No Reserve – 1989 Yamaha TDR250

Please Note: Thanks to commenter silverninja, who notes that the mileage for this bike was incorrectly stated as 14,973 due to a misreading of units on the odometer. The correct number is 24,098.

“Ultimate Dual.” That’s how Yamaha marketed the TDR250 – a unique descriptor for a unique bike.

The TDR combined a retuned TZR250 two-stroke motor good for nearly 50 horsepower in a dual-sport frame, making it unlike anything available in the US at the time (especially because Yamaha never officially sold it here).

As a bit of perspective on how ahead of its time this machine was, consider that this 30+ year-old bike makes 10 horsepower more than the recently-refreshed Kawasaki KLR, yet it weighs 120 pounds less! If that wasn’t good enough, check out this article on ADV Pulse for what else made the TDR special, including Yamaha’s assertion that the TDR’s engine was the first two-stroke motor to utilize both a CDI and an electronic advance system. Or check out this promotional video:

This example is VIN: JYA3NRN02KA000229.

The odometer shows 24,098 miles.

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and the following work:
-New air filter
-Chain serviced
-Carbs serviced and tuned
-Hydro 2
-New ignition coil
-New spark plug resistor caps
-New spark plugs
-Bike fueled w/ 93 Octane ethanol-free race fuel

Our service department notes the following on their condition report:

Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Overfilled
Engine Oil Quality: Age unknown
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Good, 3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, >3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Good
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: 40%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000 [16/9]
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000 [26/9]
Tire % Remaining Front: 50%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 10%
Tire Press. Front: 33 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.47V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.82V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: Approx. 2 miles, unit operates as designed

Notes:
-Forks are soft
-Tires are aged

REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Tires and tubes (aged out)
-Gearbox oil (Overfilled, age unknown)

Modifications:
This TDR250 appears to be stock.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Metzeler Enduro 3 tires that have aged out.

The sale includes one key, original owners manual, service manual and other documentation.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean Michigan title. Have any TDR250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!