No Reserve – 1992 Yamaha TZR250 SPR Project

Description

Please note: As shown in the video below, there is a rattle coming from the engine that we have not been able to diagnose. For this reason, we’re letting the bike go as a no reserve project so that it can find a new home!

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Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

The Yamaha TZR250 was manufactured and sold from 1986 until 1995 in three main iterations exclusively for the Japanese market, never being officially sold in 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 version shown here.

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 also produced a limited run of SP (Sports Production) models which featured a dry clutch, adjustable suspension front/rear, and several improvements to allow for even more power when de-restricted: cylinders, heads, electrics, and exhaust. Production was limited to 500 units a year and it was the model to get. The SPR bikes (like the one being offered here) took things a step further with a triple YPVS, an addition that gave the engine two extra valves.

This example is VIN: 3XV107398. It came to Iconic as an import; prior history is not known.

The odometer shows 18,918 kilometers (11,755 miles).

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, the spark plugs, and the grips; clean and sync the carbs; and install a new headlight bulb. We also attempted to diagnose the noise coming from the engine.

Olly’s notes regarding the noise are as follows:

– Compression Checked +/- 125PSI
– Clutch cover removed, clutch frictions and steels removed and replaced
– Checked plastic gears on oil pump
=> Noise remains unidentified, bike runs normal

His condition report can be found below:

Fuel Tank: Ok, Lined
Tire Years – Front: 2018; Rear:2019
Tire Life – Front/Rear: 90%
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear:33PSI
Brake Life – Front/ Rear: +50%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Ok
Transmission Oil – Level: Ok; Quality:
Ok, New
2T Injector Oil: Ok, 1/4 Full
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6, New
Test Ride: Ok, bike operates as intended. Has noisy engine

BIKE CONDITION:
– Shocks not damping
– Knock from engine – Crank?

Modifications:
Braided stainless steel brake lines.

Swingarm spools.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Alpha 14 tires with date codes of 4618 and 0719.

The sale includes two keys.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any TZR250 SPR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!