Update: Relisted on ebay with a reserve of $9,000
1986 Yamaha TZR250 1KT Race Replica
Whenever a bike comes to RSBFS the first thing I do is look through our 16 years of archives to see if we have posted about this particular make, model and year. The TZR250 model has received lots of love from our readers throughout the years, which makes sense because we know how much you love two strokes. Yet this is only the second time we have seen the Faraway Blue color scheme for the TZR250. Seems like a rare treat, so now I’m wondering how rare?
In 2023 Dan found a 2MA example in Faraway Blue (most likely an ’87) that came from the UK. After reading about Pure 2 Stroke Spirit from reader JR in the comments section, I learned that today’s feature is the first year of this 1KT model which was distributed only in Japan. Looking more closely at the Pure 2 Stroke site, you see that the Europe, Australia and Japan are the only markets that received this Faraway Blue color scheme and it was produced from 1986 to 1988. Japan was the only country to receive this in 1986, other markets got theirs in ’87 and ’88. What am I saying? Today’s featured bike is an example of the birth of the TZR250, plus it is in a rare color scheme that was only sold in Japan in 1986.
“The TZR stands as the successor to Yamaha’s esteemed RD line of two-stroke sporting motorcycles, enhancing the 250cc parallel twin with liquid-cooling and an additional gear, boasting an impressive six-speed gearbox. The incorporation of Yamaha’s YPVS power valve system injected midrange power, elevating the compact engine’s claimed 50hp output. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, the beam frame contributed to the bike’s remarkable agility, further complemented by the installation of 17″ wheels at both ends. While featuring a single disc brake on the front may appear traditional for a sportbike, the bike’s overall stopping performance remains commendable, especially when considering its dry weight of 282lbs. The addition of modern compound pads would undoubtedly enhance its braking capabilities even further.” So says our founder Dan.
Imported in the summer of 2023, this bike was featured in the 2024 Garage Brewed motorcycle show at Rhinegeist brewery in Cincinnati Ohio. With only 6,524 Miles in the clock, this stunning and unmolested JDM race replica in Faraway blue livery is a collector or vintage racer’s dream.With clear Ohio title this 1986 TZR250 1KT has newer Battlax BT46 tires, new battery, new fuse box and rectifier, NGK plugs, UNI air filter, Motul gearbox fluid, Yama lube injector oil, fresh brake fluid and fork oil. Accompanying this 50 horsepower 282 Pound beauty is a Keyster carburetor kit for jetting adjustments to altitude or your future engine modifications. The oil pump and YPVS are adjusted as per manual specification and everything is in good working order. The bike starts with just 1-2 kicks every time.Reserve set at $9,000
According to Tad, our weekend reporter, “bikes in the class were famous for their low weight, high technology, and supreme agility. Bigger machines could certainly bugger off down long straights, but the 282lb [dry] TZR250 could hold its own against any machine of its time in the corners. Powered by a two-stroke, parallel-twin engine featuring Yamaha’s proprietary YPVS or Yamaha Power Valve System that increased the midrange power of the peaky engine, and backed by a six-speed gearbox to make full use of its narrow powerband, the TZR250 is a worthy representative of this now-vanished class.”
Ken Nemoto paid tribute the the TZR when he wrote A Super Sports Milestone: The TZR250 Yamaha’s Racing DNA Embodied “Entering the 1980s, Yamaha not only succeeded in recovering its reputation for the excellence of Yamaha Handling with the masterpieces of its 4-stroke, 4-cylinder XJ Series but also quickly showed renewed vigor by reviving the 2-stroke supersport bike category with models like the RZ250 at a time when the need to clear emissions and noise standards had even brought forth talk that 2-stokes had no future as power units for supersport models. The success of the RZ250 prompted Yamaha’s competitors to launch a number of 2-stroke “racer replica” models, but Yamaha responded by releasing the TZR250, a model that remains a symbol of Yamaha Handling. One of the defining characteristics of the TZR250 was that it was developed by Yamaha’s proud team of race machine engineers, and knowhow directly from the latest factory machines of the time was implemented in its design.
The 500cc class GP machines were especially difficult to achieve the right combination of high power and handling, and the development theme for the YZR500 had already entered the same realm of “achieving a balance in tune with rider perceptions” that Yamaha engineers continue to strive for today. The ideal of valuing the basic characteristics of the model’s engine and handling in order to achieve a smooth, easy-to-use character for both was applied to the TZR models just as it was for the YZR.”
Honestly, when Ken Nemoto says something, it’s worth listening.
According to Jim Moore of Bike Social, “For many of us now well into middle age, the TZR250 is a nostalgic reflection of fun-drenched, care-free times. That’s why it’s such a popular modern classic… Contemporary 250s aren’t even close to matching TZRs in terms of performance, technology, desirability, or build quality, despite the 30 year age gap.”
Ride it, race it or restore it. Buyer’s choice. This bike has only 6,524 miles and is a total head turner with a strong following and parts available. While composing this post the auction was at $3,800 with seven bids. It ends in 4 days so if Faraway Blue is the perfect color for your garage, Sunday could be your lucky day.
Good luck to the buyer and seller!
