After a brief interlude, welcome back to the meat and potatoes of RSBFS programming; a tasty two stroke import. This particular TZR250 is actually a pre-import – in that it is currently still located in Japan. The seller outlines the documentation and services they will provide with the sale below. Given that we have seen legally licensed imports for sale on these very pages (such as this Featured Listing), one would have to wonder if it is worth the effort to go through the trouble of importing rather than waiting for the right bike to come along stateside. Depending upon your state of residence and your willingness to do paperwork and play with the local DMV, this could be a good way to get that rare smoker that you want (but can’t find here).
1986 Yamaha TZR250 for sale on eBay
The TZR250 is a parallel twin, first introduced in 1986. There was a Japanese home market model (1KT) and a European model (2MA), the latter which differed primarily by road-going legalities such as headlight size, turn signal placement, etc. However the 2MA variant does have both a lower compression ration and more HP (50 vs 45), given that Japanese market bikes were restricted in output. The seller claims that this is a 1KT bike that has been upgrade to 2XT status, but it is not clear what exactly that entails. In the course of some research, I have seen 2MA (Euro) bikes listed as 2MA/2XT, so it could be as simple as regional updates. If you are in the know when it comes to TZRs, please chime in via the Comments Section. Your knowledge is always welcome.
From the seller:
Rare 2 stroke bike from Japan!!YAMAHA TZR250 1KT
VIN: 1KT-012896
Year: 1986
Mileage: 15,132 km
Condition: Good condition and running very well. It is 2XT convert bike but VIN is 1KT model. Front brake cariper is Brembo 40mm. Body work has some scratches and tiny cracks. But still looks good.Shipping : We’ll put it into the wooden crate and ship by surface.
We’ll enclose Japanese original title, and also Sales Certificate and Bill of Sales issued by us in English. Shipping cost: The bid price includes shipping cost to overseas, and it’s charged from our office in Japan to the nearest port to your address.We expect you’d pick it up at the port and arrange the land transport to your address by yourself. The other cost, such as the handling cost, duty fee, tax, etc. which will be charged in your country, they’re not included there.
This bike shows all the hallmarks of a home market survivor: some corrosion is evident thanks to the proximity of the ocean air, there are bodywork nicks, scrapes and cracks no doubt obtained in close-quarter parking situations, and some road rash reminiscent of some youthful squidliness (don’t ask me how I know what that looks like). Otherwise it appears to be a solid survivor. The bike has 15k on the odometer, but being a Japanese spec machine that is in kilometers. The mileage equivalent would be approximately 9,400 miles. Be aware that bikes imported from Japan do not have a 17 digit VIN, which may be a problem come registration time.
The price of entry for this 250 is only $3,800 USD. The seller will also entertain offers. That price includes the cost to crate and ship the bike to your home port. That is not a lot of coin, but then again, you have to take the risk, do the legwork, and get (potentially) buried in red tape or paperwork. Any of the RSBFS faithful have experience in these matters? If so, let us know if it was a dream, a nightmare or something in between. Check out this TZR250 here, and then check back into the Comments Section and share your thoughts and knowledge. And smoke on!
MI
Yes, vague on the conversion. 2xt has plated cylinders, bigger reeds and more. A wider front wheel which everyone wants for their 1kt/2ma’s. Having a bigger axle complicates that wheel swap a bit. A west coast poster on here knows all the 2xt details. Too bad the seller doesn’t.
2xt is an updated version of this generation of tzr cylinders are lighter hard plated aluminum bores. That also have sub exhaust ports added and power valves tweaked to go along with. Larger reed blocks 8 petal reeds vs 6 and different center cases to match.
Other changes are updated forks with better internals for better performance. Larger front axle and different shock linkage with a better ratio that as changes the lower mount from the round eye let to a fork style.
Front and rear wheels are wider front is a 2.75 inch with a rear 3.5 inch. Which opens up tire choices especially now thanks to the current zx r3 cbr 300 you can mount a 110/70 17 front and a 130 or 140 rear radials! Like Michelin pilot streets.
Other changes are a larger radiator tweaks to the jetting and cdi for better power curve and slight change in transmission gear ratios. Think of it as sort of a sp version of this generation tzr. I’ve been buying 2xt parts to upgrade my 1kt/2ma with.
I have a very long history with this seller, and as is typical, the details are scant. 2XT conversion doesn’t exactly say much. Is it just the front end, or is it all of the 2XT components?
This seller typically parts out bikes, as that is where the money is. Knowing that I have to ask why this bike is being sold in one piece at what may be considered by some people to be an attractive price. Given the tatty condition of the bike I think it’s overpriced.
My expensive history with this seller (much of it early TZR250 related) has taught me that the products received often fail to live up to the advertising. Knowing what I know, I wouldn’t touch that bike is it was half of the current price. It isn’t being parted out for a reason. The photo of the horn tells the story. Expect that corrosion to be just the tip of the iceberg. In this case, what you can’t see will hurt you. Unless you are looking for an expensive project pass on this. I’ve restored many early TZR250s. This bike will never be worth what the new owner will have to put into it.
I think Spongebob is hoping to sell this ratty TZR in one go as many of the parts will sell very cheaply if it is parted out.
Frame will be fetch about $50, swing-arm $25 and triple tree $25. At least that is what I paid for mine when I bought them from Spongebob a couple years back. Hell, the tank was $65. Sure the shipping for everything was $250, but overall I ended up ahead.
That damaged bodywork is not worth anything – so as long as the engine was good then the real value is the engine wiring harness and carbs – and those are not worth $3000 + shipping.
This is one of those bikes that sadly will end up lost to the parts Gods 🙁
I knew the RSBFS faithful would have knowledge to share. Thanks for the education guys!
-Mike