Stateside fans would probably say Yamaha are generally at the forefront of technology and leading-edge fabrication, but bucking that trend was the little SRX250 and the SRX series in general. The 250 wound up a single-year special for us, with an eye on fun and the bottom line, and that still might be case for this Ohio example.
1987 Yamaha SRX250 for sale on eBay
Yamaha introduced a line of four-stroke singles, with a 600, 400, and 250cc models, mostly for the domestic market. A steel tubing frame loops smoothly around the upright air-cooled engine. On the 250, a 22mm carburetor is on one side of the head, with seeming dual exhausts from the front. The six-speed transmission is a relatively up-to-date concession to the 10,000 rpm required to make 32 hp. A single front disk and rear drum suffice, along with 33mm forks and monoshock rear. Tires are almost the same width but staggered diameters with 16-inch front and 18 rear.
With 10,700 around-town miles, it would be unfair to expect a creampuff and this SRX shows average wear. The red frame and mostly white bodywork hasn’t aged badly, but could use a little sprucing up. The wheels look very light and are in good shape. Mechanically, there’s just not that much to go wrong. From the eBay auction:
Rare 1987 Yamaha SRX 250. These bikes were only made for one year. Great collector bike but also a cool daily driver. Runs great and right down the road. It does idle a little ruff. Just needs rode. All the plastic is solid – no cracks. Tank is in good shape it’s for age. As you can see in pictures it’s not perfect. No tears in seat. All lights work. Have a clear title.
Better suited to an occasional errand than a commute, the SRX250 could still make a massive pit bike or learner’s permit birthday gift. The red and white livery echoes larger Yammers from the -80’s, though it wasn’t a long-term success here. The sensible starting bid and what looks like an easy restoration might sway a fan of the brand.
-donn
