Post Sale Update: This TZR sold for $3,500 after 24 bids on eBay.
In the seller’s words, this represents a “cross between the 80’s/90’s 2 stroke street sportbike and the more modern FZ 07/09…raw, loud, upright and brilliantly bright in classic Yamaha colors.” It’s being offered with no reserve – what do you think about it?
The seller imported this TZR from Japan in 2016, though he wasn’t able to complete his project until recently. It’s titled and plated in Arizona, so you should be all set to re-register it in any state except California. When the seller acquired this TZR it was already sporting the custom bodywork, but it was painted dark green. The seller considered the paint color to be “not befitting of a bike as cool as this”, so he had it repainted in a yellow/black livery inspired by Yamaha’s iconic Speed Block paint schemes of the past. I like it a lot, though I’d argue that the white gaps in between the black blocks are just a little too thick.
But this isn’t just fancy paint and a fairing. If you’re not familiar with the TZR, which was introduced in 1986, we should take a minute to explain the different chassis codes (or you should check out Nostalgic Sportsbikes for more information). This is a 1KT, meaning it’s a domestic Japanese model. They had a slightly restricted CDI because Japanese laws at the time capped peak power for 250cc bikes at 45 horsepower. In 1989, Yamaha updated the TZR with the 3MA generation. The biggest change was the parallel twin reverse cylinder motor, though the bike also got other upgrades like an extra disc brake up front. That’s part of what makes this build so interesting – it features the front end/wheel (with dual disc brakes) and rear swingarm/wheel/brakes from the updated 3MA. The tank and front fender are stock, but the rest of the bodywork is custom. The fairing can be installed or removed in “less than 30 seconds” as it’s attached with two bolts. I prefer the looks without the fairing, but it’s nice to have the choice. A few aftermarket extras include the grips, mirrors, stainless steel braided lines, as well as POSH risers and handlebar. In the last couple of weeks the seller went through the carbs, installed a new battery, replaced the oil, coolant, and brake fluid, and installed new NGK spark plugs.
Find this TZR for sale in San Jacinto, California with bidding up to $2,136