More Mini-Rockets From Japan
More mini-rockets from Japan
ROUNDUP
EVER WONDER IF THE ENgineers and stylists who dream up new motorcycle designs for the Japanese manufacturers will ever run out of energy and ideas? No need to be concerned about this, there are plenty of ideas waiting to emerge from Japan’s great motorcycle hatchery, and as proof, here are some samples, new models for 1991.
For starters, consider the Yamaha TZR250R and its companion piece, the TZR250R SP. This is a pair of not-quite-identical two-stroke,
250cc sportbikes Yamaha claims to be nothing less than full-on replicas of the machine John Kocinski rode to his 1990 250cc world championship. The 280-pound, 44-horsepower R is powered by Yamaha’s new 90-degree V-Twin, and uses a
computerized CDI ignition system that senses engine rpm and throttle opening to provide optimal spark advance. The sliders of its upsidedown fork are 39mm units—the SP version uses 41 mm sliders, along with a close-ratio transmission, special porting, quick-change wheel fittings, and fully adjustable suspension. There’s no word on the SP’s horsepower numbers.
Both bikes get GP-style swingarms, which feature heavy upward sweeps on the right side to allow clearance for the bike’s expansion chambers. Price of the R version is 629.000 yen, the equivalent of $4730. while the price of the SP version is 829,000 yen, about $6230. If the SP model suits your
fancy, by the way, better haul to Japan and get your order in: Yamaha plans to build just 600 of them, and in Japan’s hot 250 market, they’ll likely disappear quickly.
If you’re looking for a ride of a more mellow nature, perhaps Yamaha’s Zeal will be of interest. Drawing on styling elements from Yamaha’s showbikes and hardware from the company’s small-bore sportbikes, the Zeal is being billed as “The perfect machine for modern city riding.’’ We don’t know about that, but with an engine based on an FZR250R Four’s and its upright, standard seating position, the Zeal, set to go on sale in June for 499,000 yen, or about $3750, certainly seems able to increase the entertainment quotient of anybody’s commute.
Likewise Kawasaki’s entry, the Balius—don’t ask us where they get these names—scheduled to be on sale by April. This is also a 250cc standard bike, its engine from Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled ZXR250 mini-rocket, detuned a bit. Set to sell for 509,000 yen, or about $3830, the Balius is seen by Kawasaki as the logical extension of the Zephyr range, small-bore division.
Will we see any of these models on this side of the Pacific? Not likely, at least not as official imports, according to informed sources. Still, each one of these looks, in its own way, tasty enough to make a try for ownership through unofficial channels. Tempting, very tempting. — Jon F. Thompson
