Yamaha's Trick 250s: Off Limits In the U.S.
YAMAHA'S TRICK 250s: OFF LIMITS IN THE U.S.
Yamaha’s new TZR250R commemorates John Kocinski’s 1990 250cc World Championship. The counterbalanced, 90-degree, V-Twin two-stroke features a computerized engine-management system that monitors throttle position and engine revs to provide ideal ignition timing and fuel/air ratio. Painted black, the light, yet rigid, aluminum Deltabox frame reflects data learned from Kocinski’s YZR factory racebike. If this $4566 jewel isn’t trick enough to satisfy your needs, there’s also a $6000 limited-production SP version with bigger carbs, a dry dutch, a close-ratio gear cluster and better suspension components. If Kocinski wins the championship this year, dare we ask abouta TZR500R streetbike?
With curvacious lines inspired by the natural beauty of a jumping dolphin (that’s what the Japanese magazines are saying, honest), the Zeal is Yamaha’s entry into the 250cc standard-bike wars. Power comes from a liquid-cooled, FZR250-derived, 16-valve Genesis inline-Four. Tuned for torque and low-rpm response, the Zeal is fitted with 28mm carburetors and an attractive, 4-into-2 exhaust system. With a seat height of just 28.6 inches, the Zeal is ideally suited for novice riders. For city riding, there’s a convenient, if unsightly, glovebox mounted in the fuel tank, perfect for stashing a wallet or toll change. Available in red, blue or black, the Zeal will set you back the equivalent of 3913 Yankee greenbacks in Japan.
