Rare: The Yamaha TDR 250

Auto Motor Klassiek » Articles » Rare: The Yamaha TDR 250
Purchasing classics there

This year, the Yamaha TDR 250 celebrated its 250th anniversary. But not only for that reason the TDR is a classic. This 200 cc Yamaha is also one of the last generation seriously sold two-strokes. And the thing has balls too! Because a liter power of XNUMX hp is not a cat-litter. And in the meantime, two-strokes have died out for so long that they are almost back ...

Two stroke was then possible

Around the mid-eighties, life was still a party for two-stroke enthusiasts. Suzuki and Yamaha were of course the two-stroke genetic brands, but even Honda took part in the game of heads without valves. In 1986 the circuit compatible TZR 250 came on the market and shortly thereafter the Yamaha TDR 250 appeared. They shared the same motorization: an 249 cc two-stroke twin with the character of an ADHD on coke and a power of 50 hp. The TDR was not presented as a pure reindeer, but as a 'dual purpose bike'. An engine for on and off the asphalt. So an 'enduro' or a 'scrambler'. These days we would see him in the corner of the 'Supermotos'. A fantastic idea. But it did not guarantee huge sales. And if you find one today, then you are the buyer.

And good bicycle part

Little can be seen of the beautiful bicycle part with its double cradle frame. Unfortunately. Because the people of Yamaha really did their best to make that off road compatible. The rear fork is a sturdy, radiant box construction with a central strut operated via a siphon. On the front the Yamaha has a suspension travel of 160 mm, at the rear it is 150 mm. That is enough for serious work alongside the beaten track. And this nasty powerhouse of only 154 kilo is doing fantastic. Partly due to the serious 320 mm disc brake in the front wheel that is embraced there by a four-piston caliper. In addition, the front brake and the clutch also have finger light.

So the block

That is basically the same as that of the TZR. But the case was adapted for off-road use. So the first gear is nice and short. The block is mounted in the frame with silent blocks. This effectively keeps the typical two-stroke vibrations away from the frame and the rider. The twin wing lamb is under the 7.000 rpm. The power pops in there. Certainly if a set of aftermarket expansion outlets has been installed. The final shot goes through the 10.000 rpm, after which the power from 10.500 rpm is quietly limited.

Nice!

In the current time, the Yamaha TDR 250 is certainly not a wallflower. He is still fast enough on secondary roads. On highways - where you have nothing to do with a machine like this - the built-in headwind ensures that the party around the 150 km / h is over. But wherever you drive: realize that your tank is dry after 150 km.

The range consists mainly of deceased ones, donor bikes. But a good one will quickly cost from a mille or three. If you find one. Such a TDR is certainly not the smartest choice, but it is an engine with which you can have an incredible amount of pleasure.

REGISTER FOR FREE AND WE'LL SEND YOU OUR NEWSLETTER EVERY DAY WITH THE LATEST STORIES ABOUT CLASSIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

Select other newsletters if necessary

We won't send you spam! Read our privacy policy for more information.

If you like the article, please share it...

Give a reaction

The email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Maximum file size of upload: 8 MB. You can upload: afbeelding. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here