TZ 250's

[Steve Bass]

So... For reasons that I can't explain I'm struggling with the urge to get a pukka TZ250. Usage will be track days and parades and some such.
So are there any particular model years that are better or worse than the rest?
Desirable models or things to watch out for??
I'm not particularly bothered about having the latest and greatest like the 5KE but hoping some of the knowledgeable folks here can give a helping hand.

[Steve Bass]

Chipchap said:

Steve
Get a hold of Andre Venter and maybe Geoff Larney in SA as I understand that between them they have a few TZ's

Allan,

I know Andre very well. Trouble is they'd rather part with their kidneys before letting a TZ go

[Steve Bass]

9005rpm said:

Hi All,

I mostly lurk on here, but as this is right up my street I thought I would weigh in.

I have two TZs, a 1991 and a 2009. Both are amazing in different ways, and I don't think you can beat them. Sure, you have to get used to setting them up, high wear rates and constant worry that it is going to go bang, but all of that is worth it when you ride one. Turn in, corner speed and all that stuff that racers go on about is amazing, and far beyond anything I can ever do.

These two bikes are quite different, and I actually prefer the '91 as while it is not as fast or easy to ride, it looks like a proper GP bike and has no airbox. It makes the best noise ever, and runs on Avgas. That alone makes it feel special.

I use mine for track days and love them. I'll never sell!

Happy to answer any questions if I can. If you are looking for a bike, I'd call Andy Sawford at St Neots motorcycles. He knows his onions.

Cheers, and good luck.

Fantastic, thanks for chipping in.
I'll definitely give Andy a call. problem is whilst I want a TZ I can't profess to being an expert so it would be good to understand the variances, spares support etc for the different models.
Oh, and your post is useless without pictures

[Steve Bass]

9005rpm said:

Yes, give Andy a call. I'm not an expert either and Andy looks after my bikes for me. He'll do everything from general servicing to coming to the track to a full rebuild. I should be at both Classic Bike Track Days events this year, so come and say hi.

I've tried to attach pictures. Hopefully they work!

Lovely!!
I'd love to pop along but I'm a few time zones away from you so might be tricky
But thanks for the pointer. I'll chat with Andy and see what's what. I'm not in any particular hurry and looking for someone who can arrange shipping etc.
Cheers!

[Steve Bass]

yonex said:

Check out TZ250.com decent site for info.

I've had three of them '92, '96 and '01. Watch the case wear on post 2000 bikes and forget about finding pukka kit pistons these days unless you get very lucky. Running them isn't that tricky when you get the basics right. As long as you have a half decent ignition, det counter and don't take the piss with the mileages you'll be fine. At NG I reckon there were more issues with tuned RGV's than the GP bikes, they're quite tough and crash really well. Should have kept mine. On another note have you considered a GP125, I know where a couple of those are hiding, and an '84 250.

Thanks.
I've sussed the cases issue with the post 2k models which is putting me off them but I think I actually prefer the older bikes. Mid to late eighties ate cracking.
Re the 125 I think it might be pushing the envelope a little to expect one to pull my arse around

[Steve Bass]

scunnylad said:

A 1992 D model would be my choice

Big improvement over the 1991 B model

Plenty of spares available,earlier models spares are getting scarce

1993 is the same bike but they went to a bolt on Subframe

91-99 most engine parts are interchangeable

Many thanks fella, appreciate the input.
Now, if you know of any decent bikes becoming available.....

[Steve Bass]

markclow said:

250s:

93 model is 3YL, very similiar to 4DP.

94 - 2000 is 4DP, most common. There are minor changes in 4DPs so you can swap parts from years. For example running a 94 unleaded motor in a 98.

2000?+ is square bore 5? My friend raced a 4DP then bought a 2001 and said it was a big step up. However he binned it!

Edited by markclow on Friday 14th April 12:29

Many thanks.
My concern with the 2000+ models is the apparent low casing life and lack of availability.
I'm thinking a nice 4DP is the way to go.....

[Steve Bass]

Chipchap said:

Steve
I just read over on Facebook some chap posting to Yamaha Racing Motorcycles. He will have 2 x TZ250 4DP and 1 x RS250 for sale at Stafford this weekend.

Do you have anyone in UK that could look and maybe reserve one for you ?

Allan

Hi Allan,

It's an outside possibility.... Depends on how many Jaffa cakes Fleegle starts demanding

[Steve Bass]

No worries fella.
In truth I'm probably a couple of years away from pulling the trigger based on the project progress...
But we'll chat one day about the breaking thingy... You know... broken parts my way, digested Jaffa cakes your way... Fair exchange and all that
The other possible option if the right bike came up between now & then would be for someone to store/display it for the duration.....

Edited by Steve Bass on Friday 21st April 06:56