Anyone got one of these?
(https://i.imgur.com/JJ6ErM9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DT8DT6v.jpg)
I have an idea that my own TZR was originally made in this format, although the parts were later built onto a 2XT frame with assorted bits and pieces from other 1KT variants!
This model was released sometime during the first half of 1987. Yamaha's frame number listing states that serial numbers 053101 to 066000 were reserved for it, although the updated parts catalogue from June 1987 states that the frame numbers start at 056101... ?:-| . Whatever the true starting point, it seems that between 9900 and 12900 frame numbers were reserved for this version of the 2AW model.
The preceding 2AW model (the Marlboro version) had only 1700 serial numbers reserved (030101 to 031801) and final production is usually much less than the original allowance. Checking Yahoo Auctions and other sale listings over the last five years or so I have seen quite a few Marlboro 2AWs for sale, but only a very small number of the Tamura version. I therefore surmise that the Marlboro 2AWs were made in greater numbers than the Tamura 2AWs. Still, there are a lot of details missing so no firm conclusions can be drawn just yet.
The colour scheme was based on that of the TZ250 (1RK or 2KM version?) being ridden by Keiji Tamura in the 250GP class. I have come across some advertising and other material from 1987 showing the TZ and the TZR:
(https://i.imgur.com/v2Gi9km.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5uw09RY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tR1KJeb.jpg)
It seems slightly odd that Yamaha chose to paint the TZR wheels white when the Tamura TZ had gold wheels.
For your interest, the blurb about Mr Tamura in the TZR advert says that he was born in January 1963 in Kyoto. He made his racing debut in the 250cc Novice Class of the All Japan Championship Series in 1982. In 1984, he won Class B of the International 250cc Championship. In 1986, he placed fifth in Class A of the same championship. This year (1987), he is riding the TZ250 "Black Special" - a young challenger aggressively aiming for the championship.
The advert goes on to say that the Black Special TZR is a limited release model, which is available only on a 'reservation' basis. I presume this means that potential buyers had to reserve one especially, likely due to the small production run.
If anyone can shed any further light on this seemingly very rare model, please let us all know!
Thanks & regards,
James
Hi James,
I have one of these. It's been off the road for the last 20 years and I have now got it road worthy again. All bearings,seals, fluids,etc,etc done. Goes like cut cat above 6k rpm and plate of sick below, need to get it back on Dyno. Last run it was at 49.87 hp so pretty healthy.
I did wonder about the unusual paint job so was delighted to see someone knew something about it. Unfortunately mine has some road rash on one side so not sure how will sort that as decals obviously not easy to get.
If you want more info or can help with further info that would be awesome.
Quote from: Rory on June 18, 2020, 12:32:46 AM
...need to get it back on Dyno. Last run it was at 49.87 hp so pretty healthy.
Thanks for the info Rory. If your bike is completely standard, a measured output of nearly 50hp would suggest the official figure of 45ps to be nonsense...as I have long suspected. Of course, I realise that different dynos produce different results under different circumstances, so I won't be drawing any firm conclusions just yet!
I haven't checked the availability of genuine replacement decals, but am almost certain that they will have been discontinued quite some time ago. Still, I expect that you could fairly easily make your own by creating templates using your existing decals and cutting out the shapes from sticky vinyl of the correct colour...or by giving the templates to someone else (e.g. someone who cuts vinyl for a living) to do it.
Pieces of bodywork for this model sometimes appear on Yahoo Auctions, so keep your eyes open for anything which may be of use.
If there is any particular info you need, please let me/us know. Please also post a few pictures of your bike and keep us informed how you're getting on with fixing it up :) .
Regards,
James
One on jahoo now
Always wondered why Yamaha did that colour scheme. Makes sense now. Thanks great bit of info.