c.1988 Yamaha TZ250 U Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 3AK-000415
Engine no. 3AK (unstamped)
The mainstay of 250cc class racing at national and international level for many years, the twin-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha well deserved the title of 'privateer's friend'. Following its successful adoption for the 1972 works twins, water cooling first appeared on Yamaha's over-the-counter racers with the introduction of the TZ range in 1973. Power output remained the same as that of the preceding air-cooled TD/TR models but reliability was much improved. Over the succeeding decade the TZ engine was updated with reed-valve induction, exhaust power valves, separate cylinders and a backwards-rotating crankshaft, but the layout always remained that of a parallel twin. On the chassis side, discs replaced the original drum brakes, a 'lowboy' frame was introduced and an aluminium swinging arm adopted. From the mid-1980s onwards, a succession of more radical changes would see the TZ fundamentally altered.

Offered here is an example of the new-for-1988 TZ250U, which, although still a parallel twin, featured reversed cylinders with the carburettors facing forwards. The cylinders were canted forward by 60 degrees, and for the first time the crankcase was a one-piece casting incorporating a side-loader gearbox. There were also some (less radical) updates to the Deltabox chassis. The late owner's notebook states that this 'U' model incorporates some 'T' modifications. Other than that, nothing is known of its history. Believed an earlier restoration, the machine will need recommissioning before returning to the racetrack (the engine turns over). Offered without documents.
Footnotes:
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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 20 April starting at 2pm GMT.
Saleroom notices:
The frame number is 3AK-000115.