Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Down low comes the next surprise. The TI'R delivers solid bottom end and even a modest midrange burst. In our opinion, Yamaha just took away the engine prize for all-around usable power. On our forest trails, it was soon apparent that the TfR is a relatively short bike and, as such, changes direction quickly and puts plenty of bite into the rear We also had a dirt-bike learner sample the TIR Unused to high seat heights, our novice really appreciated the 'electric leg' and not having to balance precariously in awkward places to restart the bike. No matter what the rider's skill, the TfR started first hit every time - even after 30 seconds upside down. Yamaha has done its homework getting the TI'R's weight down as low as p0ssible. At a claimed 249 pounds dry, complete with electric start, the TTR is respectably ligh t. Traditionally, dual-purpose bikes have been let down by details. Thankfully, Yamaha kept to the plan here; most of the detailing is excellent, some even inspired. All the basics are done well: strong offroad chainguide, O-ring chain, snail cam adjuster, folding levers, tiny rubbermounted indicators, excellent mudguards, grab handle... There's quite a long list of goodies. Inspired touches include the framemounted ignition, (gets rid of clutter) and the Dzus fastener air box access. The airbox itself is surprisingly large, considering the space needed for the sealed battery. Departing from usual procedure is the digital speedometer. Unlike earlier efforts These are the actual words that editor John Nicholson, of Kiwi Motorcycle Rider, New' Zealand's only motorcycle magazine, scribbled down on a caoer letter that accom.panied his bri f riding impression, technical e review and photographs of Yamaha's newest dual sport model, the TTR250, Currently, Yamaha offers three dual sport models her e in the tr.s.. the XT600, 350 and 225Fs. Unfortunately, though, according to thefolks at Yamaha Motor Corporation in Cypress, California, Yamaha has no intentions of importing the TTR250 to the U.S. - at least not in the foreseeable fu ture. (Does Nicholson know something that Yamaha USA doesn 't? O r is Yamaha doing its best Sergeant Schultz impressionl). . Nevertheless, the TTR250 does, in fact, exist andfrom what we can tell it looks trick, from its electronicspeedometer right down to its purple anodized rims. And, according to Nicholson, it performs asgood as it looks. Here's what Nicholson, a three-time New Zealand Endur Champion, had to say about o the new Yamaha TTR250. . ; r-:;;:y he TfR breaks new ground for a serious off-road dual sport bike. FIrstly, it's fitted with an electric starter and is in full road compliance and, secondly, Yamaha will be marketing a variety of kit parts to tailor the machine for specific competition uses. Surprisingly, perhaps, the TfR is not available in many markets. Outside of Japan, the TfR is only - at present - available in Australia and New Zealand. Here in New Zealand, we've already given the new TIR a tough workout in our local forest test ground, and from what we can tell, Yamaha has almost succeeded in making the ultimate dual sport machine. Our findings? The TTR is a capable street bike and without doubt with a change of tires, of course ~ could cope well in enduro competition. Visually, the 1TR25O is a stunner with its purple, red and yellow detailing. It can scarcely be missed in any crowd, even amongst a gaggle of Kawasaki KLXs, and that's saying something. Thumb the electric starter and the TfR bursts immediately to life with a crisp but muted exhaust note. Carburetion by a 30mm VM carb with an accelerator pump was crisp. . One trip through the six gears is enough to show the TfR produces serious power for a 250cc four-stroke. There's enough on top to run with the Kawasaki KLX250R ~d a standard-piped Honda XRL25O. VO tire. Wheelies are effortless and traction uphill was exceptional, even with the semi-knobby standard tire. Suspension action is soft - by race standards, too soft. Even with all the compression adjustment called in, the TfR felt sloppy at race pace. The components themselves don't look far off the mark, but spring rates and damping need help. Back the pace off just a fraction or head towards some tighter, more technical terrain, and the plot falls back into place. On rocky ground, tree roots or anything loose, the TfR suspension coped extremely well, maintaining ground contact and encouraging grip and effective forward momentum. Some off-road bikes des igned with the Japanese market in mind feel cramped by western standards. The 1TR25O does not feel downsized, in fact, we found the seated and standing riding positions very effective. Electric starting and the obvious, bulky sealed battery ha ve a theoretical weight penalty which the serious racer would not carry. On the trail however, we had no such prejudice and happily stabbed the starter rather than use the optional kit kick-starter fitted to our test bike. It's even possible to start the engine instantly after a stall before you need to put a foot down. (Above) The TTR250 is Yamaha's latest "serious" dual sport bike • but Is currently available only In Japan, Australia and New Zealand. As of now, Yamaha has no Intentions of Importing the TTR250 to the U.S. In the near future. The bike features electric starting, an O-ring chain, Bark Buster-type handguards and a digital speedometer/odometer assembly. (Left)The word from' New Zealand Is that the TTRIs quite dirt worthy.

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