Yamaha
250 TDR -1987
A good idea lacking power
In the beginning were
the trail bikes, civilized off-road motorcycles that were as usable on the
highway as in the rough. From that starting point, it was only a short step to the
creation of multi-purpose machines with the power of sports bikes.
A Special Hybrid
It began with the
creation of a wild racing formula. The machines were run over mixed courses that
were half dirt trail/half blacktop. On the course, the best riders from three disciplines
- motocross, enduro and speed events, confronted one another. For this type of event,
very special hybrid motorcycles were evolved, taking their basic concept from motocross
and their road equipment from clubman racing: wide-section tires, closefitting front
mudguard, large diameter disk brakes and relatively short-travel suspension. Aggressive
and endowed with diabolical handling, these racing machines quickly inspired modification
kits for trail bikes.
Overdose of Caution
That was all it
took to start a fashion and Yamaha, unveiled in 1987 the TDR. The idea was a
good one but the Japanese factory was too cautious in limiting itself to a
capacity of 250cc, trying to satisfy at the same time its domestic market for under-250cc
machines and the strange requests coming from the French market. The TDR was
widely applauded for its concept but failed to become a bestseller because of its
engine, which lacked muscle.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 239cc (55.2x50mm)
water-cooled twin-cylinder
Power Rating: 44.3
hp @ 10,000 rpm
Valves: two-stroke/automatic
inlet valves in crankcase
Fuel System: two 28mm
carburetors
Transmission: 6-speed;
final drive by chain
Suspension: telescopic
fork, (front); swinging fork with mono-damper (rear)
Brakes: 12.5 inch
floating disk (front); disk (rear)
Wheels: 100/90x18 inch
(front); 120/80-17 inch (rear)
Weight: 302 lb
Maximum Speed: 108
mph
Despite a determined promotion campaign centered
on the "TDR Fun Cup, " the TDR 250 failed to make its mark.
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