Post Sale Update: This TY250 sold for $2,175 after 18 bids on eBay.
The early to middle part of the 1970s were a wonderful time to be a motorcycle junkie. The Japanese manufacturers were aggressively in search of market share worldwide-seemingly expanding into every niche and even creating new ones that we didn’t even know we wanted.
The Yamaha TY250 is a perfect example. Yamaha decided that they wanted to compete in the observed trials world so hired Mick ‘the Magician’ Andrews to develop, promote and win with a Yamaha. In one year the TY250 was developed, raced, and released to the public. Yamaha sold them by the millions and won trials by the score. Part of this success was no doubt due to Andrews (and his wife) who traveled the world promoting, racing and teaching riding schools. Andrews further popularized tall leather boots, a one piece riding suit and a helmet (Bell) for trials riders.
The 1974 Yamaha TY250 featured a 246 CC (15 CID) air cooled two stroke motor with Autolube that made 16 HP with a 5 speed transmission. The motor made big low end torque and good top speed that made it a fine Trials competitor. Specially designed suspension, a very narrow (33 inch) profile, and a fat (4.00 inch) rear tire all helped to make it a Trials machine.
This particular 1974 Yamaha TY250 (VIN # 434010051) is in Temecula, California and is listed as a very nice low hours survivor. Serial number suggests that this is an early ‘74 (first year of manufacture). The Yammie is currently bid at $2,125
Sources:
Yamaha TY
CMS
Yamaha
Press Reader (Andrews)