Japan Only – 1991 Yamaha R1-Z

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This R1-Z sold for $6,101 after 36 bids on eBay.

Just like the fantastic TDR250 that I’ve recently featured a couple of times, the R1-Z was never officially sold in the US and it features a retuned TZR250 motor. Unlike the TDR, this was limited just to Japan and it’s a naked sport bike. Two-stroke lovers, rejoice!

The trellis frame looks great, and I love the “Individual Sports” and “2 Cycle Parallel Twin 249” stickers on the tank and tail. In one of their brochures for this bike, Yamaha used the phrase “2cycle-ism”…whatever that means. Basic specifications include 44 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 27 pound-feet of torque at 8,500 rpm. Triple disc brakes reined in that power and they could probably do so quite easily thanks to the weight of just 293 pounds.

This example (VIN: 3XC-005054) has 9,300 miles and is said to be in good shape. It is currently titled in Washington. I don’t know enough about these to really identify what isn’t stock, but the turn signals are clearly aftermarket units and the handlebar is a POSH unit. Per the seller, it’s in good cosmetic shape though there are some rock chips on the front of the gas tank, and everything works from a mechanical standpoint.

Find this R1-Z for sale in Auburn, Washington with bidding up to $5,500