Description:
The Yamaha TZ250 is a highly regarded, purebred two-stroke racing motorcycle that dominated various Grand Prix and national championships. This manual serves the dedicated enthusiasts and mechanics working on these iconic machines, providing the essential knowledge for maintaining and optimizing them for peak performance.
Competitors:
Competed directly with other 250cc Grand Prix race bikes from manufacturers like Honda (NSR250), Aprilia (RS250), and Suzuki (RGV250), although the TZ250 was primarily a customer racing machine.
Vehicle Focus:
High-performance, lightweight, liquid-cooled two-stroke racing motorcycle.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, essential for preserving the competitive edge and longevity of a specialized racing platform.
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting of the two-stroke parallel-twin racing engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning (e.g., Mikuni VM series), fuel delivery system, and fuel tank servicing.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition system, spark plug specifications, timing adjustments, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, hoses, and coolant specifications for liquid-cooled engine.
Exhaust System:
Expansion chamber design, maintenance, and proper installation.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, gear selection mechanisms, clutch system, and oil specifications.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, alignment, and component mounting.
Suspension Front:
Front fork (e.g., KYB) disassembly, reassembly, oil types, damping adjustments, and spring rates.
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock rear suspension, linkage system servicing, shock absorber adjustments, and bearing maintenance.
Brakes Front:
Brake caliper servicing, disc specifications, master cylinder overhaul, and fluid types.
Brakes Rear:
Rear brake caliper, disc, and master cylinder servicing.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing servicing, rim specifications, and tire pressure recommendations.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery servicing, starter system (if applicable), and ignition coil troubleshooting.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat servicing, and general body component maintenance.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, and general upkeep procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems related to engine performance, electrical faults, and mechanical issues.
Repair Engine:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and bearing replacement.
Repair Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, and transmission bearing servicing.
Repair Suspension:
Front fork seal replacement, rear shock servicing, and suspension linkage bearing service.
Repair Brakes:
Brake pad replacement, caliper rebuilds, and bleeding procedures.
Tuning:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing adjustments, and suspension setup for optimal performance.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step illustrated procedures for complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full race engine rebuilds and chassis setup.
Configuration:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, parallel-twin
Bore X Stroke:
54.0 mm x 54.5 mm (Typical for this generation TZ250, exact spec in manual)
Power Output:
Approx. 95-105 hp at peak RPM (Race tuning dependent, actual dyno figures vary)
Torque Output:
Not typically quoted for race bikes; focus on mid-range power delivery and peak horsepower.
Compression Ratio:
High (Specific ratio is critical for tuning and detailed in manual)
Reed Valve System:
Yes, with performance-oriented reed blocks (e.g., V-Force or similar aftermarket/OEM upgrades)
Lubrication:
Premix (Fuel and 2-stroke oil mixture) or separate oil injection system (dependent on specific TZ250 variant and race regulations, manual clarifies).
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM29 or VM30 flat-slide carburetors (typical, confirmed in manual)
Fuel Type:
High-octane racing gasoline
Type:
Digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Timing:
Adjustable for performance tuning, specifications provided in manual.
Type:
6-speed constant mesh, sequential gearbox
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Clutch Actuation:
Hydraulic or cable (specific to model year, manual clarifies)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for each gear provided in the manual, critical for track tuning.
Final Drive:
Chain drive (sprocket sizes adjustable for tuning, manual covers selection).
Cassette Gearbox:
Yes, designed for quick gear ratio changes and easier servicing.
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube or equivalent high-quality 2-stroke transmission oil (specific viscosity and grade in manual).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Specific capacity for gearbox oil, details provided in manual.
Length:
Approx. 1970 mm (Varies slightly by fairing design, refer to manual for exact dimension)
Width:
Approx. 670 mm (Varies, refer to manual)
Height:
Approx. 1075 mm (Varies, refer to manual)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 120-130 kg (Highly dependent on specifications and era, manual will confirm)
Curb Weight:
Not applicable in the same sense as a street bike; focused on dry weight for racing.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1375 mm (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Ground Clearance:
Designed for race track use, specific clearance will be in manual.
Features:
N/A (This is a dedicated racing motorcycle, not equipped with infotainment systems).
Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS, traction control, or rider modes).
Features:
N/A (No smartphone connectivity or telematics).
ECU:
May have aftermarket ECU options or programmable ignition curves, details on tuning are in manual.
Suspension Adjustability:
Highly adjustable front and rear suspension for precise track setup.
Engine Rebuild:
Highly dependent on usage and race class. Manual will provide guidelines for piston ring replacement, top-end rebuilds, and full engine overhauls based on hours or mileage.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Frequent checks and lubrication recommended, especially before and after track sessions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Annual or as per racing team schedule. Manual will specify fluid type and procedure.
Suspension Service:
Regular fork oil changes and shock servicing recommended based on track hours for optimal damping performance.
Engine Oil Type:
High-performance 2-stroke premix oil (e.g., Yamalube Racing 2S, Motul 800 2T Off Road). Manual specifies recommended brands and TCW3 rating if applicable.
Coolant Type:
Distilled water with water wetter additive or specific 2-stroke coolant. Manual will specify.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 racing brake fluid. Manual will specify.
Fork Oil Type:
Specific fork oil viscosity (e.g., 5W, 10W) and brand, as detailed in the manual.
Carburetor Fouling:
Can occur with improper jetting or fuel mix, requiring regular cleaning and adjustment.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutches can wear faster under aggressive riding; regular inspection and adjustment are necessary.
Engine Vibration:
Characteristic of high-performance two-strokes; proper balancing and engine mounts are key. Manual will detail specific checks.
Suspension Seal Leaks:
Common on race bikes due to harsh conditions; requires regular inspection and potential seal replacement.
Electrical Connector Issues:
Vibration can lead to loose connections; manual provides guidance on checking and securing connectors.
Manufacturer:
Yamaha Motor Company, known for its extensive racing pedigree and innovation in motorcycle technology, particularly with two-stroke engines.
Tz Series:
The TZ250 is a continuation of Yamaha's successful line of TZ-series Grand Prix racing motorcycles, evolving from earlier models with continuous improvements in chassis, engine, and aerodynamics.
2000-2001 Generation:
This generation represented a highly refined and competitive platform in the 250cc class, incorporating advanced chassis geometry and potent two-stroke engine technology.
Production Period:
The TZ250 was produced in various iterations from the late 1970s through the early 2000s. The 2000-2001 models were part of the later, highly competitive race-tuned versions.
Production Type:
Customer racing bikes sold through Yamaha's racing division for competition use only.