TZR 3XV

[JKV45]

Off the work table and ready for a shake-down ride.

Took a year of work to get all the cosmetic details done, and we'll see how the engine does - but so far it's running well.  Starts first kick and idles good.



Not a restoration, as numerous major item are not correct, but it allowed me to do as I pleased without worring about staying completely original.

It's a rider.

[pdxjim]

I had one of those.

Fantastic bikes that feel like they have more power than they really do. Great midrange grunt, but kind of runs out of steam as the revs climb.

Pipes and SP/TZ porting will really wake it up. I really regret selling mine before bringing it to its true potential.

[JKV45]

I had one of those.

Fantastic bikes that feel like they have more power than they really do. Great midrange grunt, but kind of runs out of steam as the revs climb.

Pipes and SP/TZ porting will really wake it up. I really regret selling mine before bringing it to its true potential.

I'm looking forward to getting to know it.  Haven't had any seat time yet, as it was a minor mess when I got it and not really safe to ride.

I did give it a short blast yeaterday, in the midrange mostly, and ya - it did seem more powerful than I expected.  I didn't get a chance to really open it up, so I'll have to see how it feels up top.

It may be adequate for my needs, as is, as my high speed corner carving days are behind me!

I do like the way it sounds and smells - I really missed that.  I started riding on 2-strokes in the 70s, but haven't had a real 2-stroke street bike for quite a while (unless you count my Derbi GPR, which is only 75ccs).

[pdxjim]

You will love it. Consider yourself lucky to have it.

Maybe not worth tearing it apart to do the mods unless it's ready for a top end anyways.

Don't know where you live, but best course of action is usually ride it through the summer then tear apart to work on it in the winter.

[JKV45]

You will love it. Consider yourself lucky to have it.

Maybe not worth tearing it apart to do the mods unless it's ready for a top end anyways.

Don't know where you live, but best course of action is usually ride it through the summer then tear apart to work on it in the winter.

I do feel lucky to have it, and I've wanted one for quite a while.

I did the cosmetic and maintenance work over last winter, and I'll see just how it runs this summer.  So far so good, but it may need attention in the near future.

[busa1300]

Looks good and hopefully it runs just as well for you. They are definitely restricted, but still fun to play around on. Do you have it registered as a TZR250, or does your state not recognize bikes not sold in the US?
My insurance (back when I was riding mine) was only $45 a year...basic PLPD.

[JKV45]

Looks good and hopefully it runs just as well for you. They are definitely restricted, but still fun to play around on. Do you have it registered as a TZR250, or does your state not recognize bikes not sold in the US?
My insurance (back when I was riding mine) was only $45 a year...basic PLPD.

I had to register it as a collector motorcycle becasue it doesn't have a 17-digit VIN - which wasn't a big deal.

That gave me a collector plate, and a special Title that doesn't look any different to me.

For insurance I can declare a value, and the rate will be somewhat based on that.  I'm old with a clean record, so it should be reasonable. 

They want photos of both sides of the cycle, the VIN, the Title, and import docs in order to insure it.

[2steve]

I'm old with a clean record, so it should be reasonable. 

Sadly in Charlotte NC, this is not true.

Very nice bike. Don't sell it.

[JKV45]

I'm old with a clean record, so it should be reasonable. 

Sadly in Charlotte NC, this is not true.

Very nice bike. Don't sell it.

Thanks.

I've put too much into it to sell it.

I don't sell much.  My daily rider SV650 was purchased new in 2006.

[RDryan]

SV650S I had one of those after a long stint of owning no motorcycles.Mine was the 2007 model year with a full fairing. Now unlike your new to you TZR which is a very pretty and awesome bike BTW The SV's I learned are pretty well optimized straight outta the factory so not much room for improvement in terms of HP. I kinda wish I kept my SV it was a very nice and sensible sportbike. I think if I had more of an interest in roadracing on proper tracks the SV is from what I understand a most perfect bike to begin on. The TZR maybe too but yours just looks too nice,it does have a sort of man cave quality to it but I know they are meant to be ridden. 

[m in sc]

as much as i like those i don't want to own one, they are fussy, or can be. But i do look at them with a lustful eye because when they are good, they are VERY good.  yes ive ridden them, and congrats on a great rider.

My more pedestrian 1kt def suits me a bit more overall, and if you know how to do it, you can get it registered pretty easily, in SC its a piece of cake.  and cheap as chips. we just applied for a lost title form, waited and got it. clear SC title. no import fees, nothing. just off the vin.

this is what my taxes and tags cost per year.  (yes i have bikes with less than 17 digits as well). get friendly with somebody who does title work at a dealership, you can learn all sorts of loopholes.

also, everyone knows curvy svs are best.    

[JKV45]

(SNIP)

also, everyone knows curvy svs are best.   

I did have a "Curvy" as a project - but sold it.  One of the very few bikes I've sold.




I prefer my "Pointy"

[m in sc]

i bought a new one in 99, red. went in to buy a bandit and came out w that. 11 years, regretted selling it almost immediately. 

minimal mods in the years i had it.

i do have a potential 2000 one maybe in the future,  is amost like new.

didnt care for the pointy ones, my buddy had one.

and the gladius was just terrible imho. had one as well. literally was given to me  i fixed it, rode it a bit,  taught angie who to ride on it, and gave it back. zero $

but, again, all preferences


so, back to the TZR. it's been a long time since i rode a 3xv. how much better IS it than the 1kt overall? not numbers wise but actual riding and ownership

[JKV45]

Well, we agree on the Gladius at least.

If I didn't have the 2nd Gen, I could see a 1st Gen, but one SV is enough for me.  It's been great, and does everything I need.

No idea how the 3XV would compare to the 1KT.  I've never even seen one.

[m in sc]

fair! that was was also a general q to anyone reading this that had more recent experience.

as a final note, the 2nd gen is a great bike. just my pref is all