1989 Yamaha TZR250 - Iconic Motorbikes Auctions

[Yamanatic]

For those bestowed with deep pockets, here is a fun ride:
1989 Yamaha TZR250 - Iconic Motorbike Auctions

Warren

[SoCal250]

Nice bike, but I think it's already way over bid. Although it's low miles, it shows some corrosion and condition issues. And there may be an error in the listing regarding the issuing state of the title. It may not have a CA title.

[Yamanatic]

Nice bike, but I think it's already way over bid.

I have said that myself too many times over the years - often an 'overbid' bike becomes a bellwether of things to come, and the prices are the new base for future sales. As supplies dry up, demand drives the price.

Anecdotally, about 20 years ago I paid way too much (at least that is what everyone told me) for a Yamaha TZ750. When I picked the bike up, the seller who was in his 70's had a whole row of TZ750's, TZ500's, vintage Kawasaki KR triples,  and basically a million-dollar collection. When I asked if he was a retired racer, he said he didn't ride and was just a fan; back in the 1980's when the  values of the '70's 2-stroke race bikes was in the toilet, he scarfed up as many of them as he could afford, and stuck them all in storage to sit on for many years; he was now living very comfortably off the profits selling the now valuable machinery for 10 times or more than what he paid; it was his 401K on wheels!

What he said made perfect sense, so I did the same with the TZ I bought from him, and now that I'm 70 myself, I am selling it to subsidize my retirement income. The "too much" I paid then was a smokin' deal compared to what it's worth today, and it is time to cash in ... it sells in January 2024:

1974 Yamaha TZ750A

Warren


 

[SoCal250]

I think part of the reason it's overbid is because bidders may be under the impression it has a Calif title, which it doesn't seem to. There is an error in the listing. I have tried to point this out on the Iconic site but my comment from 2 days ago never appeared and is in "pending" limbo status.
I think the winning bidder might get a big surprise if they're expecting to register it in CA.

[pdxjim]

Might be almost worth it for a 2XT, but no way for a plain ol' 1KT/2MA

[busa1300]

Might be almost worth it for a 2XT, but no way for a plain ol' 1KT/2MA

It is a reverse cylinder 3MA...
But still way too much when looking beyond the new paint.

[dgorms]

It now has a clean Oregon title.

[pdxjim]

Might be almost worth it for a 2XT, but no way for a plain ol' 1KT/2MA

It is a reverse cylinder 3MA...
But still way too much when looking beyond the new paint.

Whoops! You're right.  Def not worth it for a scruffy 3MA.

[rodneya]

I think part of the reason it's overbid is because bidders may be under the impression it has a Calif title, which it doesn't seem to. There is an error in the listing. I have tried to point this out on the Iconic site but my comment from 2 days ago never appeared and is in "pending" limbo status.
I think the winning bidder might get a big surprise if they're expecting to register it in CA.

Ad corrected to Oregon title. So if purchased could you not transfer the title to California if you live there?

[SoCal250]

I think part of the reason it's overbid is because bidders may be under the impression it has a Calif title, which it doesn't seem to. There is an error in the listing. I have tried to point this out on the Iconic site but my comment from 2 days ago never appeared and is in "pending" limbo status.
I think the winning bidder might get a big surprise if they're expecting to register it in CA.

Ad corrected to Oregon title. So if purchased could you not transfer the title to California if you live there?

Nope, impossible to register here.

[pdxjim]

Nope, impossible to register here.

Does the 25yr not apply in CA?

[SoCal250]

Nope, impossible to register here.

Does the 25yr not apply in CA?

Unfortunately, nope

[Yamanatic]

Been studying prices - domestically overpriced (it seems way over), but maybe not so much Internationally - only thing a title is good for is ease of export documentation.

Looking at the bids, at least 3 people think it's worth $15K+, and no retractions (yet) over the Title update.

This bike definitely has a generous coating of lipstick, but probably actual miles; are those the original tires? . Nearest recent sale I could find was a 1994 Yamaha TZR250SPR that sold for $17K.

Warren

[busa1300]

This bike definitely has a generous coating of lipstick, but probably actual miles; are those the original tires? . Nearest recent sale I could find was a 1994 Yamaha TZR250SPR that sold for $17K.

Warren

The SPR was introduced in 95 and was light years ahead of the reverse cylinder 3MA in almost every way. They are considered the TZR to have, as they were the very last of the Yamaha two strokes. Very similar to the 3XV SP versions from 91-94, except it did not have the close ratio trans. Definitely worth more than a standard 3MA.

[SoCal250]

Like Randy said, the 3MA1 and 3XVC are completely different bikes and in different price categories.
I think that auction went way over what it's worth. But I guess someone had to have it. I'll bet the seller is happy!