1989 Yamaha TZR250 - Iconic Motorbikes Auctions

[Yamanatic]

Looking at past sales on IMR, it looks like the TZR sale prices are very homogenized on most all years there, with a fairly narrow range excluding an outlier or two. Check out the sold TZR prices:

Sold TZR prices on IMR

Warren

[busa1300]

That is where it is important to understand the differences in the various TZR's built when buying. Condition is one thing, but knowing what is correct for each year and version within each year will change true value as well.
The TZR that you show on the list that is an SP has several reasons for its high price. Mileage is one, but it is an SP also. The 3XV SP's may look near identical to a non SP, but were truly very different. More like a genuine TZ in reality.
Different frame, different swingarm, slightly different bodywork, seat cowl,... carbs, intakes, reed valves, ignition, crank, triple clamps, gauges, crankcases, cylinders, heads, exhaust, clutch, radiator, oil pump, rear shock, trans, forks, front axle.... With only 500 built each year.

[Yamanatic]

Hey busa1300, you obviously know your TZR's - the condensed info is appreciated! I do have a vested interest (or two) in learning the values and prices of TZRs; I have a friend with a Japan pipeline, and a buyer there willing (for a fee) to buy and ship bikes to the US. If there is a crate with extra room, he has offered to include a buy of my choice ... a full container knocks the shipping cost down into the $600/bike range. He pulls about a dozen rarities out of Japan every year. 

Yamaha has always been my go-to absolute favorite bike Mfgr, not to mention what was between my legs whenever I managed a podium finish in a past life; had to give up road racing bikes thanks to the physical scourges of age and too much crashing. Never owned a TZR, but do see one in my future since I still enjoy street and (low key) dirt riding.

Kinda looks like an SP (RS maybe?) is the wat to go - love the jingling of a dry clutch! Obviously an unmolested original is the way to go, and considering the rarity, looks like it's best to be ready and well informed enough to pull the trigger on the spot should one come up, or miss it. Love the comments left around the internet on SP prices; most everyone says the sellers are asking or paying too much, but sales a year or two later are always a couple thousand more than the last. The SP has an upward march in prices, and I see no end. Something like this - only 1.6 Million Yen ($11K usd):
TZR250SP Japan Yahoo Auctions

Other reason is the '84 NS250R Honda project bike I'm re-commissioning currently; it lit the fire. I knew the NS was a rare bird and an excellent production racer; the first one I raced against one was at Daytona - he was in my class and a front runner; I had him on my well modded RD400 in the infield (he had problems keeping it on the pipe, and was an easy pass coming out of turns), but when the battle of sheer speed commenced on the high-bank, he slowly walked away when we reached 3-figure speeds. So when the Honda popped up on Craigslist about a month ago, I had it in a matter of hours. When done, I will probably put it on Iconic Auctions since they seem to have the most buyers for early L.C. Sport type 2T's. First Honda to grace the garage in 15 years.

Warren

 

 

[pdxjim]

I have sold a lot of bikes thru the years, but my one regret was letting my 3XV go. Although just a basic R model, it was a fantastic little bike.  Looking back, I should've just sat on it til I had the cash to do the porting, pipes, carbs/airboxes, and Zeel needed to bring it to it's full potential.

[busa1300]

The SP has an upward march in prices, and I see no end. Something like this - only 1.6 Million Yen ($11K usd):
TZR250SP Japan Yahoo Auctions

I did a lot of research before buying the SP I have. The 93-94 RS uses the SP swing arm and suspension, the dry clutch, but the trans has the standard TZR ratios. Motor is otherwise identical to the standard TZR.
The small bonus with a SP is the crank is near identical to the 3YL-4DP TZ crank, so bearings, seals as well as most gaskets are same.
The 93-94 SP is even closer to a TZ with blade powervalves, but smaller 32mm powerjet carbs..(91-92 SP have 36mm powerjet carbs)
4DP cylinders can be put on an SP along with pipes and carbs, and you have street legal TZ that can put out 80 plus HP at the tire.
Wider TZ wheels are a near direct swap as well.

Also, the yen is down quite a bit compared to the dollar right now, so bikes are at a discount so to speak at the moment

[Milan]

So the listing is gone?
Did it sell?

M

[SoCal250]

So the listing is gone?
Did it sell?

Yes it sold for too much money. Nearly $17K! For some reason the sold listing has been removed. It used to be visible. 
I wonder if it had something to do with the title error in the listing that I pointed out. Maybe the winning bidder got a surprise when they tried to transfer the title.

[Yamanatic]

Back in the early days of online (eBay) auctions, several 'sellers' were outed for putting up non-existent bikes (pictures), and bidding them up to set a Value on vehicles they were attempting to collect inflated insurance on. These sales would follow the same format: post a very believable ad, shill-bid the value way up to an unrealistic price, and delete the auction in entirety after a few days of the auction 'sale.'

[SoCal250]

Relisted {due to a non-pay bidder)
https://iconicmotorbikeauctions.com/auction/no-reserve-1989-yamaha-tzr250-3ma1/

[busa1300]

Relisted {due to a non-pay bidder)

Not a surprise, that bid was somewhat out of touch.

[SoCal250]

Whew, that thing is rough under the pretty bodywork. Randy, your photo request has shed a light on more than that crusty spring.