A forum for owners of Yamaha TTR250 trail and enduro bikes!

Yamaha TTR250R

The Yamaha TTR250 was a stalwart of the Devon TRF scene for years, largely driven by the original TTR guru himself, Brian Sussex, who handed on the mantle to Steve Attfield a few years ago. Ample parts supply through the Totally TTR shop and one of the best forums for any bike available meant it drew strong local following. The TTR has been through a few different incarnations with pros and cons associated with each. Released in 1996 to 2004 as the TT250R (electric start only) a chain driven double overhead cam, 250cc 4 stroke, followed by a ‘Raid’ version from 1994 to 1996 (Japan only, again lecky boot only) and the blue tank TT-R250 version from 1999-2006 (kick and electric start). A kerb weight of around 124kg was bang in line with the Honda CRM250 and very manageable, a simple yet effective semi-double cradle frame, 10ish litre tank with 100-mile range and seat height of around 35 inches, again just like the CRM. Power was around 30 BHP, so a little down on the CRM, but again, plenty enough, particularly after a couple of mods to the airbox, jetting etc perked things up a bit. It is a simple, functional tool. Being a DOHC it was happy to be revved, but for trail riding the monoshock and conventional forks, sensibly shrouded to keep out grot the engine and suspension provided a stable, plush, nicely balanced ride on its comfy seat. The seat is still a fair way off the ground and I again have a lowering link

on mine to confidently get my little legs to reach the ground. In an increasingly enduro bike driven trail riding world, the TTR offered a sensible compromise between power and ability. On paper the blue tanked version is probably the most popular owing to the options for starting the bike, plus it is a bit lighter. The only real weak point appears to be the sprag clutch which if not replaced (not cheap) when it starts to go, will result in chipped teeth and metal-on-

metal wear back through the idler gears all the way back to knackering the starter motor. So as soon as you start to hear the clanking on starting and stopping, get your cheque book out...

A TTR will take you wherever you want to go 

The TTR is an excellent trail bike, I know, because I have one. It is very forgiving to ride, and as sure footed as a mountain goat. I’ve also got one, not just an ordinary one either, a big bore 325 Brian Sussex special, which provides all the advantages described above with a bit more power and grunt all over the rev range. TTRs are easy bikes to live with, nothing scary about the power delivery, robust and reliable they are best described as dependable. Not as mellow as a XT225/Serow and not to be confused as an enduro either. Although they’ve been out of production for a while, there are normally a couple for sale at any given time, currently at around £2,500, may be a couple of hundred quid cheaper for a non-blue one.