1986 tri z 250 , worth the buy?

[Rhodyrider30]

im looking to buy a 1986 tri z 250. it supposedly runs and drives, all it needs is rear bearings and shrouds. the guy is asking $900 for it. is it worth the buy?
btw im not sure if im posting this in the right place

[RIDE-RED 250r]

First of all, welcome to 3ww!

Secondly, yes you posted in the correct forum... It's the only forum new members can post in untill the 2 month/10 post probationary period is up..

Third, 900 doesn't seem bad for that Z. Of course, without knowing everything about it internally with the engine there is always going to be the element of the gamble with a 27 year old machine. Everything else chassis-wise should be pretty easy to figure out if you know what to look for.

Being an '86 model, it is a 6 speed. So make sure it runs in all 6. '86 was the only year for the 6 speed transmission on the Tri-Z and those transmission parts are a bit more difficult to come by than the 85/85.5 5 speeds.

Check compression, look for obvious issues with the rest of the chassis, then take it for a test run. If everything checks out I would have no trouble paying 900 for it myself. Of course, it doesn't hurt to try to get it a little cheaper.

[Rhodyrider30]

thank you for the reply! this has been and will be very helpfull i am going to look at it i will let you know how it all checks out

[jeswinehart]

Ian, I can't tell from picture if the coolant bottle is there or not, a little too dark to distinguish. There is supposed to be a coolant over flow bottle on the left side. Right behind engine + below the exhaust.
Do you recall seeing it or perhaps have some other pictures you can view ?

john

[Rhodyrider30]

this is all i have

[jeswinehart]

Yep, it definitely is not there. I ain't so sure the mounting tab/bracket is there (I don't think so but I certainly no Yamaha expert).
You may be able to use the missing part(s) to your advantage on price ?
Here is a link that shows the bottle placement > http://www.3wheelerworld.com/album.php?albumid=1603

[Rhodyrider30]

what is the bike worth in your opinion?

[jeswinehart]

I would have to see it in person to check out before I could give you any kind of honest answer and that would only be after I done research on what the missing parts cost estimates would be and factor that in as to what the total/final cost would actually be.
Of course it might need other things like bearings (frame-wheel) ,,, I think you know what type of things to look for judging by the fleet of trikes you already have.
Now if you just GOT too have it, heck we all understand that , then price would not be that big of factor.
I can tell you that the coolant bottle is no longer available from Yamaha and being a one year run of those makes good used ones sorta hard to come by but there is a source for new oem look a likes that IMO are reasonable (70ish).
Give us a ride report !

[honda200xguy]

I would pick it up if i went there myself and saw whats exactly wrong with it. It's hard to for you to go and buy a item from someone when you have no idea what exactly is good and isn't good. I went to buy a 250r on craigslist this year and the person gutted the inside of the motor and then sold it to me saying there was a carb problem. I still made money on it, but it was a . Anyway looking at that yourself just check out its obvious problems, ask them in depth questions and hopefully you both know what you're talking about when it comes to the tri-z

[Rhodyrider30]

if the guy dosen't have the coolant bottle, where can i find one?

[jeswinehart]

I make them.

[Rhodyrider30]

well i bought it, it actually turned out to be a pretty nice machine. and he did have the overflow bottle, he actually gave me an extra seat, a decal set, and a spare shock with it.

[pantera1975]

In reality any 250 2 stroke that runs and drives tires hold air is worth up to $1000. Welcome to the board too.

[ATC-Eric]

You did good in m opinion. If that was for sale by me for that price I would pick it up no questions. You just don't see 86's in my area.

[oile]

Good score!!!