The first thing to say about this road bike model is that it is great for beginners. This is a very important circumstance, because you cannot immediately get on a powerful motorcycle without proper preparation.
It is no coincidence that in some countries motorcycle licenses differ in the level of access to machines of varying power and dynamics.
The Yamaha FZX 250 Zeal is a small-capacity motorcycle, which allows you to safely use it as a training motorcycle. It does not shock the rider with a sharp start, like some not only sports, but also city bikes.
Dimensions and weight
The weight of the bike is only 145 kg without fuel, which makes the model light even for its road class. The diagonal aluminum frame also contributes to its lightness. A tank of 15 liters is quite enough, taking into account the average consumption of approximately 2 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers. Unlike many representatives of the class, this bike is very comfortable for people of short stature, because its saddle height is 735 mm.
Review of the Yamaha FZX 250 Zeal motorcycle
For the last year I have been the owner of this Japanese baby.
What can I say.
More than 20 thousand have passed since the engine was repaired. The technology showed its best side, and although I myself am soon going to switch to a 600 phaser, the baby still remains in the family. My beloved will ride on it. Well, what can I say, I purchased this motorcycle in the spring of this year, in a showroom, without any mileage in the Russian Federation. If you don’t count the Chinese pit bike, this is my first bike; before that I only rode scooters. To be honest, my choice of this model fell completely by chance, initially I was looking closely at the CBR250, looking for Honda in showrooms, and then one fine day I found a CBR at VDNKh and went to look at it. The CBR turned out to be not the modification I was looking for (I was looking for an RR, but there was an R in the showroom), and being disappointed in it, I began to wander between the rows of motorcycles. And then, among the orderly rows of sports, tourists and classics, I noticed a dark gray bike with the strange name “ZIL” (Zeal). After sitting on it, I realized that I had found what I was looking for. I myself am not very tall (171 cm), and I liked the bike due to its straight fit, compact size and low weight. When I returned home, I already knew what my first motorcycle would be.
But the next day I was in for a big disappointment: the Yamaha had already been taken away. On the same day, I began to scour the Internet in search of any information about Zila and advertisements for sale. It turned out that the motorcycle is quite rare, internally Japanese, essentially transferred to the classic FZR 250.
And a week later I was lucky: I found an advertisement for the sale of this model. At that time, Motz was on his way from Japan. I called the salon, and two weeks later I became the proud owner of this bike.
Transferring to a moped from a moped is something) The dynamics seemed simply crazy, after each grip I got off the motorcycle with shaking limbs) Now the passions have subsided, but only after I got used to the controls and new sensations did I truly love my bike).
The model clearly has more advantages than disadvantages. Light weight and base allow you to make quick lane changes on the road. The four-cylinder engine is loud and revvy, the main power output is around 10,000–12,000 rpm. Comfortable seating, and even a passenger seat is provided. But you shouldn’t put it on it - the ZIL immediately runs out of steam and doesn’t hold up. The dynamics are quite enough for me (especially up to 100 km/h), but after 120 km/h it’s as if it’s hitting an invisible wall - it accelerates, of course, but very slowly. Soft suspensions are good on our asphalt, but the rear pendulum starts to jump when making sharp turns. However, as I understand it, this is a feature of most classics.
There were no breakdowns during the season, I changed the oil, filters and pads. Next up is the tires - cracked sidewalls are dangerous and do not hold up on wet roads. I installed a more powerful bulb in the headlight, under xenon. It has become much better both in terms of passive safety and illumination.
Chassis and brakes
The rear pendulum suspension travel is 120 mm. What is characteristic is that it has not one shock absorber, but a pair. The front telescopic fork has a stroke of 140 mm. At the same time, it itself is not particularly large in size - only 38 mm.
The rear brake of the FZX 250 Zeal is represented by a single disc, the diameter of which is only 210 mm, and is supported by a single-piston caliper. At the front there is only one disc with a diameter of 320 mm, and the caliper is two-piston. However, for such a low-power motorcycle, such brakes are quite suitable.
I greet you! I read BP more than I write, but now there is something to write about, namely about buying Zel. Yes, I also promised to write a post about my accident (how it all ended), but the insurance company is taking the g... but for now I’m practically in the same place and have remained, as soon as I finish it I’ll be sure to write down what, how and where. Now a short story about the purchase. From the above, I didn’t receive the insurance money, but in four months I managed to save a small amount and simply couldn’t resist, I think you understand me. I started looking through advertisements immediately after leaving the hospital, but alas, I didn’t find anything suitable, although at that time I didn’t have any money yet. Time passed, the piggy bank was replenished, periodically I called up the proposed motorcycle equipment offered on the Internet: either the price simply shocked me, or the sellers came across a little strange. Here is one example that personally confused me. I call the seller: Hello, hello, the conversation begins over the phone (hyusong chekushka). The seller is in Kyiv, and I’m in Lugansk, 800 km between us), I agree to come to him on the 10th of January, yeah, that means the time is right to buy tickets. I call: Hello, hello, I say, so and so I want to come and have a look. He: well, come, how are you going to deliver it? Me: by courier service! He: oh, well, do I need to meet you and somehow take you to the post office? I say that I will come to the address myself and deliver it to the post office myself (this is not the whole conversation, but you get the point), and then I understand that I am begging him. Like, can I come and have a look, please))) In short, into the firebox ! To be honest, why was I so hooked on him? I just really wanted to go to Kyiv, I have friends there whom I wanted to come to, but here WAS a reason! And there were simply more than enough such examples. I don’t know how everything worked out for you, but personally I was “lucky” And the options considered were: suzuki bandit 250,
hyosung gt 250 comet
honda cb 400
After all the calls, as a result of which nothing came together for one reason or another, I decided that I was waiting for spring, and then I’d raise more money, but still I was drawn to the mango tree and I couldn’t calm down, and again according to the advertisements. I came across Yamaha Zeal, I don’t even call anymore, I just wrote my price in the comments and said to call back if interested, of course having read about it first. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a call, but here it came like a bolt from the blue: “Good evening!” I’m calling so-and-so about a spendthrift, you wrote me a message,” and I’m sleepy and still don’t understand what they want from me: “AAAA yes, yes, yes, I wrote!” Then the conversation moves on to the topic - we agree on when I will come to see him. Yes, I know you will say that the motorcycle was intended purely for the Japanese market, and spare parts and all that, 250 is not enough, I should have taken 400, but I really liked it and I decided to!!! To write a post that it’s better to have 250 or 400, or maybe 1000, there are already so many of them that you can basically not ask anything, everyone has already answered everyone a long time ago.
And so, call a friend: “Hello! Come with me to get a motorcycle!” (D): “Let’s go, where?” (Me): “In Zaporozhye!” (D): “Then I’ll be with you tomorrow evening!” This was roughly the conversation, and in the evening of the next day we were already on our way. There's not much to say about the road itself, except that I broke off my windshield wiper, but duct tape solved all the problems. Well, damn winter! And so we got there without incident, and only the GPS sometimes intervened in the conversation between me and my friend, even frightening me a little.
Here we are! The owner of the mooch had already met us, after which he led us into the garage and we immediately moved on to examining the patient. Roma (that’s the owner’s name) brought it to us. Then we began to feel it, push it, twist it, roll it, look, I apologize, into all the holes))) and the owner was not against our dancing around the motorcycle and did not bother us at all. He told me that it would be desirable to change it, and he pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of the motorcycle, and also gave him Yamaha oil and a filter to load. In general, the person I came across was sane, cultured and intelligent. After the inspection, we drank coffee and went to check in, where I handed over the money and we shook hands. Next we go to the courier service, where we pack it and immediately leave back to Lugansk. You know, when I was driving back there was no euphoria, I was just so tired during the day that I was fucked, but when I arrived, that’s when I was overwhelmed. The two days of waiting for it to arrive was just an eternity and then the call came: “your package has arrived.” I rush to the post office, where he already meets me, all so smart. I haven’t gotten my own photos yet, so these are from the internet!
Now I have it in a warm room, in the house)) Oh yes, I already managed to drop it when I was changing the front hub bearing, after which I had to do a roll-a-damn-useful thing! I could also make a separate post about tackles, but it seems like enough has been written about them, so I don’t know? PS “Every motorcyclist must always remember that others will definitely follow him along the road he travels. His main task is to leave behind a clean trail and a good public impression of the motorcycle fraternity, making the path easier for those walking behind you.” (the words are not mine, but whose words I can’t say, but they were said very sincerely)
Appearance
Even at first glance, this bike is easy to recognize as a member of the FZR family. A “humpbacked” tank, a neat compact fairing with a low windshield, a chrome frame visible through the skin, an iron “heart” covered with plastic, a simple passenger saddle – these are typical features of all “Phasers”. Like its older brothers, the 250 left the factory covered in branded logos. This gave his features even greater sportiness, making him look like a motorcycle racer.
Over its almost ten-year history, the design has changed slightly, and only due to technical upgrades. However, it is worth mentioning one of the first releases, released in black and gold.
Model history
The first model Yamaha FZR 250 (2KR0) was developed in 1986, and serial production started a year later. Initially, it was assumed that “Phaser” Jr. would conquer the roads of Japan and would not reach the foreign market. Later the company changed its mind, but throughout its history this model continued to be produced only in factories in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Updates were carried out almost annually. Some of them were minor and concerned, for example, a slight increase in the height of the footrests or modernization of the headlights. In 1989, a complete restyling took place, the result of which was an increase in maximum speed, a decrease in height, an increase in tank volume, and a change in suspension travel; In addition, double disc brakes appeared. The two round headlights were replaced by one trapezoidal one. Reduced saddle height. The letter R has been added to the model name.
In 1992, production was temporarily suspended due to changes in legislation; soon the model was put back into production, but the power was reduced to 40 hp. With. (instead of 45). The motorcycle was discontinued in 1994.
A word about competitors
The Yamaha FZR 250 motorcycle can be called a pioneer. It is unlikely that the manufacturer who created this bike in the late 80s made big bets on it. The niche of small sports cars was practically empty. The popularity of the model not only strengthened its own position in the market, but also made other manufacturers think about a motorcycle of this class. Almost at the same time, models such as the Honda CBR250RR, Kawasaki ZXR250, and Suzuki GSX-R250 appeared one after another.
Now that the FZR 250 has been discontinued, it is still easy to find this model on the secondary market. Without mileage on Russian roads, it costs up to 2.5 thousand dollars.
Yamaha FZR 250 in numbers
Models from different years of production may differ from each other. Therefore, it makes sense to clarify the features of each specific model with the seller. In any case, for those who are thinking about purchasing a Yamaha FZR 250 motorcycle, the characteristics are of interest first of all.
The bike, produced before 1988, was built on a tubular frame made of steel; later the manufacturer began to use aluminum. The engine has 4 cylinders, the total volume of which is 249 cubic meters. Liquid cooling is used, fuel is supplied via a carburetor.
The motorcycle has a six-speed gearbox and is driven by a chain. The fork in all models is telescopic, but its travel can be 110, 117 or 120 mm, depending on the year of manufacture.
The gas tank capacity of a motorcycle manufactured after 1989 is 14 liters; earlier models can be filled with no more than 12.
Surprisingly, this modest unit can be accelerated to 180 km/h, and the speedometer needle will point to about 5 seconds after the start.
The weight of the motorcycle is small - only 140-141 kg.
Behavior on the road
Most owners note maneuverability, quick response to pilot commands, and obedient disposition. For those who are used to riding this bike on their own, the first ride with a passenger may come as a surprise - agility and mobility are a little weaker. But this Bolivar can easily carry two, and quite far and quickly.
Among small-capacity “sports”, the Yamaha FZR 250 motorcycle has many competitors, some of them are truly serious motorcycles from leading manufacturers. But it is impossible to predict with certainty which of them will win on the race track. It all depends on the pilot and his experience, as well as on the condition of the motorcycles themselves. One thing can be said: the younger “Phaser” is competitive and is not in vain considered one of the best in its category.
