94 Yamaha TZ250M

In September 1993, after the young Japanese motorcycle racer, Tetsuya Harada won the 250cc GP2 title, both he and the Yamaha TZ250M immediately became the center of attention among motorcycle enthusiasts the world over. It has Harada's debut season in a World Grand Prix, and this made him the first Japanese World Champion since 1977. Prior to this achievement, Harada had been working closely with Yamaha for the last couple of seasons in the Japanese racing scene, perfecting the TXM bike. For the 94 season, Harda again geared up for the season with a souped up TZM to try for the tile again. Although an unlucky accident and injury during the first round prevented Harada from taking the title, the combined force of him and the TZM attracted a tremendous following. The Yamaha TZ250M used a 249cc liquid cooled V-twin cylinder engine capable of 94 horsepower. Its crankcase reed valve induction system was combined with an electronically controlled exhaust valve system. The highly sophisticated six-speed gearbox used an electronic cut-out hear changing system that eliminated clutch operation and minimized racing stressed. This awesome powerplant was mounted on Yamaha's exceptionally rigid twin-spar box section aluminum frame that was capable of head angle adjustments. The rear suspension was also of box-sectioned aluminum to justments withstand enormous power and traction. The bike rode on Marchesini cast magnesium wheels matched to Dunlop radial tires. Its superb stopping power was achieved by front Brembo and rear Nissin bark systems.