YAMAHA TZR250 3MA

249cc | 50bhp | 760mm seat height

FAB BUT FRAGILE

The really special reverse-cylinder engine means the carbs are at the front and the exhaust comes out the back of the engine and under the seat. Not the most reliable and can be fragile if it has the airbox modified, but they are fantastic to ride and sound incredible even on standard cans. They handle very well for their age and the underseat pipes and fabulous 90s paintjobs make you feel like a GP rider. So go grab your Nankai leathers and get your Wayne Rainey lid on.

Buyer beware

Those fragile engines mean you need to budget for reasonably frequent rebuilds and do the usual rusty tank/noisy engine check. Parts can be a problem too, but probably the closest looking to the early 90s GP bikes so that may sway you regardless.