Motorcycle specifications YamahaTDR 240 1991 Sports merger

The TDR 240 is often referred to as the first mass-produced supermotard. In 1987, when the first model was presented, the term "supermotard" had not yet been coined. The term "supermotard" was barely used in the context of mixed dirt-and-tarmac competition, in which a host of cross-country bikes equipped with sports tires and upgraded brakes raged.

The TDR doesn't quite fit the bill. Rather, it's a concept bike designed for fun. A sports bike with a more or less trail-like stance and aesthetics.

Yamaha began developing this model in 1985. The engineers' aim was to launch a versatile "fun" motorcycle that broke away from the sporty production of the time, but remained in tune with the sporting spirit. To achieve this, the engineers sought to study and make the most of several existing Yamaha models. Four motorcycles were used for comparison and inspiration: The TZR 250, the RD 250 LC, the DTR 200 and the XT 225. The idea was to study each of the models on different terrains in order to retain their strengths. Yamaha even went so far as to test the TZR on dirt and the XT on a speed ring.

contrary to what you might think, the chassis is mainly road-inspired. Trail bikes didn't offer sufficient high-speed stability to be included in the specifications. The main inspiration was therefore the RD 250 LC, with its double-cradle tubular frame. However, the cross-section of the steel tubes has been increased and the geometry reworked to enhance handling. The frame is fitted with a special fork that is longer than a sports fork, but very similar in terms of travel. With 160 mm of travel, it's a far cry from the 270 mm of a DTR 200. Braking performance is excellent. With a 320 mm front disc clamped by a 4-piston caliper, the opposite would be surprising.

Engine-wise, we opted for the TZR engine (240cc for some countries, 250cc for others), which is far more powerful and sharper than the trail bikes we tested. Admittedly, below 7,000 rpm, the YPVS-valve-operated 2-stroke twin is a little sluggish, but beyond that point it's pure pleasure (except at the pump). The 44 horsepower are aided by the low dry weight (136 kg).

When it first came out, this new concept was immediately unanimously acclaimed. It's new and full of sensations: what more could you ask for? And although it's not really a supermotard, this Fun-Bike will be the initiator of this new range. Gilera took up the concept a few years after the release of the TDR on the basis of a real trail bike this time: the 600 NordWest.

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