I bought my TZR back in June 2002 as my first bike. I didnt know anything about bikes at the time, and I didn't even know it was an Italian import - it ran nice and fast and looked the nuts, so i bought it :) Its a 1994 (M-Reg) red and white TZR 125R (commonly known as an Italian TZRR) with a chassis number beginning 4DL.

My problem has always been obtaining parts and help/information when I have run into problems, so I thought it may be of use to others if I put all the stuff i've come across so far, that has helped me out, up on here.

Workshop Manual
Buy a new car..... get a haynes manual! Apart from a set of new mats, a trusty ol' Haynes manual has always been the first thing ive bought for my cars, so I thought it only the correct thing to do when I got my bike. This was when i first realised getting an imported bike was gonna be a nightmare! Haynes do a manual for the TZR, but it only includes the old English TZR and DTR models.

Haynes Manual 1655 - Yamaha TZR125 (87 - 93) & DT125R (88 - 95)
Covers: TZR125 124cc 87 - 93 / DT125R 124cc 88 - 95. Note: This manual does not cover the TZR125R introduced in 1993
ISBN 1 85960 030 1
Haynes Book No 1655
(Softback - RRP £14.99)

I've spent a fair amount of time since getting the bike, trying to find a workshop manual, to no avail. If you come across one, please let me know and i'll copy it and put it up on the site - no matter what language its in. Bottom line is, you're gonna have to do without a manual. I havnt given up yet tho ;)

General Parts
If you find a good local Yamaha dealer, you will be able to obtain most of the parts you could ever need. The only 2 things you may have problems with are Sprockets and Faring - everything else, just give them your Chassis number (Mines a 4DL) and possibly your engine number, and they will get as much info as possible from Yamaha. If you stick to the same dealer, you will find it a great deal easier, as their knowledge will grow with yours. Frustrating as it is, it is doubtful that you'll be able to go straight into a dealer and get the information you want - but a helpful dealer will be a great asset to you.

Engine Parts
The engine in my bike is identical to a 2001 model, English DTR 125R - If you have trouble getting engine parts, say you have one of these.... people can be more helpful if you say you have an english bike ;) The only difference is the gearing on the sprockets.

Chains & Sprockets
I still require a chain and sprocket set - a couple of months ago, a local dealer ordered in for me what we both expected to be the correct chain and sprocket set for my 4DL bike. It was a genuine yamaha kit, and i paid only £33 quid! They turned out to be for a new-shaped english TZR - the chain fitted, but the sprockets had the wrong gearing (number of teeth) and were completely different. I used the new chain, and the sprockets are still sitting in my garage :)
Its not impossible to get a chain and sprocket set for the 4DL - the only reason I havnt got round to doing mine yet, is because i've had engine problems, and I want to get those resolved before sorting out the little things. If you need replacements, simply take your old ones off, and drop them in at a local dealer. They will match them up with either Yamaha or pattern ones - same goes for your chain - but do make sure you show them the old ones, no matter how confident they are that they can get you the correct ones.

Faring
I've contacted 3 Yamaha dealers with regards to faring (i need a new nosecone) and they have all assured me they can get a replacement. Upon checking the part number they were going to order against the part number on the nosecone (oh my god, what a mission getting that off!) they were completely different, so make sure if your in the same situation, you do the same. Faring parts ARE DAMM EXPENSIVE! Hopefully soon i'll have the details of a company who import bikes and parts direct from Italy, so i'll put their details up here when i do. They will definitely be able to get faring parts, and original chain & sprocket sets. The main difference between the 4DL nosecone and the one the dealers are trying to sell me is the hole for the little D-shaped driving light, just above the headlamp - it aint there :-) The dimensions are probably wrong aswell, so its not really worth trying.

Bottom line: Yes it can be a pain having an imported bike, but the Italian TZR's are the nuts.

Dan.
dan@essexbikers.co.uk
Updated 27/10/02

Useful TZR and TZRR Links

http://www.partspartners.com/html/tzr125.html
- A few technical specifications for most TZR's

http://www.redracingparts.com
- Replacement screens for the TZRR