1/6 Tamiya Yamaha Motocrosser YZ250 Collectors Guide (c.1976 Original Issue)

This collectors guide has been created to assist both Collectors, and Builders, of Tamiya's 1/6th "Big Scale" Series of Motorcycle plastic model kits. This is the second motorcycle guide to be written. As a side hobby of my Automotive interests, I've amassed a substantial collection of Big Scale kits. Many are the earliest examples, and are usually long out of production. Emphasis is always on Identification, Kit History, Features, ect. Less information is given on actual building due to the rarity of the kit. Any information forwarded on building will be gladly included in the guide. Feel free to email with comments.

"The Original c.1976 1/6th Tamiya Big Scale Kit #11, Yamaha Motocrosser YZ250 "

IDENTIFICATION: An original unbuilt 1976 issue of this kit is quite rare today. From all indications, it was only issued twice. The Kit Number on the end of the box will be BS0611-2500. The 2500 is not part of the kit number, but rather the price in Yen (Japanese) circa 1976. This was the only Big Scale Dirt Bike kit Tamiya ever produced. As far as I know, no other manufacturer produced a Dirt Bike kit in this scale, ever. The box text is Japanese/English. Tamiya's address on the side of the box is 628, Oshika, Shizuoka-City, Japan. Tamiya has changed addresses 4 times, and this was their address from 1974 to 1980. The Tamiya catalog contained in this kit is printed on plain paper in Japanese. All kits listed are their mid 70's releases with prices stated in Yen. Not the usual slick Photo illustrated catalogs found in Export kits. The well illustrated instructions contained in the reference kit are written in Japanese. The date code on the lower left corner of the Instruction Book is 7607 (July 1976). Additionally, on the rear of the Decal Sheet is a date code of '78 2 (February 1978). See photo below;

The date codes on the rear of the decals and front of the Instructions, are the only way to get an actual "Build" date on these early kits. The boxes did not carry copyright dates found on modern kits. More kit contents photos below;

The Yamaha YZ250 kit has a lower parts count than most Big Scale Motorcycle kits from Tamiya. This is due to the nature and design of the motorcycle, ie; No Headlights, No Taillights, ect. There are six parts trees, well molded in White, Black, Chrome, and Silver. The parts blister contains the Tires, Seat, Plated Fork Tubes, and Hardware. The kit builds in a very quick 23 steps. Watch for deteriorated Rubber Like Tyres. No replacements are available for lost of "melted" tires. Being the only "Big Scale" Dirt Bike ever released, this is definately a unique kit for the collection.

** 1/6th Tamiya Yamaha Motocrosser YZ250 Kit History **

This Tamiya Big Scale kit is special for a number of reasons. It was kit number 11 in Tamiya's fast growing 1/6 series of Motorcycles, and only the second Competition "Race" bike produced. In a series of kits that now numbers close to 30, this YZ250 kit is still the only "Dirt Bike" kit. This kit was released in 1976, and it still compares well with kits released much later. Yes, the parts count is lower, but it IS a lean bare-bones competition bike. Yamaha was, and still is, a major manufacturer of Motocross bikes. Anyone familiar with Dirt Bikes, and racing them way back in the late 60's and early 70's, know that to remain competitive, you had to constantly modify your bike to remain competitive. Just buying the latest bike didn't mean you were state of the art. This was especially true when it came to the suspension. The typical Motocrosser in the early 70's had a paltry 3 to 4 inches of suspension travel. Two lines of Motocross bikes were released in 1974, that made radical changes in suspension on Production bikes. Suzuki released the RM line, and Yamaha released the first of the YZ's. The Yamaha YZ line had a radical rear suspension that triangulated the rear swingarm to a large single "Mono" shock absorber located inside the upper backbone of the frame. This design nearly doubled rear suspension travel, added adjustability, and reduced parts. To update the front suspension, Yamaha added 2 stage air forks with canisters added to the upper fork tubes. Front suspension travel was nearly doubled with added adjustability. The front forks only worked well with compressed Nitrogen. Most riders only used compressed air because Nitrogen was hard to get, and the forks did not perform well. From 1974 to 1976, The Yamaha YZ250 had an Aluminum Fuel Tank. The early YZ's were also noted as having the best brakes of any dirt bikes of that era. This Tamiya Yamaha YZ250 kit is of a 1976 model. White Tank and Fenders, without the tank straps used on the '74 and '75 models. The kit has incredible detail, especially in the suspension. Every detail of the suspension is "right on" for scale. The same is true for the "Knobby" tires. The 246cc Single Cylinder Engine is very detailed. Side covers are removable to reveal the Air Box. The Decal sheet has an assortment of number options. Care should be taken with the decals. No replacements are available. The same is true for Tires. All things considered, a great kit. Also, very unique in 1/6th scale. A definite addition to any collection.

** Kit Features **

** Super Detailed 246cc Engine

** Movable Front And Rear Suspension

** Semi Pneumatic Rubber Like "Knobby" Tires

** Plated Brass Pipe Front Forks

** Removable Side Covers

** Kit Pros And Cons **

Pros. A one-of-a-kind kit in Big 1/6th Scale. Yes, it is a bare-bones kit, but one of only two competition Motorcycles done by Tamiya in this scale. Scale is right on for accuracy. Very little detail was left out of this kit. A definite keeper if you can find one.

Cons. A scarce kit, that if found is getting pricey. Replacement decals and tires are not available. Instructions and Box have text in Japanese. Only available in the Vintage aftermarket. 

I hope you have found this YZ250 guide to be a useful reference. If you have found this guide helpful, take a moment to vote below. Look for more guides in the future. I will eventually have write ups on all the earliest 1/6 Motorcycle kits. Feel free to email with comments, corrections, or questions.