Alright, so I finally got my hands on a TW Yamaha 250. I’d been eyeing one for a while, and let me tell you, the process was, well, a bit of an adventure.
The Hunt Begins
First, I started scouring online marketplaces. I mean everywhere. I spent hours refreshing pages, setting up alerts, you name it. I even checked out some local dealerships, but most of them only had newer models, and I was really set on finding a used one in decent shape, and the price, of course.
The Near Misses
I found a couple that looked promising, but they were either way too far away or the sellers were super flaky. One guy, I swear, I emailed back and forth with him for a week, only for him to tell me he’d sold it to his cousin. Seriously?!
Striking Gold (Maybe?)
Then, I stumbled across this listing. It was a bit rough around the edges, some scratches, needed a little TLC, but the price was right. I contacted the seller, and we actually managed to set up a time to meet. I was cautiously optimistic.
The Inspection
I showed up, tools in hand, ready to give this bike a thorough going-over. I checked the usual suspects: tires, chain, sprockets, brakes. I even listened to the engine run, checking for any weird noises. It wasn’t perfect, but it seemed solid. The frame looked straight, which was a big plus.
The Negotiation
We haggled a bit on the price. Of course, I pointed out every little flaw I could find. He budged a little, I budged a little, and eventually, we settled on a price we were both (mostly) happy with.
Bringing It Home
Loaded it up on my buddy’s truck (thanks, Mark!), and hauled it back to my garage. That was a good feeling, let me tell you.
The Real Work Begins
Now the fun really starts. I’ve already started ordering parts. New tires are definitely on the list, and I’m thinking about a new seat. Maybe some new grips, too. It’s going to be a project, but I’m excited to get it all cleaned up and running like a top.
First Ride! (Sort of)
I did manage a super short ride up and down my driveway, the thing did seem a bit sluggish, but after so many years sitting idle I did expect it. But I think that after cleaning a few things and doing some serious TLC. It will be fine.
So, that’s the story so far. It’s a work in progress, but I’m stoked to have this TW250. I’ll keep you guys updated as I get it fixed up!
