Need help on a project VTZ250...

[clm2112]

Sorry to take up any bandwidth, but I'm grasping for help from overseas.

I've got a project I've been working on for years. Converting a 1988 Honda VTR250 Interceptor into a VTZ250. (The nekkid version, kinda looks like a 3/4 scale SV650) This model was never imported into the US or Canada, so finding parts around here is a bit of a challenge. Did the UK ever get this model from Honda?

Heck I would settle for being able to trackdown a dealer willing to order parts for it and ship them to the US.

[danf1234]

SV........ORG......:confused:

[clm2112]

SV........ORG......:confused:

Not much to be confused about...this is the general topics area, where there's currently threads running about crashed Aprilia's and such.

I figured it might be worth asking if anyone has any knowledge about this obscure sportbike to offer up.

[muffles]

Is the Interceptor the same as a VFR? I don't know much (anything!) about them, but I think they're known as that (Interceptors) in the US, at least for the latest models?

[clm2112]

Is the Interceptor the same as a VFR? I don't know much (anything!) about them, but I think they're known as that (Interceptors) in the US, at least for the latest models?

Sort of... The Interceptor name was used on the 90 degree V-4 motor'd bikes, then the name was dropped to just the "VFR". The VTR 250 is the exception, it was called an Interceptor, but it was a 90 degree V-Twin (designed from a VFR500 V4 motor split lengthwise.) The VTZ is the same motor and frame, but without the bodywork. Like I said, it looks like a SV650, only smaller. The handling of the two are similar as well.

What I have is about 80% of a motorcycle..complete rolling chassis and motor. Just no fuel tank or bodywork. Hence my interest in finish the bike like the VTZ. I even considered using Suzuki SV bits on it to finish it off. Like the entire fork and wheel assembly (almost did that using my own SV650 as the donor and swap a GSXR upside-down fork assembly onto the SV.)

Big part of the problem is finding a place in the world where the VTZ was imported (preferably a place where English is the spoken language) Hence my question...was it ever imported into the UK?

[Lozzo]

Big part of the problem is finding a place in the world where the VTZ was imported (preferably a place where English is the spoken language) Hence my question...was it ever imported into the UK?

Have scout around the Australian forums. I'm pretty sure you'll get some joy there as they pretty much got most Jap spec 250s and 400s imported into Oz.

The Australians speak a language which is very similar to English too, much like the Americans do. With some shouting and a few carefully thrown punches and kicks you can usually get the message across.

Australians are all only ever taught how to pull pints and wash tables down in school, or it would appear that way if you've ever been to a London pub.

[muffles]

Australians are all only ever taught how to pull pints and wash tables down in school, or it would appear that way if you've ever been to a London pub.

:smt046 I know what you mean!

[mister c]

It looks very similar to the old VT250 from the early 80s which was available in this country.
You could try DK Motorcycles in Stoke On Trent. They are the countries largest importer of bikes & thier spares department is HUGE.
Here's a link to thier "Contact Us" page. You never know they might be able to point you in the right direction in the States, or ship them to you.

http://www.dkmotorcycles.co.uk/dkonline/contact_us/

[tj2]

Probably the same as the VTR 250 in Oz nice little bike for what it is !!

Hired 1 a couple of time while I was out there earlier this year..... some available in UK but think they are all grey imports so parts will be the same problem here. Try www.ebay.com.au (http://www.ebay.com.au) you may find what you need there

Terry

[Razor]

try these dudes. http://www.bat-motorcycles.co.uk/

[Nostrils]

checking out some of the pics of the VTZ, I came across this site with many owners around the world, some in the UK too! Clicking the pics reveals some personal information, perhaps becoming a member of this site would reveal someones email address or instant message facility, worth a try!!

http://www.bikepics.com/honda/vtz250/88/pics.asp?i=356334&s=0

[clm2112]

http://www.bikepics.com/honda/vtz250/88/pics.asp?i=356334&s=0

Thanks, I hadn't hit that site before. Joined up and sent a few feeler emails out. We'll see what comes back.

I've contacted a quite a few bike breakers that advertise on the internet. Nearly all of them have never seen fit to reply. One fellow who sold me a few parts from New Zealand a few years back still hasn't seen another VTZ come through his yard again.

The more I work on this, the more tempted I am to put an SV650 front end on the frame and call it a day. (worlds first Honzuki ? :D ) That would just leave finding a fuel tank to fit it.