Trials Australia Forums

I have been looking to purchase a TY175 or 250 twin shock and need some advice.

Should I buy fully restored or a cheapie to restore myself. When I was younger I had a brand new 76 I think (red trim tank) TY 175 which I purchased in Mareeba and then brought back to Brisbane when I was transferred back there. Sold it shortly after but missed it so much purchased a second hand Mick Andrews special TY250 (purple/ mauve tank with dark to lighter similar colour stripes) which I sold after about 5 years of ownership.

I still dream about these bikes and how good they were - pity about my skills.

Anyway I am not that mechanically minded in terms of engine rebuilds and would need to pay for any of that work. So would it be more economical to purchase fully restored.

What do I need to look out for with purchasing this type of bike - obviously they are getting very old now and how hard is it to get parts if I fall off and break something trying to learn to ride one again.

Cheers. Hope to hear from you soon.

You are not alone in liking TY Yamahas.

The parts that break when you fall off are usually easy to get as many replica parts are now being made (because there is a demand because TY Yamahas are still popular)

I'd suggest that if you want to ride the bike, buy a bike that is ridable or close to ridable rather than one that has been fully restored. If you choose well, you can get rideable Yamahas for very little $$$. Rideable Ty175 or Ty250 twinshock typically available for $800 to $1500. Restored bikes $2500 to $6000 depending on how well restored they are.

Also have a test ride on a modern bike before you buy a twinshock. Many returning riders think they want a twinshock due to the nostalgia aspect but when they try and ride it in sections, they sometimes find that a modern bike suits them a lot better. I'm a nostalgia nut for twinshock trials bikes and love the way they feel to ride but they are definitely harder to ride than a modern bike in competition so you need to be sure of what you want.

Another option would be to buy a 80's or 90's model TY yamaha. They came out with a monoshock and the later models had a disc brake front end. The price would be a bit more than the 70's models but cheaper than modern bikes.

Thanks for the tips.

I probably wont go for a later model bike as I don't know about competition for myself. I don't know of any where to ride to practice in any case. I ride mountain bikes at the moment and that takes up all my time in any case.

The bike will be something to look at and ride occassionally. Although I am sure once comfortable with riding again I might start up (hopefully all the pushie riding and jumping will still mean all the balance and strength is there) . I will come out and look at some competitions to see where I need to be in terms of skills.

Hi mtbrider

You could give a call to Col Aish at Mooloolabar.

He has a TY250B whick he is looking to sell.

It has been restored fastidiously using NOS parts.

Take it for a ride, see how it feels for your style.

Cols number is 0409 768 976

Cheers, enjoy.

I've had my TY 250 for over 20 years and I've replaced the levers, tyres, grips and had the head off once to check if anything wrong. It has to be the most economical bike around! Tough little bugger! And great fun to ride!

Hi Mtbrider,
I would recommend a later model trials bike as i have had the pleasure of riding all the old TY's and they are just so limited in their ability.
You can find older models around for a good price with mono shocks and disc brakes etc..
You may want to try Moto Central in Canberra on 62480229. Don is very helpful and trades in old bikes on newer models at a great rate.
Good luck. Hope to see you on a trials bike soon.
Colin Z
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WOW, this is a pleasant surprise.
I have noticed some imput on various topics on this forum by Colin and find it very refreshing.
Trials Australia members and guests I'm sure are like me Colin, and find not only yours, but Kyle Middleton,Kevin Z, Thommo as well as Warrens Laugos participation make this site all the more interesting and adds a dimension that is also appreciated, Thanks.

Mtbrider, try to get to a club day and introduce yourself and Im quite sure you will be offered a ride on a variety of machines. I'm sure this will give you a better guide to what you feel is right for you.

Thanks for all the help so far. I have spoken to Col about his bike. What an interesting guy and so helpful. This bike sounds a gem and really restored to new and a museum piece that would be too good to ride. Although the museum piece just to look at and admire every day is tempting to me at this stage.
I am totally confused at this time about what I should do.
E bay at present has a 175 and a 250D (which was the model I owned previously) if any one can have a look at these for me on there and tell me what they think about these and guess what costs would be to get them to a rideable level or even if parts are available to do so. Hard to do from photos I know but any advice would be appreciated,

MtbriderHad a quick look at the 2 ebay bikes.
The 250 is an A model (1973) dressed up in D model colours.
The 175 is pretty rugged so if you are not very handy mechanically maybe these bikes are not for you.
Best to go look at them to get a full account of what is required to make them reliable riders.
He has priced them accordingly, but the description as a D model is incorrect.

Steve.