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The Pilot:
Möbius Racing was founded in 2004 to further support the Grand Prix racing efforts of Vince Rolleri and his trusty 1992
Yamaha TZ250. A long time motorcycle enthusiast, Vince was bitten by the roadracing bug in 2003 and quickly acclimated,
while learning the finer points of racing a purpose-built GP bike.
Vince's background racing minimoto (pocketbikes) has proved invaluable in both the knowledge learned about two stroke
GP bike tuning and the art of competitively roadracing a motorcycle. It was the formative years spent racing
minimoto that Vince credits toward his quick learning curve of the ultra-potent Yamaha 250.
By day, Vince is an electrical engineer with a large corporation in Irvine, CA but this is simply a means to
a racing end. Long nights spent in the Team Möbius race shop, a good bit of sacrifice, and the necessary support
of its sponsors are the other ingredients that fuel the Möbius Racing effort.
The results of these efforts are immeasureable. The off-track time of a racing weekend rivals the on-track time
in the amount of enjoyment, reward, and camraderie that are found in a typical motorcycle racing paddock. Likewise,
the thrill that can only be found racing a motorcycle at its limit: knees scraping against the asphalt, tires struggling to
grip the asphalt, conscious thought fighting instinct to hold the throttle open just a little longer.... these are the
reasons that keep racers coming back for more!
We hope you enjoy your visit to our website and we encourage you to check in frequently for race updates, pictures, videos,and
other cool stuff. Until then, keep the rubber side down!
Vince Rolleri
Möbius Racing
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The Machine:
The 1992 Yamaha TZ250 was purchased used in February 2002 after a trackday outing resulted in a crashed streetbike.
Since that crashed streetbike was also a daily commuter, the decision was finally made to get a bike that could be allocated
100% to the racetrack. In that vein, what better choice than a bike that is built 100% for the racetrack? Enter
the TZ250.
236 lbs.
75+HP
Ready to race? Hope so, because this bike doesnt like to idle around. In fact, it doesn't idle at all!
The motor doesnt make decent torque until 9500rpm or so, and it signs off at 13.5krpm. In between those two points,
however, you better hang on! The TZ250 represents the best opportunity to experience a TRUE Grand Prix
motorcycle you're likely to find unless your last name is Rossi or Hayden.
The Team Möbius TZ250 consists of the stock '92 cases and standard crank setup. Barrels of various vintage are
fitted, but all are pre-'97. A '94 ignition fires off the charge in modified '91 and '92 heads and expels exhaust through
'94 expansion chambers, all of which is supported by the '92 frame and swingarm. Stock forks up front and
a Penske shock out back control the stock Yamaha 3-spoke wheels.
The distinctive "Stars 'n Stripes" paint scheme is actually a legacy from the previous owner. For now it remains
as it is good for bolstering spectator enthusiasm.
The (New) Machine:
After several faithful years of service, the old '92 huffer has run its course in the Möbius camp (good luck with 'er
Earl!) For the 2006 season, we picked up a great 2000 model Yamaha TZ250. This bike has a revised engine specification
with a longer stroke. The bike was brought into the states by Nobi Iso and Darrell Baker. Nobi-san reports that
the bike was owned by a Yamaha employee in Japan. The motor is well sorted with kit cylinders, heads, pipes and ignition.
The cases have been filled and the reedcages have been ported. It is fully expected to see 90+ rwhp (dynojet).
The bike is slightly heavier than the '92, but the power output is substantially higher and with a much broader torque curve.
The suspension is revised and we will use the stock Ohlins shock to begin. The bike came with two sets of Marchesini
5-spokers and we have located a set of post-'96 Marchesini 3-spokers...just in case it starts sprinkling....
The new bike will be presented in classic racing colors: white!
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