TW200 vs XT225 vs DR200

[ADVcat]

ADVcat's first post!!

Looking for some professional or not so professional opinons on these 3 bikes. Im a new rider (very new, less than 10 hrs seat time), female, height challenged at 5'4, 40 something. Just started on my SO's (ehatcher) XR250. He claims I STOLE it from him, but I am merely BORROWING it. I love the sure footedness of this bike, but it is just too tall for me. The kick start is somewhat of a nuisence for me, due to how high the bike is. Eric is a trooper when I drop the bike or stall it, he's always right there to start her up for me. Don't feel comfy taking it out solo because I feel I need a baby sitter to help me start it and pick it up. For now looking to do local riding and off road (Pine Barrens). Learning in a field where we live. Planning on taking the MSF course ASAP.

Did a google search of the site, and read the relevant posts, but still undecided.

TW200-seat height perfect! most comfortable of all 3. The only one that made me smile when I looked at it with those big tires. It has FUN written all over it. Concerned about top speed, and the few posts that mentioned it may have piggish handling with the big tires.

XT225-again perfect height. Like the 6 speed. Will it be as surefooted like the XR? (such as not being squirrley when riding thru ruts)

DR200-tallest of the 3 but still ok. Bigger tank, longer range. Most expensive of the 3. How does this bike handle compared to the 225?

I don't feel I can go really wrong with any of these bikes, but any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Deb

[goblin]

Someone I work with has one of those tw 200 and seems to like it very well. Had to gear it up a bit to use for commuting to work on,but other than that seems to be very happy with it. I don't see how you could go wrong. I don't think its something you would want to jump with,but other than that it seems rock solid. Good luck!

[crushingchestpain]

Rode mine on the Front Range today.Great little bike!!!

[Idahosam]

I think you will find some humerous yet informative information on the TW 200.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193253

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205682

[Klay]

Advcat,

During the course of your searches, did you come across Lois on the Loose and her XT225?

http://www.loisontheloose.com/america/index.html

I think of the bikes you mentioned, the XT225 is the best all-around bike for you. (darn, it's hard to say that when I like my DR200 so much)

Hmm, you're 5' 4", maybe the TW200 is better for off-road for you. But the XT is a better road bike.

[ADVcat]

Originally Posted by Klay

I think of the bikes you mentioned, the XT225 is the best all-around bike for you. (darn, it's hard to say that when I like my DR200 so much)

Hmm, you're 5' 4", maybe the TW200 is better for off-road for you. But the XT is a better road bike.

Klay,
Just curious, why don't you recommend the DR200? In fact, it seems that not many people have mentioned this bike at all. It doesnt seem that different than the 225 other than the larger tank and 5 speed tranny.

Deb

[steve gs]

Don't forget to join us on the Minimalist Tourer thread too.

[cbig]

you had a chance to take that TW200 down the Split Mountain pass and the squeeze like the other bikes?

when u getting that drz400 out?

[Scottysix9]

Buy the bike that you feel most comfortable on.

[twinrider]

The XT225 gets a lot of respect for its offroad ability and the tubeless rear tire makes flats less of a hassle.

[levity]

Originally Posted by ADVcat

...TW200-seat height perfect! most comfortable of all 3. The only one that made me smile when I looked at it with those big tires. It has FUN written all over it. Concerned about top speed, and the few posts that mentioned it may have piggish handling with the big tires...

ADVcat - You've done your homework well!

FYI, Ms. levity previously owned a DR200 and a CRF230, has ridden an XT225, and now owns a TW200. She likes the TW best by far - fun and confidence inspiring. The low seat and center of gravity make it easy to ride, and even though she's 5'6" she shaved an inch out of the seat foam. The fat tires may be "pigish" for racers, but they REALLY help trail riders in sand, mud, rocks and water crossings.

She put a smaller sprocket on the rear to spread and raise the gears. She can still go at walking speed in technical stuff but can cruise on the pavement at 60-65 mph (none of the small bikes are very stable at any higher speeds).

here's a pic on easy stuff..



and another that would have had her worried on a bike with "skinny" tires:

[ADVcat]

Originally Posted by levity

She likes the TW best by far - fun and confidence inspiring.. The fat tires may be "pigish" for racers, but they REALLY help trail riders in sand, mud, rocks and water crossings.

levity,
From the looks of the trail riding Ms levity is doing, I guess its safe to say the TW200 is the "mountain goat" of dual sport bikes. Was also glad to read that it gave her confidence. This is what i'm looking for. A bike that I feel comfortable enough on to push the envelope a little bit. Dont think I will be doing any kind of racing so i'm not to concerned about the pigish ride. Thanks for the input and pics.

Deb

[Will LC8]

I've ridden both the XT and the TW and both will be down on power big time compared to the XR250. The suspension on both is a long way off an XR as well. Riderchick just bought a TW and since she's ridden with Eric I'm sure I can talk her into letting you try the TW if you want to take a trip down here and sit on one first hand. Hell she let me ride it and I took it on a old enduro race course a few weeks ago and bent the hell out of the shifter. You have to ride the TW sitting down at least I do. When standing the bars are way to low to inspire confidence. I didn't notice any ill effects in handling due to the tire but I only rode it about 40 miles. It is down on power but I'm a majorly fat SOB so this may not be as noticable for some one lighter. I couldn't climb hills in anything higher than first gear.

Will

Originally Posted by ADVcat

ADVcat's first post!!

Looking for some professional or not so professional opinons on these 3 bikes. Im a new rider (very new, less than 10 hrs seat time), female, height challenged at 5'4, 40 something. Just started on my SO's (ehatcher) XR250. He claims I STOLE it from him, but I am merely BORROWING it. I love the sure footedness of this bike, but it is just too tall for me. The kick start is somewhat of a nuisence for me, due to how high the bike is. Eric is a trooper when I drop the bike or stall it, he's always right there to start her up for me. Don't feel comfy taking it out solo because I feel I need a baby sitter to help me start it and pick it up. For now looking to do local riding and off road (Pine Barrens). Learning in a field where we live. Planning on taking the MSF course ASAP.

Did a google search of the site, and read the relevant posts, but still undecided.

TW200-seat height perfect! most comfortable of all 3. The only one that made me smile when I looked at it with those big tires. It has FUN written all over it. Concerned about top speed, and the few posts that mentioned it may have piggish handling with the big tires.

XT225-again perfect height. Like the 6 speed. Will it be as surefooted like the XR? (such as not being squirrley when riding thru ruts)

DR200-tallest of the 3 but still ok. Bigger tank, longer range. Most expensive of the 3. How does this bike handle compared to the 225?

I don't feel I can go really wrong with any of these bikes, but any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Deb

[Outwardbound]

ADVcat

As you can see here, all three bikes have their attributes. I went thru this decision-matrix just two weeks ago for my wife. Here's what I learned

- All 3 bikes are relatively rare. Try a Crazedlist search of all cities East of the Mississippi and you'll find only a couple of each. And they DO sell quickly (and usually above 'bluebook' price), as they are in demand by folks exactly like you.

- Find the bike which is in the best shape and is closest to you. Buy it. Then ride the crap out've it. I'm not attempting humor here: I'm serious. In 6 months of riding you will change your riding tastes as your experience grows. It will become apparent which bike would be best for you (may not even be one of the three).

- If the right bike for you is NOT the one you have, remember how rare they are. Yours will sell fast. Your second purchase will be MUCH more informed than your first. As a reader of this list you'll notice most members have more than one bike. That's not coincidental. You will too, probably. This sport is THAT much fun.

- Above all it pays to remember that it is the RIDE, not the bike. Welcome to the asylum...

Coop

[riderchick]

Originally Posted by willf650

Riderchick just bought a TW and since she's ridden with Eric I'm sure I can talk her into letting you try the TW if you want to take a trip down here and sit on one first hand.

Will

Hi Deb (and Eric)!

As Willf650 said, I just bought a used TW200 and have started learning how to ride (I'm taking the MSF beginner course March 15, 17, 18). I'm not planning on doing roads around here (too much traffic and too many crazy drivers in the Philly/Wilmington area for me), just dirt & the possible vacation to much more remote areas that we'd trailer the bikes to. Which means the speed and power on the TW is just fine for me. I'll leave the zipping around to Will on one of his other "toys."

So far I've done two trips on the C&D canal on the bike and it's a pretty good fit for me at 5ft 1.5 with a 28in inseam. I can just tippy toe the ground while sitting so we're looking at buying a used seat on ebay to try trimming it down to see if the compromise between touching the ground and having less padding on my rear is worth it.

Don't know anyone with the other bikes for you to compare to, but you are welcome to come down to DE and try the TW out if you want. (We're trailer-less until the end of March so no upcoming road trips to PA for us right now) Drop me a PM or email to coordinate calendars if you're interested.



Jennifer