Yamaha TW200 review... no really - - (beware, long)

[Streamin' E]

Originally Posted by Sno Dawg

well I picked up a t dub today
sounded like a great deal (and it seems like it was)
$2000 for a 2005 with 29 miles(owner took it on 3 hunting trips in 3 years)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=250292957137

wow! was it unused - it had a ton of cobwebs on it, but it ran perfectly and is a blast to ride.

i took my 03 KTM 640 Adventure out for about a 50 mile ride and them stopped at the DMV and got a plate and registration for my new little ride

the t dub performed amazingly well - it is a bit slow off the line but holds it speed well and puts a smile on my face almost as big as my KTM

nice stablemate for the KTM kindof like a little brother - in fact I put a bunch of KTM Racing stickers on it

more later....


first impressions - if you see one locally - buy it - 70 MPG!

Teeth to the wind,
Sno Dawg
KTM + Yamaha = KTMAHA

That's a great deal! I paid $2700 for an '07 with 200 miles on 'er.

[N[]vA]

Borrowed a mates tw for a sunday ride while my xcountry is getting fixed. awesome bike.

pic for the tw fans

[tommyg]

I just picked up a tw for my girlfriend o6 with 150 miles for $2700. this is her first bike(after years of begging me). couple questions this bike needs more speed 55 and its screaming, is it better to drop 2 teeth in the rear or 1 up on the front. I have also noticed in some pictures of a less agressive tires, where do I find those. thanks for input

[mojave]

I had a 2001 TW for a while, fun bike. Had a 2001 XT225 at the same time, better than the TW in almost any situation.

Offroad air the TW tires down to 8-10 PSI. It really helps on rocky trails.

Most of my beef with the TW is with the 5 speed, engine power, and it's kinda of small and cramped. For a lot of people these aren't issues at all. I think Yamy would have another long term winner if they came out with a larger version that was more man sized, has a few more ponies, another inch or two suspension, and a six speed so you could cruise down the highway at 65 and still have low gears offroad. Like maybe ditch the XT250 and come out with the TWL270.

[HBN]

Just bought a 2001 TW200 with 200 miles for $1650 :)


Can't wait to use the suggestions on the forum and read everyone's ride tales.

[tommyg]

I picked up a 2006 for my girlfriend. $2700 with 150 miles. Mint condition. she loves it.

[zeph4x]

My friend got this '87 T-Dub for 800$ loads of fun!! Lookin to open it up a bit and get a little more power for him....its awsome that its a kick and electric start also unlike the newer ones!!

[HBN]

That thing is old school. Wish I had a kick start when my battery died and I had to bump start it. I would suggest investing in a set of aluminum handguards to protect the levers and controls. Rockymountainatv.com sells a set of Tusk Aluminum Handguards for $29.99 with various additional plastic guards FYI.

Rode TDubb to work today in an inch of snow with sleet coming down. Other drivers were like. My boss:

[zeph4x]

Yeah he should invest in some...He has already doped it and busted the front break lever.

[NJ-Brett]

I love this review, its spot on.
I just picked up a 2003 (just like the original poster) with 250 miles on it for $900.00.
Looked like a new bike before I got it all dirty.
I ride the same area as the original poster, and find the TW to be very good in the sand.
-3 teeth off the back sprocket seems to work real well.
I also run 12 to 14 psi in the tires which helps the suspension and traction.
One thing I noticed is that I can ignore roots and sharp edge holes in the trail as the big tires protect the rims.

Fun go anyplace bike.

[frog13]

Folks just don't know the fun they are missing without a TW under them!.

[kag]

yes I know an old tread but still true.

I have 2 of them and they have taught a lot of people to ride. Not a speed demon or a power hound but just straight up fun to ride. The are the easiest bike to ride bike i have ever owned and are sooooo fuel friendly. practically go almost anywhere with the larger tires.

A couple of my wife's friends learning to ride on the TW's. Each now has a sportster they ride

[frog13]

Yes,the TW200 is discounted by alot of folks for it DS abilities.Sure,on the road there are alot of bikes that will cruise at "better" rpm's?,but the TW does well for the 50--60mph crowd.On the trail,it is easier to handle and goes alot of places that higher cc bikes struggle through.....the bike and or the rider.All in all,a good machine.

[golanu]

Thanks for a great review Greg. Been looking for a tw200 for a trip a group of us intend on doing where we can't take the KTM 950 or 690 (well.....we could if we don't mind potentially abandoning our motorcycles in the middle of nowhere!). Plus my whole tribe can have fun with this one.