Best TW channel out there...period. As you know, I've not YET purchased a TW, but I still watch your channel religiously. I check in on a couple others, but won't subscribe to them...your content and style are both worth my time. One question I had is about the carb and elevation. It seems you've addressed that but I can't recall details. Are the varying elevations an issue on its performance? As always, great work brother!
Thanks Brother! We'll get you onto a TW soon enough! 😀 So far, with the carb and the elevations I have been riding it hasn't been an issue just yet. Some folks recommend going to a different carb, but it has treated me well so far. My brother just got a new carb for his and I want to do a side by side comparison to see how the performance levels are. I'll let you know. Hopefully the healing up process is going well!
The reason It is not fuel injected is because of the EPA import Certification for emissions. As long as the bike stays in the same basic configuration that it was imported with in 1987 it is still covered by the import certification from 1987. Once they make a major change to the bike I.E. fuel injection, engine change they will have to apply for a new import certification and comply with the latest EPA emissions standards. To meet he current standards the bike would be useless at 200cc. because emissions regulating robs horsepower. This bike is near 100% profit for Yamaha the R&D costs, tooling and engineering costs were paid for many times over changing it and having to re-certify it would be a very expensive endeavor.
@@MOBStreet83 Same thing goes for the Suzuki DRZ 400 although Suzuki has jacked the MSRP to over $7000 on that old technology bike like it is a much newer model.
That was a very good explanation, thank you. Although I can probably go through a Mikuni carb with my eyes closed, now days I’m getting soooo tired of wrenching and really like EFI, but I definitely have room in my shop for a 1 carborated toy. Plus, I’ll bet a guy, if not now, in time, plug and play a semi injected carb/EFI on it. I think that’s what they call them? I’m assuming it would be available per carb size, not so much the bike??
I agree with pretty much everything you have to say about the TW except; I do more road miles on mine than offroad miles, and I agree, the front tire is best as new and gets worse with mileage. I have another rear tire (for another bike) on the front and it's so agressive I had to get used to it, BUT I can practically scrape the pegs making turns. I did a 15 tooth sprocket on the engine and 3 less teeth on the wheel and the gearing is perfect. I was cruising today on the open road at 70 mph. I drilled the carb jets, etc and modified the original exhaust and otherwise made no other mods to the bike. It's great! There's a reason why Yamaha has been making this model for 37 years! My favorite bike among over 40 motorcycles!
That sounds awesome!! I love this bike on the road and I have a blast with it there also. 37 years and still selling like crazy! Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it!
Another great video Matt! The fact that the TW is still air-cooled and carbureted are two of the biggest reasons I bought it. I wanted a bullet-proof bike that I can work on. Limited electronics, no computer chips, simple old-school bike. If that were not the case, I would have chosen the Honda CRF300L for the additional displacement. I agree that TW is not a Highway bike. Mine is quite comfortable at 45 - 50 mph. But anything over that seems like it’s taxing that little engine. I’m glad you made that clear.
I just put money down on a TW. Been a rider since '87 and I decided on it because it has a carburator, and is simple enough to work on! I may be wrong but believe it may be the last commonly available carbureted non computer chip reliant bike. Yep, a bit of a Prepper! Lol
I enjoy your down to earth and friendly presentations. I’ve ridden for years and look forward to returning to the dirt riding and tooling around a small town. I do like the carb for I think it may be easier and less expensive to maintain. Thanks again. I appreciate it!
Hey Alex! Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it! I love my TW's and they are great for just cruising around town and hitting dirt roads and trails. I like the carb for the fact that if I love my battery I can just bump start the bike and get back home. I have had mine from 4,000' to 10,000' elevation and haven't had to worry about jetting yet. The mechanics of the bike are simple and straight forward and basic tools can perform the maintenance on the bike. It is a great machine and I think I will have one from here on out. Thanks again!
Matt falls over because he's having fun and not being a namby-pamby. We all get better faster when we try, fail, and learn from our mistakes. Love your content. Keep it up!
Hey Jacob! I really appreciate it. I'm trying to show the capabilities of the TW and I know that my inexperience stands in the way sometimes. I have another video coming out this week of riding out at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes in Utah and this go around was much better than my first time out. Do to more experience on the bike and more experience in the sand I found the TW is a lot more fun out there than it was the last time. Thanks again!
The one piece of advice I could give you is to keep your revs up in the dirt and keep your back wheel spinning. So often you let the bike drop revs and you end up falling over. In dirt you need to keep that rear wheel spinning and keep your weight over the rear tire. Other than that your doing pretty good.
Thanks John! We went back a second time and it was way better than the first go round! Here is the link if you wanna see it. ruclips.net/video/KhB29ScPDks/видео.html
I agree 100% re: freeway riding. I know folks gear their TW up to go faster but I just don't feel confidence in the bike and the tires going above 65 or so. Personally I just take the back roads and plan a little more time to my commute or ride. The TW on the back roads are a good time where I live anyways!
Big difference between dirt and pavement riding! Thanks for being humble! I was an amateur roadracer for a few years, not bad! Put me in sand on a dirt bike and I fall down! Lol if you have kids, make them ride in sand or on ice. Best teacher ever!
Hey Todd! You are very right! I know I am not that great of a rider and I still have a lot to learn in all aspects of the sport. My kids are actually out riding in the snow today! I agree it is a great teacher! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
in response to the can a tw carry me question: i'm 285 pounds, 6'4" with size 15 feet. it fits me just fine and i love it. after raising the bars 2.5" and getting the longest shifter lever that i could find. i pick it up and hang it on a chain from my garage roof so that i can work on it without bending over so its easy for me to pick up, not sure about other folks.
Hey Dianne! Great point, and some learning curves take longer than others. I am sure the TW would in some cases but I haven't heard of any as of yet. Sorry, I can't be much help on that one but I can look into it.
Hey Chuck! Thanks for watching, I'm glad you liked it! I think that 241 is an awesome tire. I spoke with someone the other day that has had 7 TW's and has tried a ton of tires and his favorite was the 241 as well. For the price is it worth the upgrade!
Good honest video. Thanks. Watching this reminds me of my first motorcycle. It was a Honda CL100, my Buddies had Yamaha's, Kawasaki's, and Suzuki Enduro bikes. I was the only one with a 4-stroke. I had a hard time keeping up speedwise but, off road on dirt trails, I could hold my own. Good times back then.
I am a Harley Rider also and will always will be, But I am considering buying one of these bikes because here in Texas we have endless back roads dirt and gravel that I just do not want to take my Harley down, I want to do more exploring instead of the same old boring routes I take on paved roads, Great video Thanks.
Hey Robert!! I love my HD FatBoy but I know exactly what you mean. I highly recommend getting a TW. They will take you all over the place and back again. Thanks for taking the time to watch and for the comment.
Agreed, its the same with myself. The answer is really this: a beautiful woman who is also a solid person falls in love with good character, not necessarily good looks and money. So when you see a beautiful woman with a man that “doesn’t quite match” , you can count on the fact that he is a pretty solid dude.
Thanks. I agree on the Shinko . After I changed it was a world of difference on and off. There are plenty of channels to help on the basics of off trail.
Great vids. I bought mine today. My height is 5’7 and this is the only newer bike I can sit on and have both feet on the ground. It comes home Saturday!
I purchase a tw200 this past summer, when winterizing it, I put in Rec gas, which has no ethanol and also another three octane. Bike runs much better on the higher octane gas I don't know how much the ethanol has to do with it. Also I adjusted the carburetor to 2 turns made a world of difference.
Hey Tom! I was told that at my higher elevation the octane doesn't affect the bike much. I have run the higher octane and the lower and power seems to be same. I haven't run the ethanol free yet, but I might give it a try. Thanks for the insight!
Good practice. The TW compression doesn't need the octane, but the ethanol breaks down faster and it absorbs water. Both good reasons to not store it long. You can also try some fuel stabilizer if you're stuck without a non-ethanol source.
Great entry level video for a entry level bike. A buddy of mine was a big Harley guy untill he was crushed by a concrete drainage pipe while on the job. He went on disability at 52, moved to T or C NM and bought a TDub so he could still ride. He liked it better than his Harleys. RIP Homer.
T dubs are great bikes!!! I own a 1987 Yamaha big wheel 200 electric/kick start green sticker no street legal. The motor is basically unchanged and mine still runs great. My friends T dub gets caked with mud sometimes and will not roll. We actually had to take the front fender off one time. Deciding on purchasing a T dub or a Honda 300L for slower adventure rides 👍
Hey Mike! The ol' BW is a beast! I would love to find one. I've had mine loaded with wet sand all over the place and it made it out okay. I fell who know how many times and I could have made a cast of the bottom of the engine with the sand mold I had made. It will take a beating and keep on going. My wife's uncle had over 100k miles on his and he used it as a farm bike and that sucker took a heck of a beating and kept going. I'm a huge fan of mine.
I’ve been biking for 50 plus years. When a newbie passenger asks me what they should do, I always say “same thing every time lol.” Then a quick instruction.
My first wife was in back of me on my Honda 250 scrambler. I was in the middle of a fairly sharp corner, when she just sat up. We immediately went off the edge of the road and up a bank before I got it stopped. I somehow kept us from crashing, but I chewed her out sooooo bad that she walked 1.5 miles home. She got much better at riding behind me after that.
They still have a carburetor because they are grandfathered in under old emissions standards. If they made this bike fuel injected they would have to go through emissions testing again. Same with the XR650 DRZ400 and several others
@@MOBStreet83 I really want a T Dub. I've been shopping around and about to pull the trigger. I've had few more carburetored machines than fuel injected and a carb doesn't bother me a bit
Thank you young man, very informative. I believe this is the machine for me. I own a 4 wheeler that me and my wife have fun on but I’m looking for a 2 wheel off road cycle that can go and keep up with her on the 4 wheeler. Looks like just the ticket. Thanks and God bless y’all. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
You bet Steven! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it! I love the TW200 and my father in law has one as well and loves it. Here is his video on the bike. ruclips.net/video/Gkbn_VSDOQw/видео.html
Thanks for another great video, I too was a street only rider and have a hard time keeping it shiny side up off road. Entertainment for my friends, However I do much better with the Shinko front tire.
Hey Will! I know how you feel! I'm with you though, that 241 tire has made a big difference for me as well. Here's to many more good times on the bike and getting better and better at riding!
Had one as a kid rode it over 30k miles and started to and from commuting to school in middle school on it. Rode it all over the west desert/5mile area.!! Can’t want to get one again. !!
Hey Hunter! 30k miles is awesome. I will get there some day with the bikes. I was out that way not that long ago, but I didn't have the TW with me. I'm gonna have to get out there to ride. Get another one and maybe I'll see you out there!
That seems to be the struggle. Used ones are showing up more and more but folks are asking a pretty penny for them. I haven't seen any year of TW being listed for less than $3,000 now.
Hello from British Columbia. I said hi awhile back. So I’ve had 4 TW. Two 1987’s, a 2015 and my 2018. Not much difference which is truly amazing. I don’t know of any other bike that’s the same after all those years except kickstart removed and add disc brake. I have a couple comments, I’m soon 72. So they can be a rough ride. Not much in the way of suspension. Have you heard of any mods with fork oils or springs? Aftermarket rear??? I’m a road bike guy as well and even if the TW could manage the freeway, it wouldn’t be much fun. But I did put a 45 tooth on rear to lower my rpm and vibration a bit. Also can go farther in 1st. I only have to drop one gear to climb my paved hill to come home. Very subtle change, but worth it for me. Oh I did add an air filled seat pad which is a help for that firm seat. I ride year round but get out my side by side for fun in the deeper snow. The bike sucks in deeper snow as most bikes do. Take care.
Hey Marty!! Welcome back and it's great to see another comment. So, Procycle offers a few different suspension setups for the TW's and guys on the forum talk all about them. I haven't personally installed one on my machine yet but I am looking to do so. Yeah, I have 3 feet of snow here at my place and this Tdub doesn't like going through it at all. Thanks again!
Great video, really informative. I’d love to have some time on one of these bikes, but calling it rare would be an understatement! I live in Scotland and you need the land owner’s permission to go off-road, which is just as hard as finding a TW200!
Man, I would love to ride my TW's over there. That is one place my wife and I both would love to visit. If I could bring the TW's over there we'd ride one and have you show us around on the other. OR, if you're ever out this way, let me know and we'll go cruise the TW's! We have quite a bit of public land to ride (for now anyways) and there are some really great places to visit. Thank you for watching and I hope you'll get to cruise one of these sooner rather than later.
@@MOBStreet83 I think the TW would love bouncing across the rocks and heather up in the highlands. I had a Suzuki Van Van 125 last year, which is about as close as you can get to a TW. Same type of tyres but maybe geared towards road riding a bit more. If I’m ever in the right place at the right time, I might get the TW and see if I can find a nice quiet spot to give it a bit of Haggis chasing!!😉
You can ride a street bike like a dirt bike but if you ride a dirt bike like a street bike you're going to crash A LOT. If you can sign up for something like Dirt Wise or American Supercamp you'll learn more in a weekend than a year of messing around on your own. I took the Dirt Wise in Two Rivers MX in Johnstown CO helped my ridingn a ton.
that last bit really hit. utah is prime tw territory. i bought mine from my dad who is getting up there in years and its currently with me in oregon, but was purchased and primarily used in the mountains outside cedar city. im mainly using it to commute (luckily the highway speed limit is 50 up here) amazing trail bike that can in my opinion get you down the highway in a pinch but not reccomended for long rides. engine concerns aside its just not fun to ride on the highway if you are worried about the bike not being happy.
Yeah, I love it out here in Utah. There are so many different landscapes and terrains to ride. It's a great bike to just get out and see what's around you. Thanks for watching and for the comment. Here's to many more miles and good times with your Dad's TW!
In less than 5 months I'll be moving to Carson City, NV with miles and miles of dirt roads on BLM land. The TW-200 looks to be ideal for that, I just hope I can find one once I move there.
@@MOBStreet83 Once I move to Carson City, I'll have to look around for it. At least Reno is only a 30 minute drive from Carson City if I can't find it there.
Hey Boulderfield!! That is awesome to hear! I really hope you enjoy the Tdub as much as I do! Thanks for watching and here's to many good rides to come!
i bought a used one off a guy that didn't ride it a lot because it was a impulse buy. for me it was alil too doggy on power. so i took the head off and cleans it up, put a thinner gasket on for more compression. got a better carb and exhaust, put better ignition and upped the timing. helped out so much i ended up also putting on a 15 tooth front sprocket for more MPH. it feels like i gained 10 HP. but its prolly more like 5 to 7. thats like 50 HP in a V8. so not bad. u can feel its more quicker from 0- 50
Hey Charles! That is good to hear. Can you share which carb, exhaust and ignition you used? I am taking this bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats and am wondering what I can do boost it up a bit. Thanks!
Great video as always! Living in Utah as you said, have you ever had an issue with higher elevation with the carburetor? I see people talking about resetting and stuff. Also have you changed the chain and sprockets to something other than original? I'm still on the fence of a TW or an XT and I've watched your video... I want the best of both, slow for the trails but efi and commutability leaning XT but waffling! Thanks again for the great videos.
Hey Owen! I haven't had to touch the carb at all. I live at 6,000' and I have ran it from 4,000 to 10,000 without any issues at all. I did change the rear sprocket and chain on my 2019 because I wanted a little more grunt up in the hills when my wife and I ride together. I really like the stock 14 front and then I bumped up the rear to a 52 tooth and I really like that setup a lot.
No. Reader has no idea all I've done with a TW-200 and decades later I can still find use for it. I did ride I-5 off and on from Canada until 2 hours south of San Francisco. A 3-day ride and sleeping where I could park it on dirt or sand. Load limits did not halt what I was doing. Where no knobby had been. I'd recommend Putnam County which claims to have discovered 10,000 ride destinations where the sun never shines.
thank you for the video sir! i just passed on the CRF300L i ordered - the bike was too dang huge! even when the short model comes out, i just think it's too large a bike for what i want to muscle around in the woods at 5'6" 125lb :P now i'm looking into either a tw200 or xt250 (maaaaaaaaybe klx230s...) but the more i watch the tw - the more i like what i see ;) as a short rider that just wants to cruise slowly along the local forest roads and some mellow trails - i think the tw might suit me well. keep up the great content, i'll be watching for more! also please thank your wife for her insights, it's really helpful hearing the experiences of other lady riders!!
Hey! Is it Alexi or Alex? Thanks for watching. I have the KLX230S as well. It has a taller seat height than the TW and the XT250. I love my TW200's and my wife and kids love them as well. My wife says that she would take the TW over the KLX230 too. I have more videos on the way! Thanks for watching and for subbing to the channel, I really appreciate it!
@@MOBStreet83 i've sat on both the klx230s and xt250 (with and without a lowering link), it'll do - but even though i haven't (yet!) sat on the tw, it just calls to me ya know ;) the style and way it carries itself, plus the 35+ years and we only needed to change 2 things on this perfect bike.. it speaks! if i might ask. i noticed you live at elevation. i live at about 2200ft, but will occasionally plan to ride around 7500-9500ft on this bike. do i need to be prepared to make carburetor adjustments to accommodate spending a day at altitude? or should i be able to kinda set and forget this thing on the tw once i get it dialed in at my elevation? thank you! - alex
I'd take the TW over the KLX230S! It has loads more character than the others. I have ridden from 4,000 to 9,500' and haven't had to change anything on the jetting so far. I would see what it is like stock at your elevation and then if it needs to be adjusted or changed then you could address it. I don't think it would need much of an adjustment though.
Hey Bill! I love the TW. As long as you aren't trying to hit above 60mph for long periods of time, this TW will go wherever you want it to go. I cruise mine all over town and I ride it 45 miles round trip back and forth to work. I recommend it! Thanks for watching!
Super information, Matt! You are an asset to RUclips. I gotta ask...man, the terrain youre riding in looks awesome, where do you live!? LOL Kidding! 9:42
My father in law kept the 14t in front and went with a 47t on the rear and he was able to gain some top end speed, lower the rpm and still climb with it. So, you'd go from a 3.57:1 to a 3.27:1 ratio. You'd gain a bit more on the top end than the 14/47 combo. But if you aren't doing hard off-road I think you'd be fine with that setup.
Wow!!!! Someone on RUclips actually admitting they are not good at something instead of "I am a know it all and you all suck and should do as I say!" Kudos!!!! I'm an off-road instructor. Get some guidance from someone who knows what they are doing or watch lots of videos and practice. It'll pay dividends with safety and elevate your level of fun.
Well, I come from riding street and am not that great in the dirt yet. I would love to take a course, would you happen to have one that you'd recommend?
@@MOBStreet83 No, I haven't. I think I want to go with something a little larger. I would like to have fuel injection so no problems with jetting going from about 860 feet above sea level at home (northeast corner of Indiana) to the higher altitudes. We don't really have much of anything for trails around home so any bikes that Kathy and I get would see mostly on road riding, but if we can swing it we would like to do a moto trip to the Rockies. Thinking along the lines of the XT250, CRF300L, KLX300, maybe even the Versys X-300. I would really like to see an XT300 or 350, or a Honda CRF 350, even a 400 by one of the companies, but keep the weight down around 300 pounds Yeah, I know, wish in one hand, crap in the other and see which one gets full quicker. 😉 A little more of a long shot for a Honda CB500X or KLR650, but they're pretty heavy. Guess I've pretty well ruled out the TW200 but not 100%. But I'm still enjoying the hell out of your videos.
Thanks!! Had to throw that tough one out there at me didn't you? If she doesn't have any interest at all that might be hard. But, if you can get her started on a smaller bike like a ttr125 or the Honda CRF100 just so she can get the feel of the bike and get over the discomfort of motorcycles and then slowly move up from there that is what I would recommend. My sister went through the MSF riders course and she still didn't feel overly comfortable on the TW so she cruised around a little Yamaha 175 before she got back onto the TW. Smaller bikes, that are tame, are a good way to break the ice. My wife had a motorcycle when we met and she had been riding for years with her dad before I ever showed up, so I got pretty lucky!
First of all, a carburetor is a million times better than EFI, I absolutely will not own an EFI bike. I want a motorcycle, not a computer on wheels. I currently ride a carbureted Yamaha XT225, and have NEVER had any problems with the carburetor. However, while the carburetor is stone reliable and trouble free, just about every other time I go riding out in the AZ desert, I get a flat tire. Now the XT225 has very narrow tires, and my bike has an aftermarket centerstand. Not one of those stupid prop rods, but an actual permanent bolt on spring loaded centerstand, like many street bikes used to have. And still, fixing a flat tire is a major job for me. I am 63 and partly disabled. The centerstand I have on my XT225 is no longer available, and there is no centerstand available for the TW200. While I would like to have a TW200, mostly because I really like those wide tires, I see no way I could fix a flat on one. I have yet to see how anyone fixes a flat on a TW200 out in the middle of nowhere, by themselves. I saw a video where one guy did it in his garage, using a lot of stuff, including a lift, that you would not have with you out in the middle of nowhere. And he really struggled with it. That is the one really big issue preventing me from getting a TW200.
Hey Gerald, here is the link for the center stand nomadic-racks.com/index.php?option=com_rokecwid&Itemid=62#!/YAMAHA-TW200-CENTER-STAND-KIT/p/447113789/category=976077 I haven't had an issue with carb yet either.
some tw vids the highway speed topic is addressed as probaly not. none of those opinions are from bicycle riders like me busting ny...averaging 15 mph for 20 mi rides. 55 mph or so doing nothing, i'm in.
Nice video! Very informative for the first time buyers I just bought my third one! Got any suggestions for driver foot pegs? Stock ones are tiny! Looking for ones that won't need modifications. Suggestions? Thanks in advance
Thanks Bobby! I appreciate it. I have 3 of them as well and I love them. So, the foot pegs that I have on mine, and they have been extremely solid, are the pegs from Rocky Mountain ATV. Here's the link for them! www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-billet-race-foot-pegs-p?ref=1033&
I was considering a TW200 but I've heard about and seen videos and pictures of broken frames. Looking at the bike the frame even looks thin and weak. It's too bad because it's the size I need for my trail purposes . I have a 1200 Harley and a 950 Yamaha for street riding but want to get back into nature now that I'm retired.
How hard are you planning to ride?!? I've done some.really hard riding and I weigh 240 and carry a passenger all the time and haven't had it break yet. Not saying it won't, but it has been awesome so far. My father in law has had 4 tw's and put over 25,000 miles on them and never had an issue.
@@MOBStreet83 I'll be riding easy and slow on gravel roads and some smooth forest roads. No wheelies or jumps or hole shots. Just getting out in nature and fishing and picking berries and mushrooms. I'll be traveling around 30 miles of forest road at a time.
@@dangunn6961 then I'd say the TW200 is the perfect bike! You're not gonna crack the frame. I've jumped and beat mine all the time and have had more than 100 lbs on the rear rack for a long time and haven't cracked it yet. This is my Father In alw with his ruclips.net/video/Gkbn_VSDOQw/видео.html
@@MOBStreet83 That's what I was wanting to hear. I'll get one in March. I have road bikes for highway use but wanted something I can ride to back roads from home and also haul in my truck to some state and national forest roads about 70 miles away.
I just saw this. If you see this comment I have a question. I grew up on dirt bikes and spent most of my summers as a kid riding our Ohio dirt roads and tractor trails. Now I'm 56 and it's been decades since dirt road exploring. I've been looking at the TW has a way to start exploring those roads again. Maybe even a little light off roading, but I'm old so nothing too tough. I that you said it's not good for freeways. No biggie, I've got other bikes for that. But what about two lane Highway? Most of the dirt roads are about 20 mi from me and most of the areas that I would be riding to get there are 55 miles an hour. I'm guessing between 45 and 50 miles an hour it's probably pretty good based on the videos that I've seen. Is that right?
Hey! My father in law used to ride his all the time to and from work. He had a 55 mph speed limit for about 6 or 7 miles and it handled it fine. Check out this video I did on turning my TW into a touring bike. I rode it almost 200 miles around 50-55 mph and it did fine. ruclips.net/video/OZqXLo2QAYg/видео.html
Hey James! Thanks, I am glad you like it. The stock chain stretches quite a bit, but it works well for a while. I didn't change mine for a long time and it worked great. You can if you want to, but you don't need to right off the bat.
Is it fairly easy to lock the rear brakes on this model. Talking of freeway riding even some larger cc bikes like my new 1200cc 48 can be a little uncomfortable on the freeway, with wind etc.Even with unknown multi curves I tend to go a little slower.
That depends on how well you use the pedal. The rear brakes are drum and a mechanical setup so what you apply is what you apply, no hydraulic pressure. But, I ride the road all the time and I don't have any issue slowing down at all and it doesn't lock up unless I want it to.
You bet Bill, thanks for watching. I actually recommend the stock rear tire. It is a great tire and out here in the Utah Desert Mountains it has taken me all over the place.
What about the springs and spacers in the front forks ? I understand that aftermarket springs and removing the spaces is a big improvement ... Thoughts ?
Hey Don, good question. I haven't done anything to the front forks yet but have heard that if you ride a lot harder than I do the front fork springs swap is a great idea. YamahaTdubClub has done the forks springs and he really recommends it. I want to swap them on my 2021 and I will make a video on which route I go.
I just retired in northern Wisconsin. I have a lot of riding opportunities right from my door. I’ve road off road most my life, via snowmobile, atv, motocross bikes, duel sports etc, so I have experience, but IM NOT GOOD! lol. I guess that besides my age, the sand up here is the norm, along with loamy breaker run type rock laid down to help logging equipment. So long story short, I’m thinking the TW with the wide tires would be the hot ticket? My question is, on sand roads, or even gravel roads, does the TW wonder? (Especially the front end) Is it pretty night and day more stable then the WR250R (which I’ve owned) Thank you. And PS, I’m currently on a 2020 Monkey with Shinzo Mobbers, but those 12” wheels will get you in trouble off road, and I’m to old to be going down anymore. Cheers
Hey Mike! I wish I could say I have ridden Wisconsin and know all about the terrain. But, I have ridden sand here and as long as I pressured down my tires I was able to go where I wanted to. For gravel, I can go about 30 mph with my TW200 without much wandering at all. I like the 241 front tire from Shinko and it added a bit of stability on gravel for me. With the stock tire I was able to go about 25mph before it would start walking on me. I hope this helps!
You definitely have me thinking now. I’m 58 years young, and not getting any younger, so I’m an on way, I’m thinking if it doesn’t quite have ‘enough’ as in hp, I’ll ‘grow into it’. This will probably be my last bike, and durability wise, what a perfect choice. Thanks. (I think?) 🤣
Looks like the older one hs a totally different front tire on it compared to the original. Is it more stable than the original front tire??? Ok sorry I asked the question at the beginning of your video. Stupid question then as I see you mention it later. But thanks for the info. Always good videos from you. 🙏
I grew up riding dirt, I've never had a street bike. At age 59 with a really bad back, does it ride smooth enough for just fire and logging roads? I'm not looking to go fast, just to go places that you really don't want to take an extended cargo van.
My father in law has a bad back as well and he rides his all over the place. He doesn't do extreme off road, but will ride the dirt roads on a gravel roads here around home and he has been okay so far. It isn't the smoothest suspension for hard ruts on washboard roads, but I like it.
Hello, Ok. I need 30mm Handle bar risers for my new 2023 TW200 and it seems to be different risers for different years. I looked at a set for 2013 TW200 and they told me it was different than the TW 2023 model. Is this true? Could you tell which risers will fit my 22023 TW? Thanks. Love your videos. James
Do you use ethanol-free gasoline? How do you take care of the carburetor when you don't ride the bike for a while. I love all your videos and I ordered a TW200 and I hope I get it in 4-5 months.
Hey Armin! Congrats on ordering the bike. I hope it gets here sooner for you. I don't use ethanol free fuel because I go through it way too fast. I am usually riding my bikes year round so the fuel doesn't have much chance to sit and get bad. For my Harley though, I use regular fuel and add the proper amount of fuel stabilizer. I fill both tanks and run the fuel through the carb for a few minutes so the stabilized fuel can get through the carb and onto the valves. A full fuel tank won't allow condensation and rust and then you should be good to go when the storage time is over. I hope that helps!
I'd like to put studs in my tires. I do no hiway riding. Just around the farm, hard dirt roads and on the lake once it freezes over. Any suggestions as far as size? Thank you
Hey Eric! I have looked into that as well for riding here in the snow and ice and I haven't come up with any just yet that I would install in my tires......but I will look into it more.
I've got a video just for you!! Short answer, yes it is a great bike for beginners. Here is a video on that exact question. ruclips.net/video/2IfBdXpedbk/видео.html
I've heard of folks that have been able to use 2" risers and be fine. I haven't done it myself. My buddy added those and some new bars and just flipped his throttle upside down and it works great. So, I haven't personally done it, but others have and haven't had issues.
I love this bike! There are plenty of gravel roads around me and I take it all the time. It won't go the fastest but it will go where you want it to. I highly recommend it!
Well define heavier....I'm at 240 and with the 52 toot rear sprocket I ride up a mountain as well on the way home from work and it does it. It really depends on how steep the mountain is too! Stock gearing with me and my wife I was trying to climb the Nebo Loop and there were times I could only hold about 10mph.
No, it hasn't been an issue for me. If I know I am going to be traveling farther than 100 miles on a trip I will plan accordingly to be around gas stations or take some sort of fuel container that I know will get me to the next stop.
@@MOBStreet83 I’m short too but my doctor told me that I am not allowed to fall down anymore. I’m not allowed to run , jump or hop also. Riding my Tdub is great therapy.
I am 6ft 2” how will I be riding the bike off road in northern Michigan? Also I will be ride on a back road Hwy speed limit is 55 mph.can I run the bike on this highway for 30 miles at 55 mph. Then take a 10 minute break and then ride in the woods, will I be comfortable riding for 5 to 8 hours in a day 4 to 6 times a week. I like the fat tires because I am 64 years old and won’t be riding hard in the dirt but will be on the back hey probably traveling 18 miles both ways daily. Thanks for helping me make a good decision to buy or not to buy this bike.
I think that this bike will be a good fit. My brother in law is 6'2" as well and he likes the TW. The TW can do that speed with me on it, I haven't ridden it for that many miles at that speed but I have heard of folks that do. There are some adjustments you can make to make the bike more comfortable for you as well. I think as long as you condition yourself to ride for that long you should be fine. Don't expect to hop on the first day and ride that long without being sore. I think it is a great bike and if you find you don't like it, the resale value on these are great. I hope that helps and best of luck!
I live in Alaska. There are no freeways here. Most the speed limits are 55 and occasionally 65 on longer trips. I would like to do a good amount of off-road also. I’m almost 40 and this would be my first motorcycle. Sounds like a good fit?
I would say yes! I would love to take my TW200 up to Alaska and ride! I ride mine to work and it is a 65mph road at points and it does okay. I just move over if someone is behind me wanting to go faster than I am.
That's what I have been told. I'm normally not riding overly aggressive so sitting and the occasional standing have worked. But, I will get out and ride more and try to stand more as well. Thanks for the insight and for watching, I appreciate it.
@@MOBStreet83 Interesting, I have read that the TW was designed for sitting and non-aggressive riding; hence the low bars. You had me laughing when you said that you vacuumed at dirt riding, it is great when you can be honest about yourself and laugh about it.
Thanks Mobstreet. Question: Original chain and front sprocket. I put at 47 tooth sprocket on the rear and now realize I need to shorten the chain by two links. I think I need a 428 rivet style master link to reconnect the chain once I remove 2 links. Can anyone recommend one? I searched amazon and they all have nasty reviews saying they stretch or don't fit. Nearest Yamaha dealer is 100 miles away so I would rather order one online if someone could share a weblink. I may just call Rocky Mountain to buy the tool and ask them if they have a master link that will fit.
Hey Fred! Here is a chain breaker I found on RMATV's website: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/park-tool-usa-speed-chain-tool-p?ref=1033& and here is a link for the master link that I found on Amazon. This will take you to quite a few options. Depending on what chain you have you can choose which link will work the best. www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mobstreet83-20&keywords=428 chain master link&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&linkId=1921b20fb0b4deff7877f719f90d7eba I couldn't find a link on RMATV's website. Hope that helps!
I disagree with your claim of cruising at freeway speeds. I cruise at 65 70 for 30 mile stretches with the bike all the way pegged out never had an issue
Best TW channel out there...period. As you know, I've not YET purchased a TW, but I still watch your channel religiously. I check in on a couple others, but won't subscribe to them...your content and style are both worth my time. One question I had is about the carb and elevation. It seems you've addressed that but I can't recall details. Are the varying elevations an issue on its performance? As always, great work brother!
Thanks Brother! We'll get you onto a TW soon enough! 😀 So far, with the carb and the elevations I have been riding it hasn't been an issue just yet. Some folks recommend going to a different carb, but it has treated me well so far. My brother just got a new carb for his and I want to do a side by side comparison to see how the performance levels are. I'll let you know. Hopefully the healing up process is going well!
Hey SNAPP! I agree that MOBStreet is the best. I’ve watched so many of Matt’s videos, I feel like he’s an old friend. I would also recommend TDubsKid.
We are John! 👍
@@johny6610 I watch Tdubskid sometimes, but won't be subscribing. That's just filler time waiting for Matt's vids.
You're the man Snapp!! 😂😂
The reason It is not fuel injected is because of the EPA import Certification for emissions. As long as the bike stays in the same basic configuration that it was imported with in 1987 it is still covered by the import certification from 1987. Once they make a major change to the bike I.E. fuel injection, engine change they will have to apply for a new import certification and comply with the latest EPA emissions standards. To meet he current standards the bike would be useless at 200cc. because emissions regulating robs horsepower. This bike is near 100% profit for Yamaha the R&D costs, tooling and engineering costs were paid for many times over changing it and having to re-certify it would be a very expensive endeavor.
That's the most comprehensive explanation I've heard so far! Makes sense too! Thanks for that Mic!
@@MOBStreet83 No problem . I just wish Yamaha would make 250cc kit or a 350 version. I miss my old BW 200 and 350.
@@MOBStreet83 Same thing goes for the Suzuki DRZ 400 although Suzuki has jacked the MSRP to over $7000 on that old technology bike like it is a much newer model.
@@microlling3582 big wheel is why I’m gonna buy a TW. 👍
That was a very good explanation, thank you.
Although I can probably go through a Mikuni carb with my eyes closed, now days I’m getting soooo tired of wrenching and really like EFI, but I definitely have room in my shop for a 1 carborated toy.
Plus, I’ll bet a guy, if not now, in time, plug and play a semi injected carb/EFI on it. I think that’s what they call them? I’m assuming it would be available per carb size, not so much the bike??
We need more honest and wholesome guys like you in this world
I don't know about that 🤔, but thanks! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
I agree with pretty much everything you have to say about the TW except; I do more road miles on mine than offroad miles, and I agree, the front tire is best as new and gets worse with mileage. I have another rear tire (for another bike) on the front and it's so agressive I had to get used to it, BUT I can practically scrape the pegs making turns. I did a 15 tooth sprocket on the engine and 3 less teeth on the wheel and the gearing is perfect. I was cruising today on the open road at 70 mph. I drilled the carb jets, etc and modified the original exhaust and otherwise made no other mods to the bike. It's great! There's a reason why Yamaha has been making this model for 37 years! My favorite bike among over 40 motorcycles!
That sounds awesome!! I love this bike on the road and I have a blast with it there also. 37 years and still selling like crazy! Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it!
Another great video Matt! The fact that the TW is still air-cooled and carbureted are two of the biggest reasons I bought it. I wanted a bullet-proof bike that I can work on. Limited electronics, no computer chips, simple old-school bike. If that were not the case, I would have chosen the Honda CRF300L for the additional displacement. I agree that TW is not a Highway bike. Mine is quite comfortable at 45 - 50 mph. But anything over that seems like it’s taxing that little engine. I’m glad you made that clear.
Thanks John! Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication! That's why I love the TW!
I just put money down on a TW. Been a rider since '87 and I decided on it because it has a carburator, and is simple enough to work on! I may be wrong but believe it may be the last commonly available carbureted non computer chip reliant bike. Yep, a bit of a Prepper! Lol
I enjoy your down to earth and friendly presentations. I’ve ridden for years and look forward to returning to the dirt riding and tooling around a small town. I do like the carb for I think it may be easier and less expensive to maintain. Thanks again. I appreciate it!
Hey Alex! Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it! I love my TW's and they are great for just cruising around town and hitting dirt roads and trails. I like the carb for the fact that if I love my battery I can just bump start the bike and get back home. I have had mine from 4,000' to 10,000' elevation and haven't had to worry about jetting yet. The mechanics of the bike are simple and straight forward and basic tools can perform the maintenance on the bike. It is a great machine and I think I will have one from here on out. Thanks again!
Matt falls over because he's having fun and not being a namby-pamby. We all get better faster when we try, fail, and learn from our mistakes.
Love your content. Keep it up!
Hey Jacob! I really appreciate it. I'm trying to show the capabilities of the TW and I know that my inexperience stands in the way sometimes. I have another video coming out this week of riding out at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes in Utah and this go around was much better than my first time out. Do to more experience on the bike and more experience in the sand I found the TW is a lot more fun out there than it was the last time. Thanks again!
If you don't crash, you are not pushing your (or the bikes) limits. All in moderation of course!
The one piece of advice I could give you is to keep your revs up in the dirt and keep your back wheel spinning. So often you let the bike drop revs and you end up falling over. In dirt you need to keep that rear wheel spinning and keep your weight over the rear tire.
Other than that your doing pretty good.
Thanks John! We went back a second time and it was way better than the first go round! Here is the link if you wanna see it. ruclips.net/video/KhB29ScPDks/видео.html
I agree 100% re: freeway riding. I know folks gear their TW up to go faster but I just don't feel confidence in the bike and the tires going above 65 or so. Personally I just take the back roads and plan a little more time to my commute or ride. The TW on the back roads are a good time where I live anyways!
Well said right there! Back road Tdub cruising is a great time!
Big difference between dirt and pavement riding! Thanks for being humble! I was an amateur roadracer for a few years, not bad! Put me in sand on a dirt bike and I fall down! Lol if you have kids, make them ride in sand or on ice. Best teacher ever!
Hey Todd! You are very right! I know I am not that great of a rider and I still have a lot to learn in all aspects of the sport. My kids are actually out riding in the snow today! I agree it is a great teacher! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I love the honesty! It's nice to watch a youtuber that is honest with their abilities!
Thanks! I figure, might as well tell it like it is!
in response to the can a tw carry me question: i'm 285 pounds, 6'4" with size 15 feet. it fits me just fine and i love it. after raising the bars 2.5" and getting the longest shifter lever that i could find. i pick it up and hang it on a chain from my garage roof so that i can work on it without bending over so its easy for me to pick up, not sure about other folks.
THAT IS AWESOME!!! I can't lift my TW like that. 😂 Thanks for taking the time to answer the question for others, I really appreciate it!
Lol, the falling over part was the best. Thanks for the info.
Thanks! I am glad you liked it Mike!
Everyone has a learning curve. I look forward to learning more off road riding. My question is: Does the TW200 ever overheat and in what conditions?
Hey Dianne! Great point, and some learning curves take longer than others. I am sure the TW would in some cases but I haven't heard of any as of yet. Sorry, I can't be much help on that one but I can look into it.
Thanks for another GREAT video Matt. I agree with the Shinko 241, after your recommendation I put it on and sure wish I would have done it sooner.
Hey Chuck! Thanks for watching, I'm glad you liked it! I think that 241 is an awesome tire. I spoke with someone the other day that has had 7 TW's and has tried a ton of tires and his favorite was the 241 as well. For the price is it worth the upgrade!
Good honest video. Thanks.
Watching this reminds me of my first motorcycle. It was a Honda CL100, my Buddies had Yamaha's, Kawasaki's, and Suzuki Enduro bikes. I was the only one with a 4-stroke. I had a hard time keeping up speedwise but, off road on dirt trails, I could hold my own. Good times back then.
Thanks Ardy! I love this bike and I have a lot more plans with it. There's a lot to see with this bike!
I am a Harley Rider also and will always will be, But I am considering buying one of these bikes because here in Texas we have endless back roads dirt and gravel that I just do not want to take my Harley down, I want to do more exploring instead of the same old boring routes I take on paved roads, Great video Thanks.
Hey Robert!! I love my HD FatBoy but I know exactly what you mean. I highly recommend getting a TW. They will take you all over the place and back again. Thanks for taking the time to watch and for the comment.
Dude! You married above yourself. 👍 Good honest review, no BS just truth told.
You bet I did!! I know I'm a pretty blessed man. Thanks, I really appreciate it!
One question you didn't answer, how'd you get such cute wife ? Ride safe Matt.
I'm not gonna give out all my secrets! 😁
Agreed, its the same with myself. The answer is really this: a beautiful woman who is also a solid person falls in love with good character, not necessarily good looks and money. So when you see a beautiful woman with a man that “doesn’t quite match” , you can count on the fact that he is a pretty solid dude.
Thanks. I agree on the Shinko . After I changed it was a world of difference on and off. There are plenty of channels to help on the basics of off trail.
Thanks Larry! Yeah, I have been watching a few videos on what I can do to get better at riding. Still got a long way to go!
Great vids. I bought mine today. My height is 5’7 and this is the only newer bike I can sit on and have both feet on the ground. It comes home Saturday!
Thanks, I am glad you like them! Yeah, that is one of the main reasons I love the bike. I hope you have a great time with it.
I picked mine up Saturday-LOVE IT!!!
I purchase a tw200 this past summer, when winterizing it, I put in Rec gas, which has no ethanol and also another three octane. Bike runs much better on the higher octane gas I don't know how much the ethanol has to do with it. Also I adjusted the carburetor to 2 turns made a world of difference.
Hey Tom! I was told that at my higher elevation the octane doesn't affect the bike much. I have run the higher octane and the lower and power seems to be same. I haven't run the ethanol free yet, but I might give it a try. Thanks for the insight!
Good practice. The TW compression doesn't need the octane, but the ethanol breaks down faster and it absorbs water. Both good reasons to not store it long. You can also try some fuel stabilizer if you're stuck without a non-ethanol source.
Great entry level video for a entry level bike. A buddy of mine was a big Harley guy untill he was crushed by a concrete drainage pipe while on the job. He went on disability at 52, moved to T or C NM and bought a TDub so he could still ride. He liked it better than his Harleys. RIP Homer.
Thanks Chris, I try to keep them as simple as possible but also include the right information. Here's to those who have gone before!
T dubs are great bikes!!! I own a 1987 Yamaha big wheel 200 electric/kick start green sticker no street legal. The motor is basically unchanged and mine still runs great. My friends T dub gets caked with mud sometimes and will not roll. We actually had to take the front fender off one time. Deciding on purchasing a T dub or a Honda 300L for slower adventure rides 👍
Hey Mike! The ol' BW is a beast! I would love to find one. I've had mine loaded with wet sand all over the place and it made it out okay. I fell who know how many times and I could have made a cast of the bottom of the engine with the sand mold I had made. It will take a beating and keep on going. My wife's uncle had over 100k miles on his and he used it as a farm bike and that sucker took a heck of a beating and kept going. I'm a huge fan of mine.
I’ve been biking for 50 plus years. When a newbie passenger asks me what they should do, I always say “same thing every time lol.” Then a quick instruction.
Good Call Gary! 👍
My first wife was in back of me on my Honda 250 scrambler. I was in the middle of a fairly sharp corner, when she just sat up. We immediately went off the edge of the road and up a bank before I got it stopped. I somehow kept us from crashing, but I chewed her out sooooo bad that she walked 1.5 miles home. She got much better at riding behind me after that.
They still have a carburetor because they are grandfathered in under old emissions standards. If they made this bike fuel injected they would have to go through emissions testing again. Same with the XR650 DRZ400 and several others
That's what I have been told and I really don't mind the carb! It's been awesome so far!
@@MOBStreet83 I really want a T Dub. I've been shopping around and about to pull the trigger. I've had few more carburetored machines than fuel injected and a carb doesn't bother me a bit
Do it! They are great bikes for sure!!
Thank you young man, very informative. I believe this is the machine for me. I own a 4 wheeler that me and my wife have fun on but I’m looking for a 2 wheel off road cycle that can go and keep up with her on the 4 wheeler. Looks like just the ticket. Thanks and God bless y’all. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
You bet Steven! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it! I love the TW200 and my father in law has one as well and loves it. Here is his video on the bike. ruclips.net/video/Gkbn_VSDOQw/видео.html
Thanks for another great video, I too was a street only rider and have a hard time keeping it shiny side up off road. Entertainment for my friends, However I do much better with the Shinko front tire.
Hey Will! I know how you feel! I'm with you though, that 241 tire has made a big difference for me as well. Here's to many more good times on the bike and getting better and better at riding!
Had one as a kid rode it over 30k miles and started to and from commuting to school in middle school on it. Rode it all over the west desert/5mile area.!! Can’t want to get one again. !!
Hey Hunter! 30k miles is awesome. I will get there some day with the bikes. I was out that way not that long ago, but I didn't have the TW with me. I'm gonna have to get out there to ride. Get another one and maybe I'll see you out there!
Man there is absolutely no reason for this guy to have less than 100k subs
You really think so? Thanks, I really appreciate it!
The toughest thing now is finding one to buy nearby.
That seems to be the struggle. Used ones are showing up more and more but folks are asking a pretty penny for them. I haven't seen any year of TW being listed for less than $3,000 now.
I am glad they they are still carburetor. Simplicity is king!
It has been said that Simplicity it the ultimate sophistication.
Hello from British Columbia. I said hi awhile back. So I’ve had 4 TW. Two 1987’s, a 2015 and my 2018. Not much difference which is truly amazing. I don’t know of any other bike that’s the same after all those years except kickstart removed and add disc brake.
I have a couple comments, I’m soon 72. So they can be a rough ride. Not much in the way of suspension. Have you heard of any mods with fork oils or springs? Aftermarket rear???
I’m a road bike guy as well and even if the TW could manage the freeway, it wouldn’t be much fun. But I did put a 45 tooth on rear to lower my rpm and vibration a bit. Also can go farther in 1st. I only have to drop one gear to climb my paved hill to come home. Very subtle change, but worth it for me. Oh I did add an air filled seat pad which is a help for that firm seat. I ride year round but get out my side by side for fun in the deeper snow. The bike sucks in deeper snow as most bikes do. Take care.
Hey Marty!! Welcome back and it's great to see another comment. So, Procycle offers a few different suspension setups for the TW's and guys on the forum talk all about them. I haven't personally installed one on my machine yet but I am looking to do so. Yeah, I have 3 feet of snow here at my place and this Tdub doesn't like going through it at all. Thanks again!
Great video, really informative. I’d love to have some time on one of these bikes, but calling it rare would be an understatement! I live in Scotland and you need the land owner’s permission to go off-road, which is just as hard as finding a TW200!
Man, I would love to ride my TW's over there. That is one place my wife and I both would love to visit. If I could bring the TW's over there we'd ride one and have you show us around on the other. OR, if you're ever out this way, let me know and we'll go cruise the TW's! We have quite a bit of public land to ride (for now anyways) and there are some really great places to visit. Thank you for watching and I hope you'll get to cruise one of these sooner rather than later.
@@MOBStreet83 I think the TW would love bouncing across the rocks and heather up in the highlands. I had a Suzuki Van Van 125 last year, which is about as close as you can get to a TW. Same type of tyres but maybe geared towards road riding a bit more. If I’m ever in the right place at the right time, I might get the TW and see if I can find a nice quiet spot to give it a bit of Haggis chasing!!😉
You can ride a street bike like a dirt bike but if you ride a dirt bike like a street bike you're going to crash A LOT. If you can sign up for something like Dirt Wise or American Supercamp you'll learn more in a weekend than a year of messing around on your own. I took the Dirt Wise in Two Rivers MX in Johnstown CO helped my ridingn a ton.
Thanks Greg! I'll look into those and see what's available.
that last bit really hit. utah is prime tw territory. i bought mine from my dad who is getting up there in years and its currently with me in oregon, but was purchased and primarily used in the mountains outside cedar city. im mainly using it to commute (luckily the highway speed limit is 50 up here) amazing trail bike that can in my opinion get you down the highway in a pinch but not reccomended for long rides. engine concerns aside its just not fun to ride on the highway if you are worried about the bike not being happy.
Yeah, I love it out here in Utah. There are so many different landscapes and terrains to ride. It's a great bike to just get out and see what's around you. Thanks for watching and for the comment. Here's to many more miles and good times with your Dad's TW!
In less than 5 months I'll be moving to Carson City, NV with miles and miles of dirt roads on BLM land. The TW-200 looks to be ideal for that, I just hope I can find one once I move there.
Hey Bob! I hope you can find one as well. They are great bikes and I haven't regretted buying either of mine.
@@MOBStreet83 Once I move to Carson City, I'll have to look around for it. At least Reno is only a 30 minute drive from Carson City if I can't find it there.
Thanks, Matt. This was one of the videos that helped me decide to get one.
Hey Boulderfield!! That is awesome to hear! I really hope you enjoy the Tdub as much as I do! Thanks for watching and here's to many good rides to come!
i bought a used one off a guy that didn't ride it a lot because it was a impulse buy. for me it was alil too doggy on power. so i took the head off and cleans it up, put a thinner gasket on for more compression. got a better carb and exhaust, put better ignition and upped the timing. helped out so much i ended up also putting on a 15 tooth front sprocket for more MPH. it feels like i gained 10 HP. but its prolly more like 5 to 7. thats like 50 HP in a V8. so not bad. u can feel its more quicker from 0- 50
Hey Charles! That is good to hear. Can you share which carb, exhaust and ignition you used? I am taking this bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats and am wondering what I can do boost it up a bit. Thanks!
Great video as always! Living in Utah as you said, have you ever had an issue with higher elevation with the carburetor? I see people talking about resetting and stuff. Also have you changed the chain and sprockets to something other than original? I'm still on the fence of a TW or an XT and I've watched your video... I want the best of both, slow for the trails but efi and commutability leaning XT but waffling! Thanks again for the great videos.
Hey Owen! I haven't had to touch the carb at all. I live at 6,000' and I have ran it from 4,000 to 10,000 without any issues at all. I did change the rear sprocket and chain on my 2019 because I wanted a little more grunt up in the hills when my wife and I ride together. I really like the stock 14 front and then I bumped up the rear to a 52 tooth and I really like that setup a lot.
Dude you rock! Super knowledgeable
I don't know that I have ever been called knowledgeable, but I'll take it! Thanks!
What a great find. Awesome post. Thank you. 🇨🇦👋🏼
Thanks, I am glad you like it! There's a whole channel about the TW if you're interested! ruclips.net/user/MOBStreet83
Your family is very very nice ;-)
Thanks!
No. Reader has no idea all I've done with a TW-200
and decades later I can still find use for it. I did ride
I-5 off and on from Canada until 2 hours south of
San Francisco. A 3-day ride and sleeping where
I could park it on dirt or sand. Load limits did not
halt what I was doing. Where no knobby had been.
I'd recommend Putnam County which claims to have
discovered 10,000 ride destinations where the sun
never shines.
That sounds like it would be awesome! I just saw that a guy from UT rode his 4,000+ miles to Mexico!
thank you for the video sir! i just passed on the CRF300L i ordered - the bike was too dang huge! even when the short model comes out, i just think it's too large a bike for what i want to muscle around in the woods at 5'6" 125lb :P
now i'm looking into either a tw200 or xt250 (maaaaaaaaybe klx230s...) but the more i watch the tw - the more i like what i see ;) as a short rider that just wants to cruise slowly along the local forest roads and some mellow trails - i think the tw might suit me well.
keep up the great content, i'll be watching for more! also please thank your wife for her insights, it's really helpful hearing the experiences of other lady riders!!
Hey! Is it Alexi or Alex? Thanks for watching. I have the KLX230S as well. It has a taller seat height than the TW and the XT250. I love my TW200's and my wife and kids love them as well. My wife says that she would take the TW over the KLX230 too. I have more videos on the way! Thanks for watching and for subbing to the channel, I really appreciate it!
@@MOBStreet83 i've sat on both the klx230s and xt250 (with and without a lowering link), it'll do - but even though i haven't (yet!) sat on the tw, it just calls to me ya know ;) the style and way it carries itself, plus the 35+ years and we only needed to change 2 things on this perfect bike.. it speaks!
if i might ask. i noticed you live at elevation. i live at about 2200ft, but will occasionally plan to ride around 7500-9500ft on this bike. do i need to be prepared to make carburetor adjustments to accommodate spending a day at altitude? or should i be able to kinda set and forget this thing on the tw once i get it dialed in at my elevation?
thank you!
- alex
I'd take the TW over the KLX230S! It has loads more character than the others. I have ridden from 4,000 to 9,500' and haven't had to change anything on the jetting so far. I would see what it is like stock at your elevation and then if it needs to be adjusted or changed then you could address it. I don't think it would need much of an adjustment though.
Good looking bike - really want one for running around the city of Tucson.
Hey Bill! I love the TW. As long as you aren't trying to hit above 60mph for long periods of time, this TW will go wherever you want it to go. I cruise mine all over town and I ride it 45 miles round trip back and forth to work. I recommend it! Thanks for watching!
Super information, Matt! You are an asset to RUclips. I gotta ask...man, the terrain youre riding in looks awesome, where do you live!? LOL Kidding! 9:42
Thanks!! I really appreciate that comment!
My favorite TW guy
Thanks Mike!! I appreciate it.
Thank you I just started looking at em
You bet! They are great machines.
I'm still waiting for a TW 300+ with fuel injection and full disc brakes.
Who knows when it will come. I'm enjoying these ones until they do!
What would the performace of a TW200 be like if you changed sprockets to one more tooth up front and one less tooth in the rear?
My father in law kept the 14t in front and went with a 47t on the rear and he was able to gain some top end speed, lower the rpm and still climb with it. So, you'd go from a 3.57:1 to a 3.27:1 ratio. You'd gain a bit more on the top end than the 14/47 combo. But if you aren't doing hard off-road I think you'd be fine with that setup.
Thankyou
No worries! Thanks for asking
Good stuff Matt! 😎👍🏼👍🏼
Thank You Sir!! I really appreciate it. I need to get out your way and get out of the snow. Those Goldwing riding vids are looking pretty tempting.
@@MOBStreet83 it was 68F today. 😎
Dang.....that would be nice! 😐
Thank you for the video, but it would be nice to get into the list sooner than 1:23
Got it! Thanks, I am always happy to hear what I can do to make the videos better. I appreciate it.
Great info. Thanks!
You bet! Thanks for watching!
The #1 question asked about any motorcycle: How fast does it go?
The TW answer: just fast enough.
Just fast enough is exactly right! 💯
Besides, it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
Wow!!!! Someone on RUclips actually admitting they are not good at something instead of "I am a know it all and you all suck and should do as I say!" Kudos!!!! I'm an off-road instructor. Get some guidance from someone who knows what they are doing or watch lots of videos and practice. It'll pay dividends with safety and elevate your level of fun.
Well, I come from riding street and am not that great in the dirt yet. I would love to take a course, would you happen to have one that you'd recommend?
Cool video and honest comments 👍
Thanks! I really appreciate it!
GREAT video Matt. This should have a 💛 button instead of a 👍button!
Thanks Ed! I really appreciate it. Have you decided which bike you're gonna go with.
@@MOBStreet83 No, I haven't. I think I want to go with something a little larger. I would like to have fuel injection so no problems with jetting going from about 860 feet above sea level at home (northeast corner of Indiana) to the higher altitudes. We don't really have much of anything for trails around home so any bikes that Kathy and I get would see mostly on road riding, but if we can swing it we would like to do a moto trip to the Rockies. Thinking along the lines of the XT250, CRF300L, KLX300, maybe even the Versys X-300. I would really like to see an XT300 or 350, or a Honda CRF 350, even a 400 by one of the companies, but keep the weight down around 300 pounds Yeah, I know, wish in one hand, crap in the other and see which one gets full quicker. 😉 A little more of a long shot for a Honda CB500X or KLR650, but they're pretty heavy.
Guess I've pretty well ruled out the TW200 but not 100%. But I'm still enjoying the hell out of your videos.
Hey Matt great vid! & yes I have a question.. How can I convince my wife to learn how to ride lol.
Thanks!! Had to throw that tough one out there at me didn't you? If she doesn't have any interest at all that might be hard. But, if you can get her started on a smaller bike like a ttr125 or the Honda CRF100 just so she can get the feel of the bike and get over the discomfort of motorcycles and then slowly move up from there that is what I would recommend. My sister went through the MSF riders course and she still didn't feel overly comfortable on the TW so she cruised around a little Yamaha 175 before she got back onto the TW. Smaller bikes, that are tame, are a good way to break the ice. My wife had a motorcycle when we met and she had been riding for years with her dad before I ever showed up, so I got pretty lucky!
First of all, a carburetor is a million times better than EFI, I absolutely will not own an EFI bike. I want a motorcycle, not a computer on wheels. I currently ride a carbureted Yamaha XT225, and have NEVER had any problems with the carburetor.
However, while the carburetor is stone reliable and trouble free, just about every other time I go riding out in the AZ desert, I get a flat tire. Now the XT225 has very narrow tires, and my bike has an aftermarket centerstand. Not one of those stupid prop rods, but an actual permanent bolt on spring loaded centerstand, like many street bikes used to have. And still, fixing a flat tire is a major job for me. I am 63 and partly disabled. The centerstand I have on my XT225 is no longer available, and there is no centerstand available for the TW200. While I would like to have a TW200, mostly because I really like those wide tires, I see no way I could fix a flat on one. I have yet to see how anyone fixes a flat on a TW200 out in the middle of nowhere, by themselves. I saw a video where one guy did it in his garage, using a lot of stuff, including a lift, that you would not have with you out in the middle of nowhere. And he really struggled with it. That is the one really big issue preventing me from getting a TW200.
Hey Gerald, here is the link for the center stand nomadic-racks.com/index.php?option=com_rokecwid&Itemid=62#!/YAMAHA-TW200-CENTER-STAND-KIT/p/447113789/category=976077 I haven't had an issue with carb yet either.
They can't convert it to EFI without recertification by .gov, this would require a complete redesign for emission standards.
Yep, that makes perfect sense! I am pretty happy with the design though, it's been a great bike for me.
some tw vids the highway speed topic is addressed as probaly not. none of those opinions are from bicycle riders like me busting ny...averaging 15 mph for 20 mi rides. 55 mph or so doing nothing, i'm in.
I love this thing on the back roads and just out cruising around where no one is!
GOT MY 2021 NO REGRETS
Same here Eddie!! Thanks for watching.
Nice video!
Very informative for the first time buyers
I just bought my third one! Got any suggestions for driver foot pegs?
Stock ones are tiny!
Looking for ones that won't need modifications.
Suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Thanks Bobby! I appreciate it. I have 3 of them as well and I love them. So, the foot pegs that I have on mine, and they have been extremely solid, are the pegs from Rocky Mountain ATV. Here's the link for them! www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-billet-race-foot-pegs-p?ref=1033&
I was considering a TW200 but I've heard about and seen videos and pictures of broken frames. Looking at the bike the frame even looks thin and weak. It's too bad because it's the size I need for my trail purposes . I have a 1200 Harley and a 950 Yamaha for street riding but want to get back into nature now that I'm retired.
How hard are you planning to ride?!? I've done some.really hard riding and I weigh 240 and carry a passenger all the time and haven't had it break yet. Not saying it won't, but it has been awesome so far. My father in law has had 4 tw's and put over 25,000 miles on them and never had an issue.
@@MOBStreet83 I'll be riding easy and slow on gravel roads and some smooth forest roads. No wheelies or jumps or hole shots. Just getting out in nature and fishing and picking berries and mushrooms. I'll be traveling around 30 miles of forest road at a time.
@@dangunn6961 then I'd say the TW200 is the perfect bike! You're not gonna crack the frame. I've jumped and beat mine all the time and have had more than 100 lbs on the rear rack for a long time and haven't cracked it yet. This is my Father In alw with his ruclips.net/video/Gkbn_VSDOQw/видео.html
@@MOBStreet83 That's what I was wanting to hear. I'll get one in March. I have road bikes for highway use but wanted something I can ride to back roads from home and also haul in my truck to some state and national forest roads about 70 miles away.
Owned one. Worst rear shock absorber I ever encountered. May as well used a 2x4.
Did you get it new or used? I have three of them now and I haven't had any issue with them.
Thank you
You bet Donn! Thanks for watching and for the comment, I appreciate it!
I just saw this. If you see this comment I have a question.
I grew up on dirt bikes and spent most of my summers as a kid riding our Ohio dirt roads and tractor trails. Now I'm 56 and it's been decades since dirt road exploring. I've been looking at the TW has a way to start exploring those roads again. Maybe even a little light off roading, but I'm old so nothing too tough. I that you said it's not good for freeways. No biggie, I've got other bikes for that. But what about two lane Highway? Most of the dirt roads are about 20 mi from me and most of the areas that I would be riding to get there are 55 miles an hour. I'm guessing between 45 and 50 miles an hour it's probably pretty good based on the videos that I've seen. Is that right?
Hey! My father in law used to ride his all the time to and from work. He had a 55 mph speed limit for about 6 or 7 miles and it handled it fine. Check out this video I did on turning my TW into a touring bike. I rode it almost 200 miles around 50-55 mph and it did fine. ruclips.net/video/OZqXLo2QAYg/видео.html
@@MOBStreet83 very cool, thanks. I will watch that as soon as I get home from work tonight. 👍
Great RUclips info. Question. Should I change my chain on my new 2023 TW 200 for a better quality chain or is the stock chain ok. Thanks. James.
Hey James! Thanks, I am glad you like it. The stock chain stretches quite a bit, but it works well for a while. I didn't change mine for a long time and it worked great. You can if you want to, but you don't need to right off the bat.
I'm thinking .. I need one.
I think you do too! You should get one!
Is it fairly easy to lock the rear brakes on this model. Talking of freeway riding even some larger cc bikes like my new 1200cc 48 can be a little uncomfortable on the freeway, with wind etc.Even with unknown multi curves I tend to go a little slower.
That depends on how well you use the pedal. The rear brakes are drum and a mechanical setup so what you apply is what you apply, no hydraulic pressure. But, I ride the road all the time and I don't have any issue slowing down at all and it doesn't lock up unless I want it to.
Good video Matt. Thinking of this bike for Idaho deserts. What rear tire is best for when it needs to be replaced ?
You bet Bill, thanks for watching. I actually recommend the stock rear tire. It is a great tire and out here in the Utah Desert Mountains it has taken me all over the place.
What about the springs and spacers in the front forks ? I understand that aftermarket springs and removing the spaces is a big improvement ... Thoughts ?
Hey Don, good question. I haven't done anything to the front forks yet but have heard that if you ride a lot harder than I do the front fork springs swap is a great idea. YamahaTdubClub has done the forks springs and he really recommends it. I want to swap them on my 2021 and I will make a video on which route I go.
I just retired in northern Wisconsin. I have a lot of riding opportunities right from my door. I’ve road off road most my life, via snowmobile, atv, motocross bikes, duel sports etc, so I have experience, but IM NOT GOOD! lol. I guess that besides my age, the sand up here is the norm, along with loamy breaker run type rock laid down to help logging equipment. So long story short, I’m thinking the TW with the wide tires would be the hot ticket? My question is, on sand roads, or even gravel roads, does the TW wonder? (Especially the front end) Is it pretty night and day more stable then the WR250R (which I’ve owned)
Thank you.
And PS, I’m currently on a 2020 Monkey with Shinzo Mobbers, but those 12” wheels will get you in trouble off road, and I’m to old to be going down anymore.
Cheers
Hey Mike! I wish I could say I have ridden Wisconsin and know all about the terrain. But, I have ridden sand here and as long as I pressured down my tires I was able to go where I wanted to. For gravel, I can go about 30 mph with my TW200 without much wandering at all. I like the 241 front tire from Shinko and it added a bit of stability on gravel for me. With the stock tire I was able to go about 25mph before it would start walking on me. I hope this helps!
Yes sir, answered it well, and I actually like the answer.
Or am I just talking myself into one? lol.
Thanks,
Mike
Let me help you talk yourself into one Mike! You won't regret it! 😂
You definitely have me thinking now. I’m 58 years young, and not getting any younger, so I’m an on way, I’m thinking if it doesn’t quite have ‘enough’ as in hp, I’ll ‘grow into it’. This will probably be my last bike, and durability wise, what a perfect choice.
Thanks. (I think?) 🤣
@@mikem9953 this is my Father In Law and he has had 4 of these bikes. He said this is his last one! ruclips.net/video/Gkbn_VSDOQw/видео.html
I'm guessing you like wider tires as well for the side roads. Preferably gravel?
I love the grip of these tires and how well they feel on a lot of surfaces really. It is super stable!
Looks like the older one hs a totally different front tire on it compared to the original. Is it more stable than the original front tire??? Ok sorry I asked the question at the beginning of your video. Stupid question then as I see you mention it later. But thanks for the info. Always good videos from you. 🙏
No worries!! Glad it made sense.
I grew up riding dirt, I've never had a street bike.
At age 59 with a really bad back, does it ride smooth enough for just fire and logging roads?
I'm not looking to go fast, just to go places that you really don't want to take an extended cargo van.
My father in law has a bad back as well and he rides his all over the place. He doesn't do extreme off road, but will ride the dirt roads on a gravel roads here around home and he has been okay so far. It isn't the smoothest suspension for hard ruts on washboard roads, but I like it.
@@MOBStreet83 thanks for the info
you bet! Thanks for the comment
Keep the valves in check.
Don't do like me.
Yep, valves have been done and are in spec. Always good to keep in mind.
Hello, Ok. I need 30mm Handle bar risers for my new 2023 TW200 and it seems to be different risers for different years. I looked at a set for 2013 TW200 and they told me it was different than the TW 2023 model. Is this true? Could you tell which risers will fit my 22023 TW? Thanks. Love your videos. James
Hey James! Nope, here's the link to the ones I have amzn.to/43GKddU
Thank for the reply. Stay Cool and ride safe. James.
Likewise!
Do you use ethanol-free gasoline? How do you take care of the carburetor when you don't ride the bike for a while. I love all your videos and I ordered a TW200 and I hope I get it in 4-5 months.
Hey Armin! Congrats on ordering the bike. I hope it gets here sooner for you. I don't use ethanol free fuel because I go through it way too fast. I am usually riding my bikes year round so the fuel doesn't have much chance to sit and get bad. For my Harley though, I use regular fuel and add the proper amount of fuel stabilizer. I fill both tanks and run the fuel through the carb for a few minutes so the stabilized fuel can get through the carb and onto the valves. A full fuel tank won't allow condensation and rust and then you should be good to go when the storage time is over. I hope that helps!
I'd like to put studs in my tires. I do no hiway riding. Just around the farm, hard dirt roads and on the lake once it freezes over. Any suggestions as far as size? Thank you
Hey Eric! I have looked into that as well for riding here in the snow and ice and I haven't come up with any just yet that I would install in my tires......but I will look into it more.
I have never driven a motorcycle before. I am in the process of buying one that is good for beginners. Is the TW200 a good choice?
I've got a video just for you!! Short answer, yes it is a great bike for beginners. Here is a video on that exact question. ruclips.net/video/2IfBdXpedbk/видео.html
How does it do at high elevation? Did you have to mess with the carburetor?
I have ridden to 10,000' with it and I haven't touched the carb at all so far. It hauls me all over the place just fine Jeremy
can you install 2'' and use OEM cables . its a 2022 year model??
I've heard of folks that have been able to use 2" risers and be fine. I haven't done it myself. My buddy added those and some new bars and just flipped his throttle upside down and it works great. So, I haven't personally done it, but others have and haven't had issues.
I am 65 and need a gravel road bike just to get out and have fun. Is this the bike for gravel roads?
I love this bike! There are plenty of gravel roads around me and I take it all the time. It won't go the fastest but it will go where you want it to. I highly recommend it!
I’m a heavier fella, I drive up a mountain to work, am I gonna be holding up traffic at 45 mph?
Well define heavier....I'm at 240 and with the 52 toot rear sprocket I ride up a mountain as well on the way home from work and it does it. It really depends on how steep the mountain is too! Stock gearing with me and my wife I was trying to climb the Nebo Loop and there were times I could only hold about 10mph.
Where can I get a DG pipe o series for my tw..
I found this one on Dennis Kirk www.denniskirk.com/dg/stainless-v2-slip-on-muffler-071-4205.p436531.prd/436531.sku
Has the small amount of gas the tw holds ever been an issue for you? Mileage claims seem to vary widely 50-80
Thanks
No, it hasn't been an issue for me. If I know I am going to be traveling farther than 100 miles on a trip I will plan accordingly to be around gas stations or take some sort of fuel container that I know will get me to the next stop.
The reason you fall down a lot is gravity likes you more.
Good thing I'm short! Lot shorter distance to fall! 🤣
@@MOBStreet83 I’m short too but my doctor told me that I am not allowed to fall down anymore. I’m not allowed to run , jump or hop also. Riding my Tdub is great therapy.
I am 6ft 2” how will I be riding the bike off road in northern Michigan? Also I will be ride on a back road Hwy speed limit is 55 mph.can I run the bike on this highway for 30 miles at 55 mph. Then take a 10 minute break and then ride in the woods, will I be comfortable riding for 5 to 8 hours in a day 4 to 6 times a week. I like the fat tires because I am 64 years old and won’t be riding hard in the dirt but will be on the back hey probably traveling 18 miles both ways daily. Thanks for helping me make a good decision to buy or not to buy this bike.
I think that this bike will be a good fit. My brother in law is 6'2" as well and he likes the TW. The TW can do that speed with me on it, I haven't ridden it for that many miles at that speed but I have heard of folks that do. There are some adjustments you can make to make the bike more comfortable for you as well. I think as long as you condition yourself to ride for that long you should be fine. Don't expect to hop on the first day and ride that long without being sore. I think it is a great bike and if you find you don't like it, the resale value on these are great. I hope that helps and best of luck!
@@MOBStreet83 thanks.
For the shinko tire when I go to select a size what size should I select
I am a fan of the 4.10-18. I just bought the Shinko 244 for my other bike and I bought the 4.60-18 on that one. I can't wait to compare the two tires.
Is it possible to put a Yamaha AG200 engine on TW200?
Not sure, but if I could find one here in the states I wouldn't mind trying!
I live in Alaska. There are no freeways here. Most the speed limits are 55 and occasionally 65 on longer trips. I would like to do a good amount of off-road also. I’m almost 40 and this would be my first motorcycle. Sounds like a good fit?
I would say yes! I would love to take my TW200 up to Alaska and ride! I ride mine to work and it is a 65mph road at points and it does okay. I just move over if someone is behind me wanting to go faster than I am.
@@MOBStreet83 During my research I think I am going to go with the honda crf300l. I actually know 2 people that have one!
I've heard the 300 is a great machine. I hope it works out well for you!
My dream bike! :)
Maybe, hopefully, someday they will be available where you're at!
You need to stand up when ur riding off road will help u with ur Control and you won’t fall over so much
That's what I have been told. I'm normally not riding overly aggressive so sitting and the occasional standing have worked. But, I will get out and ride more and try to stand more as well. Thanks for the insight and for watching, I appreciate it.
@@MOBStreet83 Interesting, I have read that the TW was designed for sitting and non-aggressive riding; hence the low bars. You had me laughing when you said that you vacuumed at dirt riding, it is great when you can be honest about yourself and laugh about it.
Great video 🎉
Thanks, I am glad you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to watch and to comment.
Thanks Mobstreet. Question: Original chain and front sprocket. I put at 47 tooth sprocket on the rear and now realize I need to shorten the chain by two links. I think I need a 428 rivet style master link to reconnect the chain once I remove 2 links. Can anyone recommend one? I searched amazon and they all have nasty reviews saying they stretch or don't fit. Nearest Yamaha dealer is 100 miles away so I would rather order one online if someone could share a weblink. I may just call Rocky Mountain to buy the tool and ask them if they have a master link that will fit.
Hey Fred! Here is a chain breaker I found on RMATV's website: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/park-tool-usa-speed-chain-tool-p?ref=1033& and here is a link for the master link that I found on Amazon. This will take you to quite a few options. Depending on what chain you have you can choose which link will work the best. www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mobstreet83-20&keywords=428 chain master link&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&linkId=1921b20fb0b4deff7877f719f90d7eba I couldn't find a link on RMATV's website. Hope that helps!
U the man!!
What? Thanks Man!! 😂
What does heigth mean? Same as height?
Yes, it is the older English form of height. They're the same.
I disagree with your claim of cruising at freeway speeds. I cruise at 65 70 for 30 mile stretches with the bike all the way pegged out never had an issue
Glad to hear it Jacob!! I think I'll have to drop a bit of weight for mine to do that. 😂
I consider my TW a trail 70 on steroids.
🤣🤣 There you go!