[TW-Brian]

The TW200 was first introduced in the U.S. in 1987. This model year has been reported to have a failure prone CDI unit and a unique one year-only electrical system.

I recently acquired my third 1987 TW200 and wondered which of them was the oldest. I then thought it might be fun to see which forum member has the earliest bike, approximately how many bikes were distributed that first year, how many have experienced CDI problems, and what is the current condition of these original bikes.

Serial# - Forum Member - Model - CDI Problems? - Status

00281 - TW-Brian - California Bike - No - Parts Bike - Being cannibalized for parts

00360 - TW-Brian - California Bike - No - Stock (Sold)

01126 - TW-Brian - California - No - Given to son - Converted to hollow mod style

If you own a 1987 TW200, add your info to the list. (I tried to import a table but it didn't work. Maybe someone more computer savvy than me can format this better than I have).

Brian

 

[lizrdbrth]

00168. Lizrdbrth. Dead CDI (No spark, high RPM)

00614. Lizrdbrth. Dead CDI (no spark at all)

01050. Lizrdbrth. Dead CDI, (intermittent)



Two of the above were converted to the '88-'00 system and are still on the road (One of these was the basis for my green bike). The earliest will be the LSR bike.



These are all "C" models. I've wondered if 49-state bikes were numbered seperately. In other words if there are duplicate numbers on non-"C" models out there or were they all numbered consecutively in the aggregate of U.S. models.

 

[TW-Brian]

These are all "C" models. I've wondered if 49-state bikes were numbered seperately. In other words if there are duplicate numbers on non-"C" models out there or were they all numbered consecutively in the aggregate of U.S. models.

I was wondering the same thing. We'll have see if some 49-state owners report in and see if that sheds any light on this.



So far you've got the earliest bike. Any guesses on the total number sold the first year?

 

[Bullspit]

Those 87's really seem to be like potato chips, you can't have just one!

 

[lizrdbrth]

No clue on production numbers. This has come up a couple of times over the years, as well as on the old forum. I think there were some members with single digit numbers.



I converted a couple others to the later system and sold them. I found one of the old threads. Apparently one of them was in the 900's and someone had #11.



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/4419-trying-to-find-early-bikes/

 

[Ssokzon]

-I have an '87 here in Pennsylvania- #00956...had a bad CDI but replaced it and it's running great now...I like it more than my '04, but not sure why...probably because I've ridden it more in the dirt so I feel more comfortable with it's carb and front shoe brakes, which have a unique, and to me, better 'feel'..?

 

[lizrdbrth]

I agree. The slide carb is "snappier" and the drum brake definitely has more "feel" in the dirt. When it comes to a bone stock bike I'd rather ride an early model offroad.

 

[BBMS]

California model. 851. I found a used CDI, but have a new one as backup.

 

[Wannabe]

Just bought #3015

 

[TW-Brian]

Congratulations!



Looks like you found a very nice survivor. With that high of a serial number, I wonder if that means Yamaha made over 3,000 TW's in their first year? That seems very high to me.



How's your bike run? It looks to be very complete and original.



Brian



p.s. Welcome to the forum. Where are you located?

 

[Wannabe]

Congratulations!



Looks like you found a very nice survivor. With that high of a serial number, I wonder if that means Yamaha made over 3,000 TW's in their first year? That seems very high to me.



How's your bike run? It looks to be very complete and original.



Brian



p.s. Welcome to the forum. Where are you located?

Thanks!

It's in great shape. It has 5,000 miles and appears to have been babied. It runs pretty good, but the carb needs a little adjusting. I'm going to change the jets next week to help with the altitude (5000 ft). I'm digging the original paint and decals.

I'm located in Logan, Utah.

 

[old mad max]

Welcome newbie (o; You are one of the lucky guys who live and ride out west............. Many happy trails to ya.. OMM.

 

[BC4Lyphe]

*EDIT*- Turns out I'm an idiot and have an '88. Sorry

#0934. Just bought it so I have no idea if the cdi is original or not. Was running but I just stripped it down. Will get back to this thread once it's on the road.



Before-



Untitled by BC4Lyphe, on Flickr

 

[esw28]

Hey guys I'm going to look at an 87 today for $700, has title and 6700 miles, looks good in the pic and he says it runs good, i'll post it up if I buy it, sounds like a deal if it checks out ok in person.

 

[esw28]

Here she is in all her glory #1940 from cali, Don't know about cdi yet, I think it may need carb rebuilt, I took off carb and bowl this morning and cleaned everything, ran strong for about 6 miles and started sputtering.

 

[Rainman]

#3948 Rainman's dad's, non-Cali, runs like a champ.

 

[hertha]

#1280 no issues i can see, runs great

 

[cmercon]

2/87 #3724. 5518 miles no issues so far.

 

[zoomer]

#804 5398 miles



I got the blue/white too...

 

[goldenhtr]

Here she is in all her glory #1940 from cali, Don't know about cdi yet, I think it may need carb rebuilt, I took off carb and bowl this morning and cleaned everything, ran strong for about 6 miles and started sputtering.

Strange < I don't remember any 87's that were white with blue frame. ? Anyone else? Maybe a plastics change.