[DaveL]

Hi,



I am new to the board



My question is: I am looking at a 1996 TW200, good shape, only 1400 miles --- price is $1900



Are the any things that relate to this model year (or age) that I should look at or consider?



It appears to me that there have been few changes to these since 1996



My concern is getting a 16 year old bike only to find out that parts are not available. That seems to be an issue with some bikes.



Should I be looking at a more recent model (say less than 10 years old)?



Thanks, in advance.



Dave

 

[n2o2diver]

Dave,

The bike is relatively un-changed over the years, small differences. Parts don't seem to be a big issue and are readily available. Most parts swap between the years (not all).

That is not a lot of mile for that year bike. I would look it over for signs that the speedo was disconnected to keep the miles low. Check the tires, if they are original they may be dry rotted. See what the oil looks like, has it been changed. Battery, if it has sat a long time it may need a new one. The stock chain sucks and the sprockets will already be worn. You can ride that chain and sprocket out, then switch to an o-ring chain on new sprockets.

I'm no expert, others will be along with some good advice shortly.

 

[qwerty]

For a 1996 to be worth that much it would have to be in immaculate conditio, with recent service with receipts since new, and functioning perfectly.

 

[lizrdbrth]

What N2O2 said. But that's a bit steep for a '96.



Where are you located?

 

[DaveL]

Thanks for the comments.



I am located in Ashland, Oregon --- which is near the Or / Ca border



Have been looking for several months, have seen a number of good buys on recent models listed - but all have been 500 miles or more away.



Frankly, I would prefer to find something in the 2005 - 2010 range, as I plan to do some deep woods riding on remote fire trails and am nervous about reliability



Any suggestions on websites to look at for something in this year range?



Dave

 

[weeman]

Thanks for the comments.



I am located in Ashland, Oregon --- which is near the Or / Ca border



Have been looking for several months, have seen a number of good buys on recent models listed - but all have been 500 miles or more away.



Frankly, I would prefer to find something in the 2005 - 2010 range, as I plan to do some deep woods riding on remote fire trails and am nervous about reliability



Any suggestions on websites to look at for something in this year range?



Dave

I use http://www.bikefinds.com pulls all the craiglslist finds and maps them, also type in craigslist search in google and there are many search engines that will search more than one craigslist. Just be ready to act quick and take a drive these bikes sell fast especially this time of year. Best of luck Sly

 

[Omega Man]

My question is: I am looking at a 1996 TW200, good shape, only 1400 miles --- price is $1900







Thanks, in advance.



Dave

While the guys are right on it being too much money...it's what they go for out here on the other coast.....and they are gone real fast when they come up for sale used. Good luck and welcome. Gary

 

[FortPayne]

My 2 cents: except for the 1987, reliability is almost a non-issue. 87 had a bit of a CDI problem but my 94' has been great and it was in horrible condition when I got it.



96' still has the kick starter in addition to the electric start.

 

[DaveL]

Hi All,



Thanks for the comments on my questions.



I examined and test rode the bike: 1400 miles, adult owned, garage kept, well maintained, original everything (knobby tires a bit worn, maybe 60% tread left on the rear).



One thing that struck me was that from a cold start - seemed to have a higher than expected mechanical noise, like valve clatter. Since this is the first TW200 I have been close to, have nothing to compare it to. Any suggestions on how to evaluate / inspect this noise?



There was no evidence of blowing oil, etc.



Also the $1900 price for a 16 year old bike seemed steep (I see Kelley BB says $1280)any suggestions on a price for a very good, low mileage bike of this age is worth?



Dave

 

[Batman1USA]

not an expert on the prices but I'd pass for that much change and that year. I got a 07 for not much more than that with a DG exhaust.

The thing I have learned in my short tenur at looking is when you find one reasonably inexpensive you better be ready to go get it.

I had an '00 for a short time that was noisey but I believe the timing chain just needed adjusting. You can find out how to do that on here somewhere.

Great forum with lots of helpful pictures and advise.



JD

 

[FortPayne]

Dave, these bikes have loud top end. At 1400 the valves should be close. Timing chain close too.



If it was me, I would ask if the oil filter had been changed. If yes, I would verify oil to the top end before purchasing just to make sure it doesnt have the deadly wrong filter. Simple bolt on top of engine, crank it, put your finger on the kill switch, have paper towel handy, and slowly unscrew bolt til oil comes out-takes 30 seconds. If no oil comes out, then wrong filter was installed....walk away.

The quick read on that is here.



The price is high depending on the availability of TW's in your area. Offer $1400 cash. Maybe come up to $1500. Point out to this guy you are offering more than kbb. These bikes hold value. They aren't measured as much in years as miles, and 1400 is practically new.

Between us, totally worth it.

 

[DaveL]

Thanks for the reply.



The current owner changed the oil + filter the day before I saw it (said he got the correct filter. He bought it a couple of years ago and put about 300 trail miles on it.



'If' it had the wrong filter on it before - how could I determine that?



My thought on the price was $1500-1600



I could kick myself - saw an '08 with 5k on it last month for $2500, should have bought it!

 

[r80rt]

I gave $1000 for my 97 last year, it had 3400 miles on it, and in very nice condition. I did replace the tires and chan promptly though.

 

[FortPayne]

Thanks for the reply.



The current owner changed the oil + filter the day before I saw it (said he got the correct filter. He bought it a couple of years ago and put about 300 trail miles on it.



'If' it had the wrong filter on it before - how could I determine that?



My thought on the price was $1500-1600



I could kick myself - saw an '08 with 5k on it last month for $2500, should have bought it!

Im tellin' ya, the 96 is a better deal. If I had the cash and the choice between an 08 and a 96 I would honestly go for the '96.



On the oil filter, you would simply loosen the bolt pictured in the post I listed. If no oil then the noise is head oil starvation, otherwise its normal noise which all tdubs have. The wrong filter kills the bike within 5 miles or so, you'd know real fast.



If he comes down a little jump on it, you wont regret it!

 

[qwerty]

The oil filter cover is sealed with o-rings. They will re-seal, so simply take the oil filter out and look at it.