[marcortez]

I am about ready to pull the trigger on a new TW200 and was hoping to get some insight from other owners.



It's been a long time since I have been astride a motorcycle (30 yrs) and my past riding experiences have included

a 650 Triumph, Honda Scrambler, Bultaco 125 and a Yamaha 350 Warrior quad.



I live in Baja, Mexico, near the ocean and the riding conditions can include pavement, hard dirt, loose rocks and sand....both beach sand and riverbed sand.



High speeds do not appeal to me nor does full tilt off-road use.



What I was looking for, was a bike that could get me around a small town and at times, do some easy going exploring of the back roads and washes and the main highway infrequently.



Those fat tires on the TW200 look to be ideal for what I want to do....based on using a bicycle with skinny tires vs balloon tires.

The skinny tires would dig in the soft stuff and I would have to push the bicycle out, whereas the balloon tires seemed to provide a better experience.



I am 6' and 220#....an old fart and can't keep up with, nor do I want to, the younger guys/gals.



There may be a "rear" companion from time to time...hopefully about a 100# less than I am.



Recommendations or ideas would be great and thank you.

 

[Rohnsman]

I too am back on bikes after 30 years and am finding the TW a good fit for the kind of riding I do, which sounds close to how you plan to use the bike. I think it could be a good fit for you. Best wishes!

 

[[email protected]]

Buy it, you'll love it. I'm older than dirt about your size but carry about 30 more pounds. I live in Alaska and have been riding bikes most of my adult life. About 8 years ago I decided that my big BMW was just too much bike for me anymore and that I probably wouldn't be taking anymore of those long, solo rides that I so enjoyed. I sold the BMW and bought a Vespa scooter, which is great, for lots of things, but last year, while visiting Idaho, I came upon a father/son team riding TW's. We got to talking and I realized that, even though I still like the Vespa, I really missed riding the dirt mining trails around our community. That said I found a TW and bought it last November, spent the winter getting to know it and adding the "required" mods. It simply fits my needs, I love being able to ride the dirt, but it is just fine for riding on the pavement to get there. It simply doesn't go fast, about 60 with me on it is max, but then I, like you, don't, at this point in my life feel the need for speed. That said I feel completely comfortable riding it to the office or to the shopping center. It is a good, all around, reasonably priced, easy riding bike for both experienced and new comers to enjoy. Buy it, you won't regret your decision.



You can check out some of my pictures; http://public.fotki.com/rjstock/tdub-yamaha-tw200/just-pictures/

 

[cordite]

I just got mine today. Like you over 30 years since I rode a bike. 5'10 215. I really like it. Had a chance to ride one in a safety course and that sold me. I think it is perfect for what you are wanting which is what I'm looking to do too.

 

[hightime]

Sounds like you're a poster child for the TW. I've had a lot of cycles from scooters to several Goldwings. I like cycles. I like exploring. Roads are somewhat boring trails look like fun. It's nice to be able to ride to them. The TW is perfect for this.



Owen

 

[JarrodWeaver]

I had mine in Ponce Inlet, Florida (just south of Daytona Beach)and found it perfect for running around town, riding on the beach and finding remote fishing holes. There couldn't have been a better vehicle for this.

 

[rmartin]

I got a tw about 2 months ago. I have had it up to 60 or so to keep cars from running over me. Most of the time I cruise between 15 to 35.



I wish I had bought mine sooner. Never seen another one around here. First saw them in the desert, and thought they looked neat. I think it will do what you want.



I am 5'11" 260. It hauls my fat old butt everywhere I need or want to go. If it gets to tough I turn around and take the atv.



I have put 1450 miles on mine in less than 2 months.

 

[marcortez]

Can any of you recent buyers relay your experiences about price negotiations?

From what I can find out, most of these TW200 2009 models are going for <$3900>.

Do you think there is much wiggle room in that price?

 

[cordite]

I was quoted 4100 for a 2010. At another place I got them down to 3900. Ended up buying a 2009 that was used in a safety course, 3400 and had only 212 miles on it.

 

[rmartin]

I have seen them for less, but they add freight & dealer prep. Out the door before sales tax is $3800.



I waited a year to get a decent price.



Got a 2008 2961 miles & $300 of add ons for $2700.

 

[Woofhound]

I got my 09 last march for $4k out the door, including 9.3% state sales tax and license fees........... woof

 

[hightime]

I got my 09 last march for $4k out the door, including 9.3% state sales tax and license fees........... woof

I was able to buy two '08's from different sellers with 150 miles and 300 miles for $2,700 each. One actually came from a dealer. One from a couple hundred miles away. Serial numbers were only three numbers appart, "weird". I had a add in Craigs list for a month.



Owen

 

[Woofhound]

I was able to buy two '08's from different sellers with 150 miles and 300 miles for $2,700 each. One actually came from a dealer. One from a couple hundred miles away. Serial numbers were only three numbers appart, "weird". I had a add in Craigs list for a month.



Owen

I looked on craigslist here for a couple before biting the bullet for a new one. low mile 07's and 08's are going between 3000 and 3500, i got a new 09 for about the same money. I made several $2800 offers with no results

 

[dhoenisch]

I got my brand new '09 a couple of months ago for $3250, sale price, no haggling necessary. They were about $700-$800 cheaper than all other Yamaha dealers, so I would assume that leaves plenty of wiggle room for a new '09. Search the papers, internet, etc. and get your haggling face on, and I'm sure you'll be able to get a decent deal on an '09.



Dan

 

[Rohnsman]

My '93 with about 10K on the clock cost me $1,400. I'm having to put a little work into it, but don't figure that will add much over $300 (unless I have some ugly surprises waiting). I'm putting on new sprockets and chain, put in a new battery, and am working out some electrical issues. The engine seems very healthy though and I've run her for over an hour easily getting up to about 50mph.

 

[Polar_Pilot]

Only question is what pieces of farkle you will choose to add

The TW is an ideal machine for your described riding conditions

 

[wrench-puller]

Welcome to the forum and glad your interested in owning a TW. Best advise is just go for it!

I wasted alot of time trying to find a good used and finally just went to the closest dealer and wrote the check, only hurt for awhile. I missed all the good riding weather looking for the deal and then had to sit on my new 09 for months. I do not reget going new and now i have almost 1,000 km on it todate. Best bike i have ever owned and for that matter ever rode. If your still not convinced with all the comments on here, just come over and you can take mine for a spin!!! But no... mines not for sale!

Best of luck in your search and let us know what you end up with for wheels.

 

[Wheelie Nelson]

I paid 4k out the door for my 2009 in September of last year. The msrp increased in 2010, so 4.2k may be more reasonable now out the door for a 2010 in my part of town. I would guess that they could be had anywhere from between 3.5k and 4.5k depending on what side of town you live on.

 

[srs713]

I am about ready to pull the trigger on a new TW200 and was hoping to get some insight from other owners.

I live in Baja, Mexico, near the ocean and the riding conditions can include pavement, hard dirt, loose rocks and sand....both beach sand and riverbed sand.



High speeds do not appeal to me nor does full tilt off-road use.

The only caveat I see for you at first is the soft sand and/or loose rocks. This will be vastly improved with the right replacement tires, perhaps after wearing out the originals. The TW can be tweaked to ride great on many types of road (and non-road) conditions with just a change of tread pattern. The beauty of it is that even the most aggressive off road treads still ride fine on pavement at city speeds.

 

[srs713]

I am about ready to pull the trigger on a new TW200 and was hoping to get some insight from other owners.

I live in Baja, Mexico, near the ocean and the riding conditions can include pavement, hard dirt, loose rocks and sand....both beach sand and riverbed sand.



High speeds do not appeal to me nor does full tilt off-road use.

The only caveat I see for you at first is the soft sand and/or loose rocks. This will be vastly improved with the right replacement tires, perhaps after wearing out the originals. The TW can be tweaked to ride great on many types of road (and non-road) conditions with just a change of tread pattern. The beauty of it is that even the most aggressive off road treads still ride fine on pavement at city speeds.