[Alanyuen680]

Ive been lurking for a little bit, mainly because I am saving up for a motorcycle. I got my license last year and I had a cbr125 until I sold it due to financial difficulties.

I've noticed alot of people actually buy these bikes used but for some reason I can never find any in my area (Edmonton Alberta). I know all of you love the tw but is it worth the 5000cad they are asking for? I don't mind waiting a bit longer to afford it but I would hate to have buyer remorse.

Also I realize the bike is not highway friendly, neither was the cbr125 I had. But how happy is the bike to stay up in the higher rpm range to maintain highway speed for an extended period of time (say a few hours) and is the torque available mostly in lower rpm or higher rpm? I'd love to take it on a trip if it's actually possible. Is 1000km one way too much to ask for even if I have to go slower than traffic, take the less busy highway and spread the trip over a few days? Also is it possible to adjust the carburetor without disassembling it to compensate for changing altitude?

I understand the tw is not the best bike for the highway, and it will be used in the city for the most part. But it's my dream to go on a motorcycle camping trip and make my way to Vancouver so I can cruise around Stanley park and other part of the city.

Thanks in advance for any input

 

[assquatch20]

Ive been lurking for a little bit, mainly because I am saving up for a motorcycle. I got my license last year and I had a cbr125 until I sold it due to financial difficulties.

I've noticed alot of people actually buy these bikes used but for some reason I can never find any in my area (Edmonton Alberta). I know all of you love the tw but is it worth the 5000cad they are asking for? I don't mind waiting a bit longer to afford it but I would hate to have buyer remorse.

Also I realize the bike is not highway friendly, neither was the cbr125 I had. But how happy is the bike to stay up in the higher rpm range to maintain highway speed for an extended period of time (say a few hours) and is the torque available mostly in lower rpm or higher rpm? I'd love to take it on a trip if it's actually possible. Is 1000km one way too much to ask for even if I have to go slower than traffic, take the less busy highway and spread the trip over a few days? Also is it possible to adjust the carburetor without disassembling it to compensate for changing altitude?

I understand the tw is not the best bike for the highway, and it will be used in the city for the most part. But it's my dream to go on a motorcycle camping trip and make my way to Vancouver so I can cruise around Stanley park and other part of the city.

Thanks in advance for any input

5000 sounds crazy high. The TW could survive high revs for a long time maybe, but it's very buzzy. Your torque is in the lower-mid register mostly. 1st gear will pull almost anything. 1000km is a dandy trip, but backroads are more fun and more friendly to the Tdub. You can do a good amount of carb work (in close quarters) by loosening the carb, removing the cables, and turning it sideways to remove the bowl. There will be spills though. Look into a Dial-a-jet system if you're that worried about changing altitudes. You have to climb a few thousand feet before there's really any change in performance.

 

[praeses]

Well oddly enough, my first trip on a TW200 ever was when I took a bus up to Smithers, BC to buy one and drove it back to west Vancouver island (in a day and a half). That was wide open throttle about 90% of the time. Oil level didn't change, since then I ride it regularly and no issues.



Having said that though, you should take a quart of good oil with you if you are planning a long trip as such. The TW has some shortcomings for adventure touring, the main points that are mentioned on this forum as well are:

- the stock chain (swap to O-ring to avoid having to adjust every morning)

- lack of wind protection (Jimbo shield works reasonably well)

- uncomfortable seat (doesn't seem to bother me onroad but I'm re-padding/covering mine for offroad)

- lack of power especially at higher altitudes



I would plan for highways no faster than 100km/hr. Pretty much all the highways routes/roads are fun coming from Edmonton on a bike, but make sure you at least go through Nakusp et. al. in one of your directions, regardless of the bike you choose.



In terms of adjusting the carbs without taking it apart, you can adjust the pilot screw externally, but the main jet/needle shimming requires you to take it slightly apart but not necessarily off the bike. If you're passing through the Rockies and you're not comfortable with it I'ld suggest leaving it as is, make sure you put in decent high octane (no ethanol) fuel and cruise where she runs smoothest (I think its about 80-90km/hr for most of the climbs).



AB is overpriced for used goods, your economy is almost on its own compared to the rest of Canada probably related to the energy markets in the north. If you poke around you can find them much cheaper in neighbouring provinces. If you're looking in the 5000CAD for used TWs, I'ld suggest steering towards the WR250X and throw on some Kenda 270s or whatever fits if the fat tire grabs your attention. For reference, I have two TW200s, one is a project bike, 700CAD, the other was mint when I got it at 2700CAD.

 

[Alanyuen680]

It's 5000cad for a new one. Ive searched local kijiji a few times but didn't come across 1 for sale. In fact the only time I've seen one in person is at the dealership. There are only 3 dual purpose bikes that I can ride because of my height and they are the tw, xt250 and crf230. And I have to tippy toe when I sat on both Yamaha at the dealership.

If I manage to find a used one, is there a "age" limit that I should set for the tw? I think for the price of a older model, even with repair will be cheaper than a new one. So I guess another question about buying used would be if the parts are all exchangeable between different years? Would I run into a problem looking for parts for an older model?

Thanks again

 

[assquatch20]

It's 5000cad for a new one. Ive searched local kijiji a few times but didn't come across 1 for sale. In fact the only time I've seen one in person is at the dealership. There are only 3 dual purpose bikes that I can ride because of my height and they are the tw, xt250 and crf230. And I have to tippy toe when I sat on both Yamaha at the dealership.

If I manage to find a used one, is there a "age" limit that I should set for the tw? I think for the price of a older model, even with repair will be cheaper than a new one. So I guess another question about buying used would be if the parts are all exchangeable between different years? Would I run into a problem looking for parts for an older model?

Thanks again

The 87 CDI is unique in of itself. 2001 or so saw the kickstarter eliminated (however it is pretty easily installed), a different carb, and a disc brake up front, thus a different hub and fork lowers. The wiring changes 2 or 3 times I believe throughout, but the bike hasn't seen many changes aside from 2001. If you can get one after that and fit a kickstart, you've got a pretty good start.

 

[Alanyuen680]

Thanks for the info.

I really like the tw from sitting on it at the dealership because of the upright riding position, trail riding sounds like it would be a lot of fun too though I had never try that before.

If Yamaha put fuel injection in it , make it 400cc and keep the same seat height, then it would be perfect.

 

[wrench-puller]

Hi Alan, fellow canadian Eh? Funny thing about used TWs is where they show up. Two years ago I was searching for a goood used bike and all I could find was one in Edmonton and one in Calgary. I really wanted the one in Calgary, but it was already too cold to ride it back to the coast as the mountain passes were already snow covered. I ended up buying a year end clear out here on Vancouver Island for $4200 and am so glad I went new. I dealt were the guys at Courtenay Motor Sports but also found a good deal on one at Spunkys Cycles in Parksville, both have websites so check it out as you just might find a deal out here. If you find you can get a better deal here, fly out to the coast and I will meet you at the airport and help you get things set up for your trip home. It would take me just a few minutes to swap out your rear sprocket for a 47T and install a new Oring chain for your cruise home. There is a ferry ride from Nanaimo the will drop you off on the North side of Stanley Park and you could cruise right thru the park on your way home. I would plan on going back the Hope Princeton route as there are slower speeds and a lot more resting areas if needed. That climb up the Koke it just too long of a climb and everyone is traveling 130 km plus. I don`t know what your schedule is like, but I would be happy to scout out some pricing for you, find some accessories like a good rear rack and the likes. Anyhow, just a thought, just drop me a note if I can help in anyway, Chris

 

[praeses]

For reference, this is "closer" to what we see for used prices around here:



http://bc.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles...choppers-2009-Yamaha-TW200-W0QQAdIdZ352021223



I would say $3200 would be more common for a bike like that. I am not saying to look at that bike as it would be quite tricky to be in a foreign place, pickup a bike that has been sitting for awhile (could use an oil change, fuel flushing, maybe clean) and potentially ride it for the first time. I am just showing the link for pricing reference should you be looking for a used one.



Wrench-puller, its funny reading about Courtenay Motorsports, Parksville, Spunky's, Nanaimo etc on here. Those are all my usual treks.



I second the Hope-Princeton then Needles (cable ferries are nifty) Nakusp Revelstoke route. Its fun.



Edit: If you are comfortable riding ...



Some other great roads though for whenever you come out to Vancouver, regardless of the motorbike, I would suggest:

- Going from Vancouver up to Lund (Sunshine Coast). The cost of the ferries is a little high, but they're good for resting/eating if you luck out with the timing.

- Taking the Sea-To-Sky highway from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Whistler to Cache Creek



In all cases, obey the yellow signs especially your first way through. There are 20km/hr hairpin corners in those routes.

 

[Alanyuen680]

I am still saving at the moment. I just wanted to know if it is worth waiting cause otherwise I'd just get a scooter for in town use. So thanks for the offer wrench puller.

Right now it sounds like it is actually going to work if I take the back roads so I think I will go with a tw.

I haven't been to a lot of places but I think BC is absolutely amazing. Beautiful mountains, forest, roads and the ocean.

I go back to Vancouver to visit a minimal of twice every year and the worst part of the trip is always having to leave.

By the way, are motorcycles require to have out of province inspection done just like cars and trucks do? If so Id probably buy mine in Alberta.

I have families in Vancouver so I can buy one there, cruise around there and decide rather to ship it back or to ride it back depending on the condition of the bike.

 

[praeses]

By the way, are motorcycles require to have out of province inspection done just like cars and trucks do? If so Id probably buy mine in Alberta.

Yes, its a little more of a pain since previous owners are more likely to modify a motorbike than a car. One of the big gotchas in BC is that we require metal gas tanks or "approved" plastic ones. The approved plastic ones are pretty much only the few new bikes that come factory-direct. Many dual-sports/enduros/etc can have plastic touring tanks like Clarke, Acerbis, etc that typically won't pass inspection. Tires would be another one that's annoying if they're not in good condition/approved for highway use. Other than that there's the usual safety checks (lights/signals, horn, brakes, not leaking/damaged/etc).



Buying out of province hasn't been smooth for me. I bought one in AB before and it was a real hassle.

 

[Alanyuen680]

Thanks for sharing, I think I have my answer now.

 

[Stromper]

Do you have craigs list



Just get search tempest and camp on it



one used will pop up

 

[bonkas2]

Not sure if I lucked out just got my first TW, it's a 2004 with 300km, I paid 3700.00

 

[qwerty]

TW200s have relatively small carbs compared to other members of its engine family, resulting in good low and mid range torgue, and no horsepower long before its 10,250rpm redline. A TW wide open makes about the same power as a XT 225 or TT-R 230 at 2/3 throttle, so wide open won't hurt the bike. Rev a TW until it quits pulling, no problem. Once a TW is broken in and properly jetted, it can be run wide open for hours at a time with no harm. Tdub has run wide open across deserts with temps up to 44*C for 140km. Tdub has also done over 1600km in 19 hours. Just keep the crankcase full of clean oil and the air filter clean.



The stock jetting will be ideal for high altitude use. It is what I used to ride up Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert, both well over 4200 meters. Once you figure out the the settings your carb likes, replace the float bowl, slide cover, and hose clamp screws with allen heads, and the procedure, rejetting takes about 5 minutes--pliars on the spring clamp and the fuel line is off, 2 nuts and the cables are off, 2 hose clamps and rotate the carb, 4 screws and the float bowl is off providing access to the main jet, reinstall the float bowl and twist the pilot screw as necessary with a 50mm screwdriver bit, 4 screws and the slide is out, add or subtract spacers to set the needle height, put the screws back in, rotate the carb back where it should be, tighten the clamps, reinstall the throttle cables and fuel lines. It is well worth the time and trouble to plan ahead and jet for optimum performance for the majority of the day's ride. When I face major changes in altitude, I'll rejet 2 or 3 times a day. but usually I just jet for the expected conditions and don't worry about the extremes.



The stock 14/50 sprockets are a good compromise for commuting, trail riding, and mountain passes. Redline in 5th gear is over 125kph, which is actually possible down hill with a tailwind. An o-ring chain will pay for itself many times over if installed on new sprockets. When a chain wears, it kills the sprockets. 2 sets of sprockets, lock plates, and a case cover gasket costs more than an o-ring chain. An o-ring chain lasts 4 times as long as the stock chain, and requires little more than enough oil to keep from rusting. I'm still using the first can of Champion Motorcycle Chain Lube I bought for Tdub 77,000km ago, and most was used on the stock chain over the first 6,000 miles. The stock chain and similar open chains would have gone through many liters of kerosene and chain lube over the same period. I believe an o-ring chain will pay for itself simply in saved cleaning and lubrication chemicals compared to a properly maintained open chain. The environment will appreciate not being sprayed with so much kerosene and grease.



TWs are dandy small displacement touring bikes. The fat tires and stiff springs actually work better with a good load. It sounds like you are aware of and willing to accept a TW's highway limitations. Slowing down and smelling the roadkill is the best way to tour. Riding should bring pleasure in and of itself, not be a competition of speed or distance. I'd much rather ride 300 miles of mountain roads each day than 1000 miles of super highway.



As for those times performance limitations turn you into a rolling roadblock, simply pull over and let the faster traffic pass. The vast majority of cagers really don't want to kill you, they just don't see you. High-visibility helmet and outerwear and bright auxilary lighting front and back allow you to be more easily seen and greatly reduce the death threats, though there are still occasional idiots out there. Also, plan your ride times so you are not on high speed roads when there is a lot of traffic.



When TWouring, I rise early and hit the road as soon as it is light enough to see. I pretty much have the road to myself for a couple hours, then stop for breakfast while the locals rush hither and yon to work and school. I then ride through mid-day, stopping for lunch in the late afternoon as the locals rush home. I then ride until light starts to fail, stopping at a sandwich shop or market to pick up a light supper to eat after setting up camp. I pretty much end up riding 10-12 of 15 daylight hours, easily covering 700-900km each day at a relatively relaxed pace.

 

[Guitarman]

Not sure if I lucked out just got my first TW, it's a 2004 with 300km, I paid 3700.00

I'm sorry to say it but no you didn't...



I paid 2500 for my 2006 with 2800 km on it (first owner bought the bike new in 2011, still in the crate), and I've never seen a deal that good on kijiji since then.



Those bikes are overpriced up here that's for sure!

 

[bonkas2]

To late I guess now

I'll just have to suffer and ride it

 

[Guitarman]

If you want a real good price on a used motorcycle, buy it in January. People who sell their bike in the winter need cash for either buy a snowmobile or pay their Christmas bills. In both cases motorcycle buyers are not legion in this time of the year, which means lower prices.



As you can guess, that's what I did.

 

[losttourist]

When looking last month in Ontario a used tw 200 was going for $3500 -2006 . I found mine $3800. for a 2009 with 416km,new battery,windshield,and luggage rack.It was in such immaculate shape I didn't have the heart to bargain with the guy. There were a few new ones at dealers going for $5000.