I've wanted a motorcycle for over 10 years now, just seems nothings going right financially when I decide I'd like to save up for something.
Anyways, I've looked at many small bikes/scooters over the years that might fit my price range. Problem is, I'm picky when I don't need to be, hehe.
Seems there's always something 'more' a bike could have to make it perfect (as far as I see them anyways).
I first started looking at the Honda Ruckus. Figured it was everything I needed for 'around town' romping and it has plenty of aftermarket support, except it's expensive as hell if you wanna go over 40mph. Now I prolly wouldn't ever NEED to go over 40 but what if I felt a little froggy some day and wanted to get out on that 50mph road? Prolly wouldn't be much fun pegging it out and still getting passed while the onlookers point and laugh at the big guy on the little scooter. I've always liked the look of the Ruckus though so havnt completely counted it out. If Honda would only make a 125-150cc version!!!
Second bike I began looking at is older Honda CT110's from 80'-86'. Great looking retro multi purpose scooter/bike and can be found fairly cheap as long as you don't mind fixing it up a bit. Problem is, I've never worked on engines and wouldn't know first hand how to fix anything until I study a manual from front to back and hope I don't mess something up. Other cons I see are that these are OLDER bikes and it may be hard to find one in great condition without pouring cash into some kind of project. Oh, and I think top speed is only like 45mph or something like that.
And finally, I stumbled upon the TW and this forum. Now, when I first saw the TW, actually I think it was a picture of a TW225 which looked like some sort of dirt bike/street tracker, I immediately fell in love with the styling. Come to find out we in the states get the TW200 version which looks like a dirt bike with blinkers to me minus the street tracker styling. I'm not to big on dirt bike looks, Ive always hated the square headlights and the oversized plastic bright fairings and all. But I began sifting through this site and found great modified machines that allowed me to see that it is POSSIBLE to mod to your hearts content but at a high price from shipping parts from Japan. I really hate that there isn't much aftermarket support for these bikes over here. I wish web!ke would help us out here with some of these manufacturers.
Anyways the TW may just be the perfect bike for me in the long run. It can be had for cheap if you buy used. It's not THAT ugly. It will cruise at 55, even more if you change the gearing, that's plenty for me. From what I've read it's fairly low maintenance and that's good for me since I'm no mechanic (but willing to learn). Makes for a decent offroad, asphalt and errand running bike.
Would I make some changes? Sure. The perfect TW for me would have a little more power, maybe 250? Have a 6 speed tranny for some breathing room on the top end. Have a larger capacity gas tank. Will Yamaha ever make such changes?
It's late, I'm tired, sorry for rambling on.
Thanks.