[Dino171]

Hello Everyone,



This is my first post on this site. I have been reading posts for a few weeks leading up to my latest purchase: 2006 TW200 from original owner with 3300 miles. Only mod he made was a slightly smaller rear sprocket. It appeared to be in very nice shape when I picked it up this past weekend. I had read a few reviews online as well as many of the posts that have raved about this machine. It was enough for me to try this out as I have always admired these fat tired bikes.



Up to this point I have been riding early 70's Honda CBs. I realize this is a completely different animal but I am not sure all is well.......



I noticed there was a good amount of oil/ dirt mess all over the bottome of the engine under the skid plate. I cleaned that all up and found there was a few drops of oil on the bottom of the case. Note sure when that may be coming from?



I also noticed that there is a good amount of hesitation while riding. It's seems like it is surging off and on. It's just not holding a steady speed/RPM? Not smooth. Is that normal for these bikes or is this indicating a problem?



Lastly, while at mid to high RPMs, it sounds like its going to explode. I know it won't but man........it sounds like it.



Thats a lot of stuff to put out there but I have been very impressed with the posts on this site and know you can all guide me through these issues.



Looking forward to hearing what you all think.



Thanks,

 

[assquatch20]

To find the oil leak, clean it up good then cover it in talcum powder and see how it looks in the morning. Report back.



For surging, could be a float adjustment or a couple other delivery issues. Stand by for more advice from others on that one. The high RPM thing is common. It sounds like exactly what it is, a thumper with the throttle pegged. Your old twins and fours sound a little less stressed at high RPM. Do check the valves though.



As always, enjoy your new ride and be safe.

 

[small's]

Good chance of a leaky base basket. Sounds like a one size bigger main jet might be in order also.

 

[Dino171]

Good chance of a leaky base basket. Sounds like a one size bigger main jet might be in order also.

I have read a few posts about this leaky base gasket. Although I will certainly fix or have fixed at some point, is it unsafe or damaging to the engine to run it like that? Does is have any effect of engine performance?



As for the bigger jet size, that sounds easy enough. Is that often the case or could it also be a carb cleaning issue?



I love this site!

 

[small's]

First find the oil leak and go from there if its a base gasket and its not leaking much it would probably be ok for a while. I would keep an eye on the oil level but if it is the base gasket its not that bad of a job to do. On the carb i'd start with a good carb cleaning and go from there but usually they are a bit lean from the factory.

 

[dganey]

Bought my 2006 with 131 miles last year--same issues. 1. Oil leak was from the base gasket--A known issue. The engine case halves are not true and will leak. The fix is to install a base gasket from a 2010 or newer tw200. There is a post on how to do it in the tech help forum. 2. Surging was severe. If you are going to clean the carb, then it is easy to intall a 130 main jet with five .010 mcmaster carr shims under the needle (your needs may be different, but that is a common set-up for near sea level). Runs great now. 3. As for the engine noise, some of it will go when you rejet, the rest is TW. They make alot of noise, and the noise seems to change. You will get use to it.

 

[MrDNA]

I haven't had to deal with a base gasket, so I can't help you there, but I did have major carb issues with my 05 after I bought it, and went to a 130 on both an 05 and a 2010.



After you make sure your gas tank is clean, and you've put an in-line fuel filter between the tank and the carb, you're going to want to take the carb off your bike and do a full cleaning and refitting - ONE TIME.



Get familiar with the carburetor sticky post on the maintenance thread. EVERY piece inside and out is shown in photographs. My personal opinion is don't do the quick clean procedure. Take your time and clean it right one time! Take the carb out and get to know it in it's simplistic glory. Be careful when taking out the float bowl pin. There are several procedures posted out here, so read them, because more than a few have broken the aluminum posts.



Assuming everything appears in good condition, the parts to order are the main float bowl gasket, the float valve with new o-ring, and a #130 main jet. The O-ring and float valve are precautionary, since it's the one internal part that will show itself as an external leak, and messes with the fuel level in the bowl. And don't skip checking the float level! Your surging could be related to that.



I'd say the rejet ting is essential if you are near sea-level. It totally changes the way the bike rides, in a good way, and it cools down the exhaust.



Welcome to the obsession! Happy trails

 

[Dino171]

I just ordered a few main jets as well as the 2010 base gasket. Looking forward to pulling/cleaning the carb and adding new jet and needle shims. I am hopeful this will smooth out the power a bit and provide better overall performance.



At this time with 3k on the clock, I may see one or two drops of oil on the garage floor if I do not move the bike in 3-4 days. As long as my oil lever stays within range, am I OK to wait on the gasket replacement until winter? This should have no impact on bikes performance or safety, correct?



I will keep you all updated as to which jet and how many shims worked for my application.



Loving this TW. Its a blast!



Thanks,

 

[qwerty]

Most North American TWs are subject to surging at slow cruise speeds due to too lean OEM carb tuning.