[stephenmarklay]

I think the TW200 is about the perfect bike for me. It will be my first bike and I am 42. I am buying it mostly to save on gas and reduce debt load (selling car but share with my wife when I need a car) to start a business next year.



I will commute on the bike in decent weather. Almost always around our town with lots of 25-45mph zones. Very limited highway - maybe 10 miles once a week but not even essential but would help for schedules. I will put a rack and bags on it for running to the store and taking clothes to the gym and work.



Dirt riding would be likely only dirt roads for fun. I really doubt any trail bike riding since I just don't have friends into it. Not that I would not enjoy it.



To me the TW200 is a perfect step from getting a scooter. The horrible pot holes and road conditions make me think a cute scooter would be eaten alive.



However, I have seen a few other bikes like today on CL I see a KLX250 as well as a WR250X for a more (and XT250's etc come up too) for about the same price. I know its a better bike. Better trans better suspension better cooling... However, the only true day to day upside is the greater top speed which would allow a bit better highway travel. The down seems to be a little more bike to handle, potentially not as "easy" to ride and not handle as well on road with the relative skinny tires.



I am 6'0 so I think I can handle a taller bike ok. However, I may at times pick up my 7 year old from school or whatever and that may be just a bit harder for her to mount (although I will likely just lift her up).



Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Stromper]

My brother lives in Hayden Lake.



I think the TW would be a great choice for the Federal Forest lands around.



2 wheel vehicles are a family like go carts and dump trucks are 4 wheel vehicles.



Assuming you have limited experience it would be great starter

keep her or trade up in the future so it isn't life or death decision now

 

[JagLite]

I would vote for the TW.

Yes, the KL and WR are "better" in some ways but worse in others.

I have a DR650 as well as a TW200.

For around town rides, the TW is much more "fun/easier/enjoyable"

Just like a scooter is so simple, the TW is simple compared to almost all other bikes.

The small wheels, the low seat, low weight, low center of gravity, the smile factor.



It will be much easier to get comfortable riding on than any other bike, other than a scooter.

Just about any other bike will be faster than a TW but we don't enjoy our TW's by racing (usually, although some do!).



The TW is much more versatile I believe.

I am 6'-4" 200lbs and really enjoy short hops on my TW.

Longer trips are certainly possible but I usually ride the DR if highway is involved.

 

[Hiway]

Remember the gas mileage on the other bikes you mentioned would be worse than the TW also. If you mainly do city driving a change in sprockets can almost net you 90mpg from what I hear.



I too was thinking of getting a 150cc scooter, but with the versatility the TW offers and my 10 year old doesn't mind a ride from school on it (since the kids think it's cool) I have a great way to get to work, great way to do some errands, and a fun new hobby (trail riding. All in one package!

 

[Dark Sol]

If you don't need to go faster than 50 mph for extended periods of time the TW is perfect. Plenty of power up to 50; you might just fall short of "beating" the jackass 20 year old in his loud piped wannabe race car, but you'll have no trouble keeping up with the flow.



The bigger tires feel funny compared to small tires, but once you get used to them you'll find the handling is great and knowing the traction is there makes you feel better too. I don't know why they put such small tires on on/off road bikes, especially the 650's. I'd love to get an XR650L but I don't really trust those small tires in the corners.

 

[icpchad]

I think the TW200 is about the perfect bike for me. It will be my first bike and I am 42. I am buying it mostly to save on gas and reduce debt load (selling car but share with my wife when I need a car) to start a business next year.



I will commute on the bike in decent weather. Almost always around our town with lots of 25-45mph zones. Very limited highway - maybe 10 miles once a week but not even essential but would help for schedules. I will put a rack and bags on it for running to the store and taking clothes to the gym and work.



Dirt riding would be likely only dirt roads for fun. I really doubt any trail bike riding since I just don't have friends into it. Not that I would not enjoy it.



To me the TW200 is a perfect step from getting a scooter. The horrible pot holes and road conditions make me think a cute scooter would be eaten alive.



However, I have seen a few other bikes like today on CL I see a KLX250 as well as a WR250X for a more (and XT250's etc come up too) for about the same price. I know its a better bike. Better trans better suspension better cooling... However, the only true day to day upside is the greater top speed which would allow a bit better highway travel. The down seems to be a little more bike to handle, potentially not as "easy" to ride and not handle as well on road with the relative skinny tires.



I am 6'0 so I think I can handle a taller bike ok. However, I may at times pick up my 7 year old from school or whatever and that may be just a bit harder for her to mount (although I will likely just lift her up).



Any thoughts are appreciated.

The 'best' bike is the one that suits your needs. For what you need in a bike ... the 'TW' will be the 'best' bike you've ever had, and because it is your first bike, you may even have to ride a few others to realize just how 'best' the TW really is ;-)



Great to meet ya and I look forward to seeing pics of your TDub!

 

[stephenmarklay]

Well the $.$$ may answer the question... I took a visit to a dealer. They have 2 2010 TW200 and the best out the door with tax etc is $4700+ I have one dealer at 4650 for a 2012 and another at 5300. Its just not THAT much bike. I am really amazed that the dealer with 2 2010's is not more motivated.



However, just today they took in a 2006 KLX250 with 650 miles. Looks new. They want $3100 for that out the door with tax, license and title. They would save me some real money.



I did sit on A TW as well as an XT. With my longish legs the XT felt a tad better for space. They had a CFR230M to that felt small with its small tires. Another mystery as its an 09 on the floor with a couple hundred bucks knocked off.



I may just do the KLX but I am already starting to like you guys

 

[Hiway]

Well the $.$$ may answer the question... I took a visit to a dealer. They have 2 2010 TW200 and the best out the door with tax etc is $4700+ I have one dealer at 4650 for a 2012 and another at 5300. Its just not THAT much bike. I am really amazed that the dealer with 2 2010's is not more motivated.



However, just today they took in a 2006 KLX250 with 650 miles. Looks new. They want $3100 for that out the door with tax, license and title. They would save me some real money.



I did sit on A TW as well as an XT. With my longish legs the XT felt a tad better for space. They had a CFR230M to that felt small with its small tires. Another mystery as its an 09 on the floor with a couple hundred bucks knocked off.



I may just do the KLX but I am already starting to like you guys

Those prices seem high. I saw a 2012 TW in Rockwall, TX dealer for 4000 before TT&L. There are other threads showing some great deals even better than that. Don't get too impatient and make sure you do your homework before committing. I'd recommend shopping nationally and consider shipping costs to make a fair evaluation.

 

[stephenmarklay]

Those prices seem high. I saw a 2012 TW in Rockwall, TX dealer for 4000 before TT&L. There are other threads showing some great deals even better than that. Don't get too impatient and make sure you do your homework before committing. I'd recommend shopping nationally and consider shipping costs to make a fair evaluation.

They are high for sure. The best I have on a 2011 is 4050+348 for tax (We are 8.7%) If I could get someone to do even 4k with everything I would think hard. The KLX will save me 1300 over the best deal and is less than the only used TW right now local which is 3200 with more miles.

 

[wrench-puller]

Don't forget to factor in the maintenace costs, the TW is easy on the pocket book when you look at the long term costs. There is also the resale value of the TW if you ever wanted to go back to a car (once you have owned a TW, you can never go back!). And more important is the fun factor.. priceless, and if you are starting your own business you will need it for de-stressing. If you can get your dealer down to 4K, you will never regret the purchase.

 

[JagLite]

Comparing a new TW price with a 6(!) year old 2006 KLR is not reasonable.



Look at the price for a comparable "like new" 2006 TW for a better comparison.

The TW's new price is often quite high as they are in short supply and dealers know that a person who wants a new TW will cough up the money.

There is no equal bike available that a buyer can use to bargain the dealer price down like there is for the KLR, WR, etc.

They are common and that keeps their prices down.



The market for TW's is small as they don't appeal to the average bike rider, so while they hold their value well, it can take time to find a buyer.

Often sellers of a TW put very low miles on them, have them stored in a garage, and when they decide to sell it they price it low for a quick sale.

Those who are willing to wait will price theirs higher.



Keep an eye one this website and check it daily:

http://www.bikefinds.com/yamaha-tw200

You can narrow the scope to just your state if you want.

It is also great for finding other bikes you are interested in.

I see there are currently 8 TW's for sale.

The 'o9 sounds good to me

 

[stephenmarklay]

Comparing a new TW price with a 6(!) year old 2006 KLR is not reasonable.



Look at the price for a comparable "like new" 2006 TW for a better comparison.

The TW's new price is often quite high as they are in short supply and dealers know that a person who wants a new TW will cough up the money.

There is no equal bike available that a buyer can use to bargain the dealer price down like there is for the KLR, WR, etc.

They are common and that keeps their prices down.



The market for TW's is small as they don't appeal to the average bike rider, so while they hold their value well, it can take time to find a buyer.

Often sellers of a TW put very low miles on them, have them stored in a garage, and when they decide to sell it they price it low for a quick sale.

Those who are willing to wait will price theirs higher.



Keep an eye one this website and check it daily:

http://www.bikefinds.com/yamaha-tw200

You can narrow the scope to just your state if you want.

It is also great for finding other bikes you are interested in.

I see there are currently 8 TW's for sale.

The 'o9 sounds good to me

Its all funny... I know the TW is simple. Just about every bike is better on paper but I find myself wanting it still. I think its because its a bit like a mini bike for adults.

 

[PalmStateCrawler]

Its all funny... I know the TW is simple. Just about every bike is better on paper but I find myself wanting it still. I think its because its a bit like a mini bike for adults.

I had a 150cc scooter that I sold to buy my tw. My girlfriend and I wanted something fun and she looked at the tw and immediately fell in love. End of story!

 

[Gerry]

How about a Yamaha XT225. Six speeds, a little more umph and still light, low and fun. Another plus might be resale (easier) when the time comes as for most, it looks pretty conventional. I enjoy my TW and would likely have enjoyed an XT as well. TW is like me, kind of an odd-ball so there was a connection. Gerry

 

[stephenmarklay]

Well I decided to do the KLX. It just came down to the money. At just about every corner it was making sense. I wanted a TW but the for me the savings was to great. The bike was 2800 or 3150 with taxes license etc. I also need my license endorsement and that is 150. But they do the class at the dealer and I get it free when buying a bike. So that helps too. At 650 miles and ALL the fluids being changed (oil, brake, coolant) its not a bad used bike deal. I can flat foot the bike even though it is pretty tall. I like the for aft room on it as well. The older one like this does not have a digital dash and I like that. Gas mileage is not as good but I will be easy on it. I can also pay cash for this and the TW new anyway required me to get a small loan. I want less debt not more.



I may be back as I am sure this is only the first not the last.



Thank you for all of your support. This is a good place.

 

[GapRunr]

However, just today they took in a 2006 KLX250 with 650 miles. Looks new. They want $3100 for that out the door with tax, license and title. They would save me some real money.

That seems high for my area. Around here people have paid that for newer DR650's.



Have you checked for a lightly used one in your area?

 

[stephenmarklay]

That seems high for my area. Around here people have paid that for newer DR650's.



Have you checked for a lightly used one in your area?

Well all considered I paid 2650 for the KLX before tax and license. That's with a full fluid replacement. In my local CL there were to KLX250s bikes of the same year 2006 and 2007. Both were more miles and higher priced. There were also two TW200's. A 1990 at $2200 and a 2009 at $3400.

I think the $2650 was a pretty fair price for an essentially unused bike. I would have certainly bought a new TW200 if the dealers would have been a but more flexible. I saved enough to buy an old priced correctly TW200 over buying a new one. Perhaps the 1990 bike will eventually come down in price and I will pick that up for what it should be going for. I offered him $1500. In that event I would put it in the garage.



I needed a bike now. I am selling my car and have had some bites so I want to be prepared when it is sold. The KLX is not a bad bike. Similar to the XT225/250 which is not a bad bike

I do not LOVE the green but it is visible isn't it?!



Like I said I may be back here sooner rather than later. I can tell I would get along fine here.

 

[qwerty]

KLX tends to be more expensive to maintain. Skinny tires are overloaded easily and tend to wear quickly, especially when riding 2-up, which may exceed the carrying capacity of the bike. Be sure to check. Last thing you want is a tire blow out with your 7-year old on the back. In any case, you'll need to run higher air pressures to carry the load, which may cause handling quirks in the dirt.



No motorcycle saves money over a good used subcompact except if you do all your own maintenance and repairs. Compared to cages, motorcycles are attention whores, and paying for attention becomes quite expensive quite quickly.

 

[stephenmarklay]

KLX tends to be more expensive to maintain. Skinny tires are overloaded easily and tend to wear quickly, especially when riding 2-up, which may exceed the carrying capacity of the bike. Be sure to check. Last thing you want is a tire blow out with your 7-year old on the back. In any case, you'll need to run higher air pressures to carry the load, which may cause handling quirks in the dirt.



No motorcycle saves money over a good used subcompact except if you do all your own maintenance and repairs. Compared to cages, motorcycles are attention whores, and paying for attention becomes quite expensive quite quickly.

Thanks qwerty, I certainly will do the maintenance on the bike and small repairs. Two up will be fairly infrequent and for only a few miles at a time.



Right now my car payment is 235 + 75 in insurance and about 25mpg. I have about 8k equity in it that I will use to pay off a high rate CC. I am paying cash for the bike so no interest. Better gas mileage will help and a used subcompact will likely get half the mileage around town. If we get to $5 like predicted ($4 here now) then that adds up. A good used subcompact also takes money to keep up.



I will get a bit larger tire and look for good wear types when replaced. Capacity of the bike, I believe, is 399lbs, and I am 185. I will likely always be within spec.



Certainly the coolant system adds complication, as well as the more suspension. Although, not more than a car as the capacity is smaller for all fluids and therefore less expensive.



In the summer I am just as likely to ride my bicycle to work so not having a car/payment makes sense.

 

[qwerty]

Hmmm? Sounds like you have a debt problem. I don't have debt so I have cash to jump on killer deals when they become available. Google "financial peace"--sounds like you're wanting to head that way, anyway, and you might find a little guidance to straighten and smooth your path.



I paid $250 for my Olds, fully aware I'd b reak even at the scrapyard as a worst case scenario, invested another $125 in parts and full synthetic oil change, and it returns 24mpg around town. Tires last 4 times as long as TW tires and 10 times as long as KLX tires. Oil changes are 5 times the miles apart for the car compared to a motorcycle. Even doing all maintenmance and repairs at home, the cost is about the same at best, but usually in the favor of the car because face it, motorcycles are maintenance whores compared to cars. Admit it, you'd rather ride than drive, and the rest of us addicts understand.