[nfpgasmask]

Hi folks,



I'm still on the hunt for a TW200. Right now, I have lined up a brand new 2010 (only 10 miles on it). Price is right, but the seller is waiting to get the title from the DMV before he can sell it to me. Might be a couple weeks.



Also on the hook is a 1996 with 1700 miles on it. One owner, clear title, and about $1000-$1200 cheaper than the 2010.



I know the 1996 has a kicker and an electric start, which I kinda like.



So besides that, can you all offer some advice here? Obviously, given that both bikes are in good clean, running order, what would be the best here? Any opinions?



Thanks - Bart

 

[ellwoodjake]

You've already spotted the major difference in the kicker. The next is the disc vs, drum brakes. Obviously disc brakes are better, but at the speeds that the TW travels, I have found the drum brakes of the older bikes to be more than adequate. Other than that, most other differences are mainly cosmetic, and are not even worth considering. If the older bike has been taken care of, and not ragged out, 1700 miles is nothing. With the kicker, cheaper price, and title readily available; I would go with the '96

 

[nfpgasmask]

Thanks for the info. Can you swap out the drums for the discs at a later point as an upgrade or is that not something you can do? As for cosmetics, aside from color combos and such, are the frames and parts layouts basically the same? What about finding parts for the older models?



Thanks again,



Bart

 

[peruano]

The major difference is that everything on the 2010 is brand new, and everything (or at least most) on the other bike is nearly 15 years old and some of that is in need of renewal. If I had the $1000, I'd take the new bike and you will see it back if you decide to sell it within 3 years or so. See the tire blowout thread above. $300? Yes a kicker is nice but can be had for $200 that you would spend on the tires. I suspect the newer, stronger electronics, brighter headlamp, better brakes, and newness are worth the extra cash, but not if that $1000 will keep you from buying a bike at all. Either way you are going to smile as you cruise down the road, but keep us informed. Tom

 

[wrench-puller]

Go with the new if you can, you wont regret it. I searched for a good used bike here in B.C. but ended up with a brand new 09 and am so glad I did. Yes things can go wrong with a new bike too, but chances are it wont let you down. Places the wife and I have gone you wouldn't want to have to walk home for parts/tools. We have over 1200 Km now and other then four oil changes, air pressure adjustments, and some retightening of loose bolts....we have been worry and trouble free every trip out to the bush. I have had older bikes and been let down many times from aged components...clutch cable, brake systems, wheel bearings, etc. Depending on where you intend to ride, the '96 would be better then no bike, but the new one would be a far better bet long term from the maintenance cost alone, let alone resale value. But the most important thing here is to just get a TW !!

 

[sinophilia]

I would get the new bike, even if I love my old ladies. Adding a kickstart is not too expensive, while all the other things you may want to replace on an older bike (tires, front brake and fork, bearings, cables, maybe the carb) might cost you more than $1000 overall - and you still have an old bike, even with low mileage. If you are not going to strip the bike down to pieces for a complete rebuild (hollow mod and the like), then the new one will mean less hassle. If on the contrary you enjoy spending time in the workshop more than riding (a bit like me!), then the old one will be a nice toy to play with.

 

[ellwoodjake]

Changing over to disc brakes can be a pricey mod. You will have to find a front wheel with the disc, a caliper with shoes and bracket, a different lower strut with the mounting holes for the caliper, a brake hose, master cylinder, and a different perch and hand lever. You would also need all the hardware and fittings, and possibly something else I'm missing. Sinophilia is correct. By the time you did all this, you would probably have just as much in it and still have an older bike. If disc brakes are a must-have, then skip the older bikes altogether.

 

[shocker]

I'm a little surprised when you say the price diff. is only 1000-1200 bucks between a new one and a 96. That is not nearly enough diff. to sway buying used. MSRP in my area for a new one is $4399.00. Dealer has one in stock on the floor-2011. By the time you add tax, title and dealer fees it is closer to $5000.00 out the door. I see used TW's for sale in this forum for less than half that and newer than 96.

 

[qwerty]

For such a small price difference go with the new one, or find another used one. That'96 is way over-priced.



Replace 15-year old dryrotted tires and tubes--$300,

Full service, tune, lube, oil, and filter--$250.



Pay no money on the 2010 until seller has title in hand. Show him some cash so he knows you are serious, then put it back in your wallet. Patience is a virtue.

 

[RodneyReed]

For such a small price difference go with the new one, or find another used one. That'96 is way over-priced.



Replace 15-year old dryrotted tires and tubes--$300,

Full service, tune, lube, oil, and filter--$250.

Having a brand new 2010 TW--Priceless.



Pay no money on the 2010 until seller has title in hand. Show him some cash so he knows you are serious, then put it back in your wallet. Patience is a virtue.

FTFY

 

[qwerty]

FTFY

ISC

 

[uktw125]

ISC

All this internet slang and text speak does my head in.

I have to use google like a translation service.

 

[demarko69]

Here is my perspective. I love to work, fix and tinker on things. Thats how I learn and have FUN.

If your goal is to simply ride, buy the newer one. But to me working on my toys is half the fun, so in my way of justifying- I would buy the older one and use the $1000+ to buy more toy /accessories

 

[demarko69]

Forgot to say, the kick starter is a HUGE plus if you ride in rough terrain. Case and point. On our last ride I was traversing up a steep rocky incline and stalled my bike. No problem- pushed the starter- big problem. New battery was dead. No way to push up and in the position I was in no way to turn it around to go down without dumping it. Kicked her twice and continude 15 feet and stalled again. Tthis continued a few times to the top. But I made it.

 

[qwerty]

Forgot to say, the kick starter is a HUGE plus if you ride in rough terrain. Case and point. On our last ride I was traversing up a steep rocky incline and stalled my bike. No problem- pushed the starter- big problem. New battery was dead. No way to push up and in the position I was in no way to turn it around to go down without dumping it. Kicked her twice and continude 15 feet and stalled again. Tthis continued a few times to the top. But I made it.

Didn't learn the first time, huh?

I've needed to start Tdub in places trying to kickstart would likely mean a 400-foot freefall. Shut her down, took the picture, then "Oh, feces, this is going to be a problem if she doesn't start" crossed my mind. The only time Tdub's button hasn't worked for me was due to neglecting the battery during major surgery and rehabilitation.

 

[nfpgasmask]

Guys, thanks for all the input. Great stuff, exactly what I was looking for.



I ended up passing on the 1996, for a few reasons. First of all, the guy is asking $2300 for it, he said he would take $2000, but that is still $800 more than Blue Book value on an EXCELLENT bike. Also, its in CA and I am in NV, so I would have to deal with the rego in a new state, as well as get it over the hill. And then there is all the stuff you guys mentioned. If he would sell it for $1300, I would probably buy it, but the fact is its over 10 years old and it will need stuff. I like tinkering too, but right now I am in the middle of a complete restore of my car and right after that, my trail truck is going to need a bunch of work. Plus, it is (imo) the worst color combo (blue parts and seat, yuck) So I lean towards the new bike as well. I just hope the guy doesn't sell it out from under me.



The thing I don't understand, is that NO dealers around have ANY TW200s. I'm surprised they can't just "order" one for me. I would buy a new one, no problem.



Anyway, hopefully the guy local here will get his title and call me. I'll be waiting.



In the meantime, direct me to the info on the kick starter mod! That is something I will likely do, because I do travel out into remote terrain here in Nevada as often as I can!



Thanks,



Bart

 

[lizrdbrth]

Tw's ship 2 to a crate. As far as I know unless the dealer scores one from another dealer's showroom he has to order 2 at a time.

 

[demarko69]

there are 2 in stock Champion Honda Yamaha in Mesa AZ saw the just a few days ago

 

[goldenhtr]

Kick start info.



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/446-adding-a-kickstarter/

 

[nfpgasmask]

Tw's ship 2 to a crate. As far as I know unless the dealer scores one from another dealer's showroom he has to order 2 at a time.

Well, our local shop that carries Yamaha here told me that these bikes don't come in often and that I can be added to a waiting list 4th in line. I told the sales rep to add me of course, that was like a month ago. So, if there are really 4 people lines up to buy, why don't they order? Seems like a no brainer to me.

there are 2 in stock Champion Honda Yamaha in Mesa AZ saw the just a few days ago

I wonder how much it costs to ship a bike?? Hmmmm.

Kick start info.



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/446-adding-a-kickstarter/

Thanks!



Bart