Anybody have a TW200?

I'm getting bit by the adventure motorcycle bug again. I think a TW200 would fit the bill well. I've had a few dirt bikes but I've never ridden on the street so this would be a learner bike.

It would be used for running errands, exploring rural areas and commuting. My commute is 11 miles; about 7 miles of that is a two lane county road that has a 55mph speed limit. I'm 5'9" and a chonky 210lbs. My only concern is that the TW200 wouldn't be enough with me and a headwind to sustain 55mph.

I like that it's a small bike with a reasonable seat height. To be honest, I'm kind of intimidated by bikes with a higher seat height (the KLR650 for example).

I can't really find any TW200s in the local area. I wouldn't mind having an earlier one for a couple grand but those don't seem to exist inside a 500 mile radius. People are selling ones that are a few years old for less that a grand less that a brand new 2024.

Thoughts?

I have nothing to contribute that is specific to the TW200 but am interested in what others have to say. I am 5'7" and spent a lot of time on an old XL250R in my youth. Seat height was modest compared to MX bikes and manageable even for me, although the weight (~275lb dry) was a liability in rough stuff. Power was adequate for the mountainous area (meaning no freeways) that I lived in, but no more than adequate. Even with less weight to lug around than I have now it was a chore to maintain 55 or 60. It would do it, but there just wasn't much in reserve  and I always wished I had stepped up to a 350 or 400.

How do you feel about an older, larger displacement dual-sport bike? Something like a Honda XL500 or Yamaha XT500 would have plenty of power to run those speeds, and twin shock models have lower seat heights than newer stuff. On the other hand, they are nearing 50 years old. And you'd be faced with the prospect of kick starting a big-bore thumper.

I may have a less foolish idea. Stand by.

I weigh at least as much as you do, and had fun ripping around town on one a while back. I was on urban surface streets and I probably didn't take it over 40mph, but it did OK in that setting. Kinda fun to be able to pin it without having to worry about instant death/go straight to jail speeds. I imagine it would do 55mph without too much trouble, but might not have a lot of acceleration/passing oomph at 55.

Riding a smallbore dual sport in traffic requires the right mindset and the right degree of caution, but can be tons of fun.

I also rode a Suzuki DR350 everywhere for years, and with the right gearing that would do 70mph, and was also cheap to buy. It does have a higher seat height, which worked for me (I'm 6'2") My buddy who is around 5'8" also rides a DR350. He put a lowering link, low seat, and lowered forks on his. I can understand not wanting to mess with all that, and the TW200 is probably tough to beat for seat height in the category.

Can you find one to rent/test ride?

Apparently a Royal Enfield Scram 411 is only about $100 more than a TW200.  Very different, but maybe worth a look if you end up having to buy new.

I've owned a couple of TeeDubs over the years, and and while I feel that it is perfect for a around town and surface street commuting, extended highway running at 55+ can prove tiring for the rider.  The little engine can take 55-60MpH for extended periods without issue, however.  

I (was) at about your weight when I rode my TW200s, but I am taller, at 6'2" (I make my Ducati M900 look like a 450) and the amount of wind I'm blocking vs you @ 5'9" makes a bigger difference than weight.   If you have steep hills on your highway commute that will come into play, however, as it is a near-agricultural engine in that little bike, and designed for longevity and abuse instead of power.

Yes. I bought a cheap one off of Craigslist and went completely through it. It was a great little motorcycle and I suspect it would more than satisfy you case usage. I'm 6'2" and 230 and it did fine hauling me around at 55 miles per hour. 

At the time I owned a powder coating shop so I went a little overboard  

I used to rent one every year in Aruba and turn in hard laps on the rough side of the island. They are slow and handle like E36 M3. It would be fine for your commute, but if you're not married to the idea of the fat tire flyer I would also recommend a DR200, or XT225/250. The DR is a fine bike in that category and probably the best value. 

DarkMonohue said:

Apparently a Royal Enfield Scram 411 is only about $100 more than a TW200.  Very different, but maybe worth a look if you end up having to buy new.

I was going to suggest this, as I own one. I've read a lot from TW owners; many are former owners because they found the bike to be too underpowered for street duty. A Scram or Himalayan is 'peppy' enough to do 60-65 comfortably and actually accelerate with some authority. The TW is really intended for farm use or for areas with sandy soil.

Out there in the hinterlands, it might be hard to find one, but I would look for a used Versys-X 300.  Perfect for your use case and a much better highway bike (and better all-rounder) than a big-tire 200.  The TWs are great for low speed dirt and around town, but won't be great on the highway.  It'll do it, but it won't be all that enjoyable, and won't have much headroom for passing.

They keep TW200 and scooters around COTA to pick up crashed riders and to transport staff etc. probably never go above 30mph. I don't think I would want to routinely ask a TDub to go 55+. The other suggestions people have been providing are more the droid you're looking for.

I myself wound up with a really well modded and sorted Yamaha WR250R because I wanted to be able to ride on the street. I'm a realist and wouldn't ride a non street legal bike often enough. WR does street and dirt pretty darn well.

I didn't own one but have spent time on them. 55mph speed limit means 60-65 mph speeds at least around here, and I didn't find the TW to be enjoyable doing that since that was basically WOT for me at 6'4" and 190 lbs. They make okay city bikes, but they don't handle well and the heavy tires always seemed to make the bike feel less powerful than it is, which isn't terribly powerful to begin with. 

If you're okay with kick start, I had an XT350 for a while that was great. Cheap, durable, 6 speed transmission, practical top speed was a bit over 70 mph. Overly complicated carb setup, but works fine on a stock bike. Much better handling than a TW despite noodle forks. I've not been on any of the newer XT225 or XT250 versions but they are like a normal-tired TW200 with a little more oomph. I think some had e-start, but they are only 5 speeds. The extra gear made commuting so much more relaxed. 

WR250 is the default fuel injected choice.

You get used to seat height pretty quickly, and none of these bikes are really all that tall. I would strongly suggest getting a bike that works for you in all the other ways. Seat height only matters when you're stopped, and a lot of bikes advertising low height make some pretty annoying compromises to get there. (yes, I'm tall, but half my bikes I can barely get both toes on the ground at the same time)

Very old video of the tail of the dragon on my XT350. I rode all the way down there loaded up with camping gear from Indiana, it did fine even the couple times we were on the interstate for a bit. Useful to have the flexibility to hop on for a few exits if you need to. 

I owned this one for about 10 years.  I get what you mean about low seat height and confidence.  For off road, this one made me comfortable to get into situations I would be scared of on a tall bike.   On road, was easy around town but 55 seems like it would be pushing it.  It screams and doesn't sound like it is happy at those speeds.   40-45 is more of a natural sweet spot.   They are reliable though and you won't lose money as they have a cult following.   

My partner has an XT225 and we have both ridden a TW quite a lot.   If much of your riding is on pavement, the XT is a better bike.  And if you are serious off road, the XT is better although other more modern bikes are way better.  But for a newbie bonking around on the trails, the TW250 is great.  And reliable and cheap.  :-)