Honda's failed knockoff Yamaha Motorcycle

[@ShayeDeeeee]

Don't forget Yamaha STILL makes the TW200 still is basically the same as the BW but with slightly more motorcycle-ey tires. Yamaha was so good at making a fat tire motorcycle they haven't stopped

[@randalluthe4792]

Was thinking the same thing. The TW200 is still unmatched for what it is capable of. Although, I kinda wish they still made a version with more ATC-type tires as well. Yes, you lose the dual-purpose aspect that Yamaha is trying to help with sales, but it would give you that slight edge off-road and off-grid.

[@imamfn]

And Suzuki even joining the market later with the Van Van 200

[@Z00L..ChUpAcUpS]

I had a vanvan and loved the look but road like poo

[@caleb-glennmarcus6887]

@@Z00L..ChUpAcUpS lol so true about the VanVan, they're just dramatically bad at pretty much everything despite looking like the perfect nostalgia package with TW-esque capability

[@oboyfishfly]

I use my TW for everything, fishing, visiting neighbors, checking live stock. Not to mention going to town for groceries.

[@alternator7893]

Man I have a fat cat in my backyard. It’s has very good traction for riding on the sand dunes and on loose dirt, but that’s all it has going for it. Riding on pavement the wheels wear out super fast and it feels like you’re sliding even when going straight. Also the wheels being heavier and smaller than normal dirt bike wheels makes it feel kind of sluggish. That being said. Passing by riders who are struggling on the sand or mud has given me great satisfaction

[@btchhopperou812]

Great catch! Try aluminum wheels and 2 ply(lighter) tires, that mass reduction goes a LONG way, and improves braking as much as perceived power increase.

[@vinnyvinson]

Big wheels do well in mud too. They are beach bikes

[@alternator7893]

@@btchhopperou812 thanks but I just sold it today 🥲. I had it on sale for almost a month cus I don’t have room for it and I need a new engine for my Harley. I will miss it though. But I still have 2 other trail bikes and a couple of 11.5 inch rims, so I might make a big wheel trail bike in the future

[@Pabloman333]

After the unexpected passing of my wife, best friend and love of my life of 40 years, both professional counseling and returning to motorcycling got me through it!

[@mattdonna9677]

Strength in numbers brother, many of us on the same journey as yours. They live on in our memories and we will always love and miss them.❤

[@AJC508]

I’m very sorry for you. Can’t imagine what it would be like to live on without my wife and BF of 20 years. Good luck reinventing yourself for the future. 2 wheels will always help empty your mind.

[@Pabloman333]

@@AJC508 the fact that I had to relearn to ride after a 30 year hiatus and that every appendage and mind is busy was a great distraction!

[@kristoffer3000]

Betterhelp ain't it though, straight up scam.

[@nigelhazlewood4822]

Thank you for bringing good mental health to the fore, being someone who has suffered with poor mental health in the past (Royal Navy Veteran Gulf War 1 Desert Storm). Yourself and Craig, The Bearded Mechanic, have now promoted good mental health and I hope more will follow suit and promote this important message.

[@spamstabber]

Shame betterhelp is a known scam and sells their patients confidential details though.

[@supposedlycollectable4220]

Many years ago I was looking for a Fat cat but they were all either way too expensive or super Beat. In my search I came across a BW80 Before getting my bw200 The Little BW80 we got for Around $250 And was the Perfect little extra Bike for Around camp it was Easy for anyone to learn on and was often the first choice for my mom to ride instead of her Quad

[@wayneknodel3347]

Suzuki had the RV90 and RV125 which were very successful in our area.

[@5tr41ghtGuy]

Yep, just looked those up - they were first sold in 1972!

[@vinnyvinson]

Yup. 2 stroke 90cc

[@btchhopperou812]

Thee ORIGINAL to a lesser degree, but very comparable to the BW80!

[@johnfoster6412]

There was also a RV50. Top speed 40 mph with a stiff tail breeze. I had one at 13yo back in the day. Was the Yamaha only a response to trikes, or was it inspired by the RV, but putting the fuel tank where it should be instead of under the seat? The RV was an incredibly forgiving motorcycle. It featured "upside-down" front forks, which improved the handling of the balloon front. I can see it as a "family friendly" market bike, but it was sooooo ugly.

[@SlowBikeFast]

Can’t wait to see how this video goes!

[@williamwintemberg]

Every video I watch on this channel teaches me something!

[@bartmotorcycle]

What a compliment. Here's the thing, so am I

[@williamwintemberg]

@@bartmotorcycle Right? After almost a lifetime on 2 wheels, I realize I missed so much on this subject. I can't thank you enough for your efforts!

[@tjpayne813]

My first bike was a FatCat. Love these machines!

[@b1646717]

These were awesome for irrigation and sprinkler work.

[@vinnyvinson]

No mention of the Suzuki rv90??? Those pre date these by 10 years. They are the first Japanese bw I know of. They set the bar

[@motoxxer44]

they were not really fat tired, if you´re comparing them to a BW

[@vinnyvinson]

@@motoxxer44 I beg to differ. The rv90 was a fat tire. The rv125 less fatty. You must be thinking of those

[@motoxxer44]

whatever you say man ✌️

[@btchhopperou812]

Hey bart, do some research on the 'Missile Kit' for the 250R... it was popular back in the day for a BIG reason. There is a company in Cali that makes modern Missile Kits for YZF, CRF, etc. and HAS A YT channel. Can't remember for the life of me the name, but I am subbed to the channel so I'll try and check then 'edit' this post with the name. Great vid- thanks, and I'm currently hunnting a Street-titled KDX220 to throw a missile kit onto LOL, Peace

[@peterbarron6150]

The FatCat with its semi-auto clutch and electric start made it the best machine hands down for the Model airplane community as a retrieval vehicle. The hand free riding allows for the model to be easily held in the left hand and at slow speeds was a softer ride over the open field than even the trail bikes that were its main rival. Another bike that found an interesting neiche here was one you have also covered the 'cub' the automatic dirt bike/scooter.

[@Kavika-xh1qj]

TW200 is my favorite bike. Over the other bikes I own, that includes a T7, T9, Bonneville XSR etc. It’s an amazing tow that puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

[@VACUUM_HISTORIAN]

I sold my 2018 a while back, I regret letting that bike go. I didn't ride it much, but it could do anything and go anywhere.

[@jackjackson783]

Cool bikes, always wanted one

[@YellowDogWelding]

Ordered your children's book. Looking forward to sharing it with my grandkids.

[@overland_adventure_nz]

Why do you think that the Yamaha was the first? Suzuki made the RV90, RV125, and RV185 back in the early 1970’s sold very well for a number of years in New Zealand but the unfortunate shortcoming was the lack of a true knobbly tire for Offroad riding as it was more aimed at the sand and groomed grass markets. Also, did you know the very first four wheel Suzuki was developed in New Zealand by Coleman Suzuki the originator of Suzuki in New Zealand .

[@haywire05]

Three wheeler sales were never banned in America. The major manufacturer signed a "Final Consent Decree" placing a 10 yr moratorium on three-wheeler sales, development and the importation in April of 1988. This was an agreement between manufacturers not a mandate from the government.

[@stephenrodgers7485]

Great analysis, I really like your in depth information

[@ronvandermolen3728]

My first dirt bike was a 1986 TR200 Fat Cat. My parents got it for me as an early graduation present in 1988. I learned a LOT about off-road riding with this bike. I felt that I could go anywhere with it in all seasons (it went very well in Michigan winters). My only gripe was that it weighed nearly 300 pounds (and at the time I was 110 pounds soaking wet) and there were a couple of times it got out under me and pinned me to the ground. All things considered, it was a wonderful bike. Ultimately I graduated to a Yamaha XT250 (my first streetbike) and my sister got the Fat Cat, which was stolen not long after unfortunately. This was a fantastic documentary, even if I take exception with some points (I liked the semi-automatic gearbox for starters)

[@BatCaveOz]

Yo Bart! I admire that you aren't relentlessly promoting your other channel "Bart's Car Stories"... but you should consider leaving a link in the description or a pinned comment.

[@JH1200A1]

A Fat Cat, 3-Wheeler, ATV or any off-road vehicle has never hurt or killed anyone. Said person had to have got on the vehicle and rode beyond that persons skill level on that certain vehicle which pretty much describes the term Idiot!

[@Bbbuddy]

Don’t mess with trial lawyers, local news teams, or grandstanding congressspeople.

[@TWDStroke]

How lovely to get a quick glimpse of bart’s handsome face..😂

[@pinkyellowblue007]

I really like the fat wheel bikes, there should be something between the minibikes like the Coleman and the 2 wheel drive Rokon.

[@geeksgamesandgears2369]

Yamaha were first with the production big wheels with their BW line (80, 200, 350) and then Honda made the fat cat. Missile industries also made conversion kits to turn 3 wheelers into big wheels and they are actually still in business.

[@leviminton3320]

I have always and will always want one of these so bad

[@techs1smh13]

Yamaha big wheel 200 was a blast with 5 speed and a clutch.

[@brazoon1]

That was a pretty good segue into your sponsorship ad. lol

[@drewdavis4614]

Your a great lad and I love your videos, much love & respect ❤

[@deefox7333]

I have noticed a trend from a previous era of motorcycles that had fat tires. Although I did not grow up in that era, I owned and operated a second-generation Yamaha TW200. I am not sure if it was manufactured in 1987 or 1989, but I know that Yamaha made another similar model called the Zippy, which was a scooter that featured a fat tire on the back. Looking at it, it appears quite comical. Additionally, Suzuki produced a similar design with their Van Van from the mid-1970s up until seven years ago. Speaking specifically of the TW200, I used it for commuting between my job and home for two years. For an 80s bike, it is a very useful and utilitarian type of bike, although the fat tires raise questions as there is not enough tread when driving on asphalt. The rear tire makes a considerable amount of noise, but it is still surprising that Yamaha is still producing the bike to this day, though I am not sure if it is. I found a lot of good use from it, and it was sad when I sold it last year. I miss that bike.

[@TarenKrisher]

The TR200 had a number of fundamental differences from the BW lineup. Auto Clutch, no jack shaft final drive to the rear tire and a different rear suspension. They were produced for 2 years - 1986 and 1987. Black motors in 86, silver in 87. Only about 20,000 units were produced each year. As a former owner of one, I'd say this video includes a lot of banter from someone who has never actually ridden one. These Fat Cats are very easy to ride and are great trail machines. They will go anywhere as long as you don't want to get there fast. In a straight line you can get them up to around 50-60MPH, but they do not corner well because of the heavy rotating mass of the tires. Very fun to ride, smooth and reliable machines. If Honda made them today, I bet they would sell plenty of them.They were produced for 2 years - 1986 and 1987. Black motors in 86, silver in 87. Only about 20,000 units were produced each year.

[@ramiroboerr4886]

In my country (Uruguay) was popular a bike from the ussr, it was called Tula 200cc 2 stroke, it was the same concept as the BW

[@macroevolve]

Honda had the the Honda Oddysee in 1980 I believe. It was basically a small single seat dune buggy with a roll cage.

[@ktm42080]

I've always wanted a Fat Cat. I've had a couple 3 wheelers and a 4 wheeler, almost all Honda, and I enjoy the 3 wheelers more. I still have a Big Red.

[@peterlyon2796]

Hey, I have a great question for you. In 1987 I bought brand new a CBR,600f hurricane, it was black and red, I loved that bike, why did Honda drop the hurricane name, and never brought the hurricane name back, you love Honda so much, what's your theory on this, that hurricane was a beautiful motorcycle, please let us know

[@garyhoward2490]

In '86, myself anb 3 of my riding buddies bought 4 BW200s. Thinking that our girlfriends would ride them, while the boys either raced, or rode in the SoCal desert. Went to the Yamaha dealer together, and finagled the salesman a bit. We bought 4 of them, for $3600...OTD. $900 each. Loaded up and headed out. The girls rode them a few times, but weren't overly interested. They kinda sat around for a while...until!!! We made a trip to the mountains, and just threw the Bdubs on the trailer. The girls didn't want to go...so. Get there and the weather was horrible. So the boys get on the Bdubs, just for a hoot. We had a blast on them!!!! They are SO much goofy fun. Took them along to the desert, and the dunes a lot. Mine ended up being stolen, in '09. Never recovered it.💔 Have looked for another, off and on, but they have become a cult bike. A lot of trashed ones, or the odd nice one, but they want 4 or 5 times the cost as they were new. Ended up buying a TW. Bonus is...street legal. I use it to bop around town, and goof around on nearby fire roads and trails, when I'm to lazy to load up the big bikes. 🤪

[@benb2058]

Hey what about the Honda Cub it came just after the Fat Cat I believe it was a little smaller I bet they are just as rare.....Doah' just saw your video for the cub LOL...! Bart you the man!!!

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Don’t make the mistake of hitting a water hole at speed. If they only Yamaha put the banshee motor in it or Honda had put the 250r

[@DirtRider22a]

Can’t believe you didn’t mention the Yamaha tw200, or Suzuki van van. Not the same as these 2 but very close

[@treasurelife2270]

The coolest motorcycles

[@TheBrainRotCenter]

good to see fluump didnt let his career die, just because the video game he based his career of off did die.

[@michaelfleming40]

I had a TR200 Fat Cat that I bought brand new in 1986. Had two accidents in 1986 and 1987 respectively. Got rid of it in 1992 and I don't miss it at all.

[@Flame-Bright-Cheer]

Back in 1988 around the sixth grade my best friend Chad got himself a fat cat and it was a novelty and really good in the sand but definitely not the kind of bike that we were looking for but still quite fun in the sand

[@paulomiranda1717]

I grew up with Suzukis RV 90 way back in 1973.They were street legal in Brazil and sold reasonably well.Back in the US,I. Never had a chance to own one ,pity.

[@Noone-jn3jp]

No clutch is a terrible idea. I modify and race 70’s ear Z50s and always swap out for a 4 speed if i’m riding it

[@tricycleguy2657]

Just because it's a 200 cc doesn't mean the engine was "taken" from a 200x....case castings are different auto clutch, yea the head and cylinder are similar to the 86 87 200x but it's all it's own design

[@rippinmachines]

I have a Fat Cat and they were made in 1986 and 1987. I have also had a few BW 200s and disagree that they are superior machines / more refined. The BW350 which was also only made for two years is a beast. Much bigger than the TR200/BW200 and really, overpowered for what it is. It is by far the most rare and one to hold onto should you be able to acquire one.

[@ThrottleAddiction]

The Honda actually seems a better design - not a poor copy. (A lot of unqualified comments here.) Straight up and quite important, the Honda drove the rear wheel conventionally from the engine's output sprocket. Whereas, the Yamaha had a poorly thought out jack-shaft in order to get around its problem with the width of the rear wheel. I don't have access to either of these, but I'll guarantee Honda's TR will be an overall improved design in comparison to the Yamaha, so to say Honda copied the Yamaha with poor thought is quite naïve. Research into performance here, was based on the experience of just one person (This Old Honda).

[@brucechapman7748]

Still have one in the shed

[@browngreen933]

I like it a LOT.

[@fredecks4641]

Your vids are amazing, Bart; well-researched, thoughtful and informative. Thank you! And all that said, my wet dream is a fuel-injected Yamaha TW-200.

[@Mach5Johnny]

Hey you gotta admit. The Fat Cat name is catchy!

[@Boomer_Dual_Sport]

Bart, dont devalue your awesome content with online therapy fad ads. It's just a step away from plastic wallets and ball trimmers. Otherwise great vid!

[@andrewhethmon3219]

So one thing I’m not clear about here is what exactly “TR” stands for? If that could be clarified it would really improve the script.

[@ejshultz]

A lot of shit-talking going on in this video. These fat tire bikes are truly one of the very best beginner bikes ever made. Extremely stable ride, extremely low seat height, no clutch to fiddle with. I have ridden one extensively and while I wouldn't take them off jumps they handle very well and are torquey enough to handle any trails only downside is you have to keep the revs up without a clutch so if you can't commit don't bother. The bike handles way better than you'd think extremely stable when you break the back end loose because of how big that tire is but admittedly you aren't going to be racing these bikes they are far more capable than this video gives them credit for, I also think they look cooler than the competitors and have a better name! 😁 There. I've stated my opinions.

[@jasonb7230]

had to thumbs down for the scam therapist ad. may not seem like a scam now, but with the money they toss around for ads you may as well have an established title come with your miss cleo psychic reading. dude eat a bag of dictates for using this sponsor. if you next video uses them im out.

[@jackpualder1522]

We had a Fat cat that was used and abused for years. Drunken nighttime time trials through the property were the norm for the night before deer season. A few broken bones happened over the years but Ol Fatty never missed a beat. It was stolen by some tweakers but by some miracle was recovered. I don't know why the bashing of this bike is so universal. It was a easy and quiet bike to operate and would go anywhere even with two deer strapped down on both racks. Just my two cents

[@dougiequick1]

Always AMAZES me that Yamah does not still build the BW....even if just doing a run every 5 years or whatever ....they are AWESOME fun motorcycles that require very very little skill to ride through tecnically difficult things like deep sand and ruts and hillsllllmy wife had ZERO motorcycle skill....she could drive a manual car so the clutch and shifting were easy to learn and she could ride a bicycle....that was enough on a BW 2oo..INSTANTLY she could follow us pretty much ANYWHERE.....yeah sometimes we had to stop and encourage her or wait a little but I am not exaggeratiing she rode WONDERFULLY!....On ANY OTHER similar engined skinny wheeled dirt bike like a Honda XR200 etc there is NO FRIGGEN WAY she could have gone with us! she would have had the whole learning curve lots of trouble.....people just fail to understand HOW amazing the BW line was....my young son had the BW80 same thing he was instantly a good rider....this was all in california high desert....the sandier the better! Get on the pavement though? The bikes SUCKED big time....hard as hell to steer....the wheels have to get pretty skinny like the TW to steer on pavement but by that point they lost most of their miraculous sand ability and require a lot more skill than the BWs

[@Terribleguitarist89]

In all fairness, Honda still has some interesting naming choices today... I.e. the Honda Cash Deposit 70 which is EVERYWHERE in Pakistan lol When I was working there I'd see thousands of those things blasting around.

[@belledejour2998]

woot v65 sighting!!!!

[@JessBottom-m5i]

Keep the BW, TR, or TW away from a technical trail w/rocks, tight turns, hill climbs, logs and you will happy w/ them.

[@sssss8700]

Look up the atc250r “missile kits”. Aftermarket kit to lop a wheel off your 250r

[@philipmarr7325]

I recently picked up a TW200. Close to a BW. Its a fun, easy, relaxing to ride dualsport bike.

[@robbchastain3036]

I like your report, Bart, yet maybe Honda needed to rush this to market to show the U.S. government its compliance with the new law against three-wheelers? Not sure but I do agree that 'Fat Cat' is a terrible name and who knows, maybe a dig against politicians as that term used to be applied to them.

[@GManWrites]

Better Health Sponsor 🤔 FTC fined Better Health because they sold consumers’ email addresses, IP addresses, and health questionnaire information.👎

[@kristoffer3000]

They've also not got licensed therapists, it's a gigantic scam.

[@stmboat]

First bike after the 3.5 hp mini

[@999benhonda]

I seriously doubt that honda wasn't working on the fat cat before yamaha released theirs. As stated, honda knew that their atc's were doomed. It's logical to conclude that they were already working on a new form factor that shared many parts and thus could be put into production quickly...suzuki just beat them to the punch.

[@tnetroP]

@03:35 Wow I really didn't expect to see The Nutty Boy Seven (Madness) on this channel.

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

0. 18. I believe that's the same girl of the 350 Bridgestone adds of 1968, where she wore a plaid outfit. She didn't bother me a bit then tho, I bought only 15 350s. I had no interest in the 3 wheelers. They weren't real bikes. But first you say TR isn't known to stand for Totally Radical, then you build a straw man case against a supposed name. More likey Trail n Road.

[@bartmotorcycle]

🤣

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

​​@@bartmotorcycle. The fat-wheeled .bikes. were a good idea tho, for those who rode off-road at sane speeds - tho I don't know why anybody would want to do that.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

You said, "There's no replacement for actual therapy". That's incorrect. It goes, "There's no replacement for displacement". Everyone knows this. I'm pretty sure it's from the Bible...or maybe the US Constitution.

[@Onewheelordeal]

Bikes and Beards just did or is doing a giveaway on one of these

[@unclebilly1353]

Looks like yamaha went into the parts bin of their three wheeler. To use up parts that they couldn't sell. Makes a lot of business sence.

[@buckfiden2988]

Fat Cat is great!

[@colinnr123]

Without the Fat Cat could there have been a Fat Boy?

[@highwayman1218]

Dont remember a BW400.... I do remember the BW350 though....

[@Pokingthebear1960]

Mine will be a crf300 or 450 with a fat tire kit

[@royallplatnum]

This dude is totally wrong, if you buy anything in terms of maintenance then the fat Cat was definitely better the one best thing about it was the single chain. That speaks volume. Double chains are weak and barring go bad quickly

[@ImAnEmergency]

EUGENE OREGON MENTIONED RAAAAAA

[@GlacialErratic]

TR= Trail Rated

[@armadilllo]

Huh? I just found 11 fat cats for sale.

[@JeffKopis]

I can ride a two wheeler. I can ride a four wheeler. For the life of me, and Im almost 60, I cannot ride an ATC!

[@carlosschagun6922]

Hi Bart. First of all, thanks for your videos, they are very informative and I have watched at least 80 % of all your uploads.- I have a special request: It would be very nice to see a video about the Honda Z50M. I believe this is the predecessor of the monkey and was a very nice little mini bike.- If you search in KZbin you will notice that there is almost no relevant material available about this little wonder! Have a nice day...

[@JRotten]

Fat cat was ahead of its time.

[@nathancooley8459]

Bart face cam isn’t real, Bart face cam can’t hurt you…

[@rm25088]

so that's what Bart looks like.

[@welfare_baybee]

By 5:00 i had two commercials and the sponsor read. I'm getting tired of youtube.

[@TheMailmanOfSteel]

Thumbs down. Better Help is a scam, bro.

[@jackjackson783]

Or just buy at conversion kit for you dirtbike😊

[@therealfakecaptain7978]

Weird seeing your face.

[@mrjaybennett80]

I like it

[@bultacowally]

what's the big deal Yamaha and suzuki had the same thing not like it was unique to the world...

[@filiphlavatovič]

The rice of honda fat cat is insane if i cloud buy a brand new one i wloud

[@tommcl8548]

👊👍

[@bartmotorcycle]

👍

[@cosmodave69]

Trail Ready Silly

[@clarkbutler]

i would love to have that bike, it reminds me of the honda 50 mini bike i first sat on when i was 8. 4 wheelers are getting old, no innovation,same old shit, and side by sides are turning into mini cars, i think a tr today would sell,maybe not alot of bikes, but maybe it would get a few kids out of their bedrooms with their vr headsets on and onto a trail somewhere, the nxt generation will be cubicle people, hell pretty soon they wont even interact with real people , why would you when you can have an a i chat bot that loves everything about you ,tells you your funny , and looks like a supermodel in your headset

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Is thwt not a grom