Testing My New TW200 Out On The Highway!

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PAID PROMOTION NOTICE: The SWANKY CAT channel regularly accepts, uses, tests, & reviews promotional products in or content. First ride on my new to me Yamaha TW200! I turn on the camera on the way home from picking up my first TW200 and share my thoughts and impressions on how it rides.
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[@dyna_sour]

I think you'll find the TW200 to be a lot more capable than most would give it credit for. I've yet to find a muddy or deep sugar sand trail it won't traverse. Granted, I ride in NW Florida, so no real hills to speak of.

[@OgreMoto]

The thing I find with the TW is that it takes a lot less effort to ride offroad and do gnarly things with simply because of the lower seat height, fat tires, and tractor gearbox. It’s the perfect bike for putting around off-road and exploring. While you can simply do more and go more places with the more aggressive dual-sports and dirtbikes (just because of the stronger chassis, more suspension travel, ground clearance, etc), it takes a lot more skill and energy.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I definitely agree with both of you. This bike has done nothing but impress me since I've brought it home!

[@Onewildandcrazyguy]

​@@SwankyCatProductionswhat was your fastest speed

[@Surly1966]

Once in a fit of insanity I bought both an XT125 and an XT250. To be honest I just bought them to help a friend in need- (you know guys who won’t except charity I’m sure).Both were low mileage and in great shape. I held onto them until things got better for my friend but truth is he didn’t want them back. I was so happy he didn’t. The XT 125 became the go anywhere off-road bike. Lol since I could carry it! I’m a big (250+) guy and that little bugger never hesitated on bog, on gravel, you name it( except highways- I’m not a sadist) the XT250 was a fun around town, off road bike. Amazing how much fun they were. Drove them for about 5 years with other bikes till another friend had a fire and I traded him both for his kids to ride (No I didn’t get his kids)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah there is just something about a small bike, they are a really good time!

[@hazcat640]

Yeah, got one. Get larger foot pegs for it. If ya want more grunt change the rear sprocket to a 55 tooth, your top speed drops to about 58 but the low end will let you climb a tree! Finally if you find the suspension too soft you can re-spring the front and rear for about $250 total. The thing is a mountain goat. :) Oh, ya might want a better skid plate.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

New pegs are on order! I'm not sure I'll need to respring but that's awesome it's so cheap! I'm undecided on the gearing also, first seems to be ok for the terrain I ride but my be fun to try it even lower...

[@avnmech]

My Tdub maxed out at 72, bone stock 2024, 0.1 miles on it when I picked it up about a week and a half ago, flat ground, I weigh 195lbs/88kg. Great bike, I have made a bunch of mods to it since, and that was just last Thursday.

[@timonraccoon]

How is it on the mountains and highway? I’m thinking of buying one

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I like the TW200 , looks like a lot of fun and can go almost anywhere .

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it's pretty impressive!

[@ianferrier235]

That's awesome Ben we have two of them ourselves, 87 and a 2015. Yup they are gutless but great in the bush.A good complement to our ADV bikes.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's awesome Ian! They really are a great companion for a KLR or T7. The difference in power and size/weight magnifies the others strengths and makes them seem even more fun!

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

TW 200s are cool. I'm surprised you found one. I've seen guys riding them in the winter. The F9 video on it was cool. Hill climbing could be fun.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It's waaay more fun then I thought it would be. It's the polar opposite of the T7 so when I switch back and forth between them it accentuates each of their strengths. It climbs hills better then my quads do!

[@williammack3018]

Yeah, I have a TW and like it. Would love it if iut was as smooth as the former BMW. It needs one more gear. Just about to pick up a Honda

[@timhudson1846]

I love my 2004 T-Dub.. bulletproof bike. Will basically run forever. You cannot find a better mess around,do everything bike. Heck ? Travel around the globe . I had a Honda super cub..loved it. But the TW is awesome.

[@TyeWills]

Nothing is more fun than riding a slow bike fast. You can ride this bike to its highest potential and not even break a law.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Tw400?

[@leesuschrist]

Man, I've been dreaming about buying one of these for the longest time. They get insane money here in SE Wisconsin, even for really old ones, that's what's really stopping me.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah they are like gold! Lol. I've always wanted one but wasn't specifically looking when another higher milage one popped up, it sold before I could message the owner and then the next day this popped up! Beat 3 other people who wanted it by just a few minutes I guess haha. Sure glad I did!

[@michaeljohnson2922]

I live in Oconomowoc Wi, they are pretty hard to find around here. The sell fast.

[@leesuschrist]

@@michaeljohnson2922 ha! That's where I live and yes, pretty much any dual sport is either way overpriced or goes super fast in our area.

[@northboundadv7533]

Wow, a TW and a Tenere. Definitely jealous of the collection you got now

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha thanks Northbound ADV!

[@Xener09]

I got my TW this year, once it's paid off I'm getting a T7! 2 of the coolest bikes for adventure ridding.

[@hokogan]

Great little bikes for the right situation. Taking roundabouts fast makes you feel like you’re racing the Isle of Man!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I have not hit a roundabout yet but I've taken a few corners and it does pretty darn well, plenty of grip! Haha.

[@hokogan]

@@SwankyCatProductions Gonna take that thing out to Tigerton? I’m probably getting there (for the first time) with some others dudes on Friday.

[@BillySBC]

I think if you intend to do more street stuff or commuting with the TW you are going to want to drop the rear 50 tooth sprocket down to like a 44 or 42 tooth sprocket to give is less revs at 55 or 60mph. It is only a 196cc engine after all, but with the right sprocket you can commute with the bike up to maybe 60mph and still have fun with it as a trail bike. Very versatile little cycle that's well worth the price.

[@reggiepaulk]

If you haven’t yet, install hand guards. You’ll definitely pay for them in saved brake and clutch levers.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

100% agree! I put them on everything!

[@davidbuck5864]

I like mine very much, and I think eventually you will come to appreciate yours. It's a great farm bike, that has other uses - like running to town when you need a part. Cannot do that with any of the pure farm bikes. Best of both worlds.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've really taken a liking too it. I ride it more often then either of my other bikes!

[@williammack3018]

CT 125. At 85 yrs old it's time to keep scaling back to lighter bikes.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I just need top speed

[@toddbates5359]

nice vid! I am on the waitlist for one. You got a good one if you can hit almost 65MPH without a gearing change!

[@JayShermanFJC]

I rode a TW200 in the MSF course, loved it. Mystery bike...calling it 2022 KLR650 since they will be hitting showrooms soon.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

...🤭

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I have a 2022 KLR650 on order !

[@xCRO3x]

Same bike I passed my MSF with

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice I had a 1994 XT225, was a blast to ride !

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! I don't think I've ever been on one of them!

[@nicholasecto4198]

Man I really enjoyed this video! Exactly what I was looking for too. Just subbed

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks Jake! Glad to hear all of that!

[@IslandADV]

Nice bike Bud! The TW's look so fun. I feel like they would be perfect for a poker run in the woods with an ATV crew. Mrs. Dowski has expressed some interest in getting one actually, so let me know what the Mrs. thinks and maybe I can convince my wife to pull the trigger next season.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks Island ADV! Yeah it's definitely more at home with ATVs in the messy stuff and on the big hills then my T7 ... More so because I can reach the ground than anything haha.

[@yosugami6275]

I'm really lightweight and I feel pretty comfortable going 65mph stock on this bike. I was thinking about trying the 15 tooth front sprocket to see if i can go 70 without worrying about killing the engine.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Rider weight plays a much bigger role in performance than a lot of people think! I really enjoy my TW at around 45-50mph!

[@ScratchBabble]

That's going to be so much fun!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It is!!! So much easier to handle than the T7 or KLR and it makes the T7 feel so much faster haha.

[@xjrider9851]

I just picked up a 1998 TW200 and I have a 2022 KLR 650!😁

[@ChickenParm152]

I have a tw200 also! i have an atv tire on the back and a knobby on the front, and its geared down. it is an absolute beast in the technical trails. i will post it up on the KLR DELUSIONALS page!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'll check it out!!! What tire & size are you running?

[@ChickenParm152]

@@SwankyCatProductions duro power grip. 26x8-14 check the delusionals fb page I made a post about mine

[@ownyourworld]

Tdubzkid does some good vids with this bike 👍🏻 are you thinking of doing any moto camping ?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've seen quite a few of his videos! Just watching a few again for upgrade ideas. I really should do some Moto camping... I'm usually just to lazy ha ha.

[@TheDfelan]

Was going to say the same, his videos have high production value. Also think its pretty cool how he started solo moto camping at such a young age.

[@ArcticJeff]

Love the TW200, that bike has SO much character and is reliable as heck! Looking forward to more videos of it. I'm sure you've found @TDubsKid KZbin channel and the TW200 forum? I have an 84 XT200, which is the TW200's older cousin, same engine, with a taller dirt bike frame (and street legal). That engine and iterations of it were used by Yamaha in many bikes. Even the 225 and 230 engines are basically the same thing. Yes the 200 is a bit under powered, which gives the TW part of its character. There are a few things you can do to find a few extra ponies, but most folks leave the 200's as is. I have a 225 crank and top end in my XT200 and a 30mm flat slide carb. My top speed still tops out around 65 - 70 mph, but can get there much faster now.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I agree it's pokieness is a huge part of its character. I want to get a little more out of it, but not much. I didn't realize those bikes where that closely related, that's awesome!

[@ArcticJeff]

@@SwankyCatProductions Oh, forgot to mention, hook a GPS up and see how accurate your speedo is. My XT200 has the same speedo as the TW and mine was way off, especially at higher speeds. It reads as much as 10 Km/h slower when going above 80 Km/h. So if its displaying 80, I'm really going 90 (Km/h).

[@brianpalmer5518]

Love it! There is so much fun to look forward to with the TW. A felow delusional Eric Charbonau has one. He takes his ice fishing. He put real aggressive ATV tire on the rear instead of studs. I like your comment about it as a potential loaner. I just picked up another XT250 for that reason. The small Yamahas are miles of smiles.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks Brian!!! I've seen a few people running the ATV rear. My tires could use a replacement... Might look into that for myself! Yeah I think it'll be nice to have a spare for me and especially a spare for a friend. Always nice to have the company on a ride! They sure are!

[@jeffnicks2128]

That’s a nice town bike! Looked a little shaky on 51 though lol. Have a good one Ben

[@ChickenParm152]

they are sick woods bikes too when properly setup

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah ha ha I think I'd have felt much better without all the traffic but it wasn't all that bad. 45 mph is just about perfect. You too Jeff!

[@ericwilliams626]

The one thing about Yamaha's, you can wind them as high as possible. Other brands, eh. Change the oil though.

[@oneeyedrover]

Ever since fortnines video I’ve wanted to try one. Just picked up an xt225 instead tho

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I just re-watched that video after bringing mine home, great video! I have been wondering if I should've gone with an xt instead but I think they both have there own character and strengths!

[@Xener09]

I did the same thing! 2 days into owning my 2021 TW I said fuck it, BIKE ROAD TRIP!

[@colinwiddis8530]

Legendary!! Love it

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha 😂

[@patrykrog8121]

I wish they sold the tw200 in europe. We only have the tw125 and the newest one is like 20 years old already. In america you get klr650 aswell and so many other good bikes. Im happy with my honda transalp 650 which you never got but then everyone wants what they cant get so im just happy with what i got. Ill import one one day tho

[@SwankyCatProductions]

The TW is definitely a cool bike! But the best bike is always the one you can ride!

[@peteb6072]

I just bought a KLX 250 to Complement my klr 650..,it’s a fun light bike

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Never been on one but I'm sure they are similar to 250s I have ridden and I'd agree, they are a nice change from the big bikes!

[@peteb6072]

@@SwankyCatProductions Yes sir.. I bought my KLR 650 new in 2019 it’s a 2016 model after watching your videos.. I’ve put 12000 miles on it .. but I’m 55 and wanted a lighter bike for commuting and trail riding.. so that’s why I bought the KLX 250 and I love it so far.. maybe I’ll trade my 650 in for a Tenure or the FI KLR .. .. keep up your videos .. I really enjoy them.. Skol

[@tomalba7]

I just sold mine and got a Tenere 700 but I can tell you there's no better bike for under 50 mph.... You really need to know what kind of riding you're actually going to be doing. I need to connect a lot of places by highway so the TW didn't really suit my needs and I didn't have a lot of space I really didn't want to sell it. Also I don't ride enough even to have one bike almost much less two. The thing I miss is the supermaneuverability and light weight. This t7 I feel like I'm going to fall over every time I come to a stop I'm so high up. Honestly if the TW had even a 400 in it I probably would have never sold it.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I know how you feel! The TW makes the Tenere feel like your trying to manually control a two wheeled truck lol. I'm really hoping for a CRF450 Rally in the next few years. I love my T7 but I think that would be a pretty awesome bike!

[@OGkush69x]

You could of just modded it. High flowing exhaust / intake and stage 1 carb tune kit and its night and day difference . And if you need more there is stage 1 sport cam, stage 2 race cam with updraded race springs, valves etc

[@shanebalthazor3789]

Looking forward to videos on this thing

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Me too!!!

[@KLRmurdercycle]

Enjoy your T34...I mean Tdub😁

[@SwankyCatProductions]

... I don't get it 😂

[@KLRmurdercycle]

T34 tank. Agile, funny looking, and go anywhere. I won't mention the T34 downsides😆

[@shiny_sideup]

I recently added one to my ranks. Always wanted one since I first put eyes on the goofy thing when I was 12 lol. And... I love it. It's weird, it's different, it's un intimidating, it's actually comfy and you can put it through anything and it will just ask for more. If the world goes to crap, it will be twinkies, roaches and tw200s left standing 😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It really is a fun bike, isn't it?!?!

[@shiny_sideup]

@SwankyCatProductions it really is. It's the do it all bike. I think of it as a 2 wheeled jeep 😀

[@mudbrats]

Be hard to go from a T7 to a TW200... low miles and great find

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It's actually been really fun doing back and forth between them! The TW is so light, so low and so easy to maneuver compared to the T7. Feels like riding a bicycle after a Goldwing. And when I get back on the Tenere it feels like I've gone from the bicycle to a Hayabusa! Haha. Thanks!

[@boostedgoldrush1196]

Hey I was just wondering if if I should buy a 2009 summit pteck 800

[@earlgallup5223]

Got mine up to 88😂😂. But I was running nitromethane.😊

[@paulanderson388]

What were you expecting with a 200cc bike?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

This.

[@longrider9551]

Catman I had 2 of them 5 years ago great little bike for trolling around the woods but im 250lbs and it was downright dangerous on the roads to get there, underpowered and the brakes were overtaxed, I think the rear was a drum brake if I remember. Its perfect for Honey Badger and has a low seat height

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Oh yeah? Yeah it seems like I've just about got it maxed out at 160. But it still does very well as is for what it is. Perfect for honey badger!

[@onecraftybadger3847]

I like it a lot, so nice to be able to flat foot! And not having to kick start is awesome too, wish we would've found this a few years ago!

[@bababooie7296]

Would a newer TW200 be able to cruise at 55mph for 2 hours? Or is that too much on the engine.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've done 45 minutes at 55. But I don't think I'd recommend doing it for 2 hours, probably not the best thing for the bike or the rider. But I suppose it's possible.

[@ironwillbowman6402]

I own 2 tw200 with my T7, they are mtn goats

[@ironwillbowman6402]

oh, swap front tire and get a good skid plate

[@elindenstein]

What’s your audio setup?? It sounds really good

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! Hero 4 to an adapter then a cheap (but good) mic that came in a 3 pack from Amazon. Mic is placed to it's just protruding out from my cheek pad next to my mouth.

[@airadaimagery692]

Do they still use incandescent bulbs on these bikes, even the new ones?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

My guess would be that they so yes.

[@jwerner3903]

yep

[@thetransformationtribe9302]

Atleast buy it dinner before you ride it like that!! Jk 😂😂😂 what a cool fricken bike! That’s a nice setup

[@frediefarmer]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@williammack3018]

Rokon.

[@huntoutwest6091]

Take that thing in a gravel pit and run it up the piles.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Will do! Just found a good one out east yesterday while on the T7 actually!