Yamaha TW200 Ride Review on the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway in Kentucky

This Yamaha TW200 ride review hadn't been planned and it came together quickly when a buddy offered me his bike for the weekend. We'd planned a trip to ride the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky but then my XT225 developed a few problems. Since I was without a bike he offered up the 2010 T-Dub and, well, it was a blast! If you've ever wondered what riding a Yamaha TW200 is like I hope this video is a help.
If you’ve enjoyed this video I hope you’ll give it a “like” and will consider hitting that subscribe button! Have a comment or thought? Please leave it below…comments are always encouraged and appreciated. For more content you can also follow me on Instagram at / jimmytmoto and at my website, jimmytmoto.com .
This channel is for motorcycle riders, mechanics, and enthusiasts who enjoy the simple joys of motorcycling, from dual sport riding to fixing up old bikes on a budget. My videos also consider the perspective of short motorcycle riders (when it’s helpful and relevant) in choosing and modifying bikes and equipment.
I’ve been hooked on motorcycles since 1975 when, at the age of 11, my dad brought home a shiny new Suzuki TM75 for me and a Suzuki TC185 for himself so that we could trail ride together in the hills of West Virginia. Since then I’ve worked as a mechanic, owned countless bikes, and even worked in the motorcycle industry for a number of years as a photographer and journalist. Now I do mainly video production and enjoy nothing more than making and sharing these motorcycle videos on KZbin.
Thanks again for watching. Ride safe!
- jimmytmoto

[@martymartian9820]

That’s me. Seventy years old, heart attack at end of April and still riding. I’ve owned over 60 bikes, I presently own 14. Just bought my first TW, a 1987. I read they are called agricultural bikes for chasing cows. I wish I would have discovered them years ago. A great way to finish off many decades of riding. I love it.

[@collinmc90]

Good for you man! Hope to still be riding when I'm 70... hope I make it to 70. Bless you sir.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Matt is helping inspire me to get a TW after a long period of not owning a motorcycle at all. I started riding with guys on BSA 441 victors and modified triumph Bonneville‘s were still showing up in the hills. I was riding Spanish bikes. Montesas Bultacos & Ossas before I changed over to Husqvarna. I’m thinking of the TW will be perfect for a guy our age. 👍🏻

[@reallyoldsubdude387]

I'm 75 and looking at the same thing.

[@flavio-p]

Legend…

[@savage22bolt32]

You don't stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.

[@eddiekay9019]

What I liked about this vid is that it in addition to some others emphasizes a side of biking that doesn’t involve dragging a knee, climbing or descending cliffs or too many other acts where the average rider will never find themselves. Too many times at the parking circle I silently smile at the racers who go on about their Ducatis and r1000s ,track days and etc. Sure. I’m an old skool rider who was never fast nor skilled. Beeen slow and unskilled for over 50 years but I had fun for over 50 years.

[@qle278]

I really was struck by that grain of wisdom too. @jimmytmoto was dropping life lessons, you gotta enjoy the whole ride, beginning to end.

[@MrMaxBoivin]

Man, I have been riding for a long time, I had big ass bikes and now I'm just itching to go small. I have been eying the TW200 for months now.

[@reggiepaulk]

The Tdub excels at slow and steady… you’ve discovered its true talent, and that is to go where you point it-slowly.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Haha awesome to see more people liking the Tdub. I did a video on it as well since it is my Girlfriends bike of choice.

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks a bunch for commenting, Andrew. I just checked out your channel and subbed - great content! Let's keep the T-Dubs alive...

[@garyferguson1552]

I am 70 years old and love to ride my 2019 TW 200 Just returned from a 4 month stay in the deserts of Arizona & New Mexico rode approximately 800 miles off road. Love it Live it ride it

[@anonw3829]

67 and just bought a 2024...I'm loving it. TW is a FUN ride!

[@Largetalons]

This is the bike that planted the dual sport seed in my head.

[@ridgetop8161]

I love mine. There's a reason they call it the goat. It's not fast, but it goes up old horse trails and cross country with zero issues, where larger bikes struggle like crazy.

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

Great thorough review!

[@allentumminello2343]

Excellent review, believable without being overbearing. Thanks

[@genebond]

Your comments and summary nailed it!

[@phillpearson7531]

That was one of the highest quality reviews I have ever watched. Thanks

[@keirokeiro1976]

That's going to me my next bike, just to play with.

[@boatrvme8478]

I'm on my 2nd Tw200 at 60yrs old ! I ride the dragons tail for 7th time last yr. and was laying it down all the way up. Ps I have shinko 241 on front. It grips asphalt as good as my Goldwing did!

[@vladdmytruk2955]

great video, thanks for sharing!

[@xaxabat1]

Jimmy thanks for another excellent video!

[@jimmytmoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@miguelatambucho748]

Great review Sir! Thanks

[@MOBStreet83]

Nice review on the bike! That ride you did looks like it would be a great time on the Tdub. Thanks for sharing!

[@greasy465]

Best review I've watched so far, and I agree completely. I've had every kind of bike from 1939 on up, and the TDUB is just the most fun ! Thanks for a great review !

[@Ducatista749s]

Thanks for a great video

[@TaskSwitcherify]

Perfect TW200 review with one of the better voices and speaking styles on KZbin ☺️

[@TT-ch2pz]

Great review, you nailed it. The TW is a fun little trail bike. Yes, it has its short comings but if you are just laid-back cruising around on logging roads, a farm or trails it's perfect.

[@ronny-drz]

Great review! Very thorough. I love my 2017 TW200 - been riding 40 years, have a DRZ400 and a Tenere too, but I grab for the TW keys for the relaxed fun, no-stress riding and exploring at a leisurely pace. Yes, buy one!!

[@AzPauly]

100% agree.. I have an XR650L and XT225, like a Corvette and a Miata.. both great-just gotta remember which one your on and set your expectations accordingly..

[@irishflyer6377]

Fantastic, best TDub review I’ve seen and you covered everything I’ve learned in two years. I’ve got the TW225 (yes an extra 25cc with kick start) and DRZ400 so I totally agree about the different way you need to ride the TW, take it easy, sit down and look around, forget about racing. When I explore new trails I take the TW because it is so forgiving and being low and light it’s almost impossible to get stuck even solo. Amazing how those tyres will work with 6 or 7 lbs of pressure.

[@jefflocke8042]

I have both bikes and that’s a perfect description of a TW

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks man - good review - I'm seriously considering buying one of these and you answered all my questions

[@tdublove9558]

Do it! If you have the time to ride it's a very capable bike except for highway riding over 60 mph is a little hard on it but it's doable I rode my '21 Tdub 1,287 miles in a week moto camping mostly gravel and back country roads it was my best trip ever 😊

[@nicholasridiculous3488]

Awesome video brothaman

[@jak3est]

Awesome review i been wanting to review my tw but you nailed everything such a unique bike oddly it being sorta rare it turns heads

[@WoodrowfolloweroftheMessiah]

Good review! I was trying to decide between the XT225 and the TW200. I think for my type of riding the XT225 will be better for me. Thanks! 👍🏻🙏🏻😀

[@rolf9280]

I agree about everything you said about TWKid and the quality of his videos. The friendliest, helpful and knowledgeable TW site on KZbin ! I also agree the bike is both the perfect first bike, and now for me the perfect last bike. I’m 71 now and pretty beat up physically also! All spinal stuff for me… I enjoyed your video too!

[@joemarujo8378]

What a great review of the T-dub! Maybe one of the best.

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks a bunch, Joe!

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

Great video and review. At one time I had 5 TWs, I foolishly sold 2 and every time I ride one of the remaining TWs I miss the 2 I sold. If you are thinking about buying one, or simply have the opportunity to buy one, take Roger's advice in the video and buy it. Fun fact: the early year TWs are worth more now than they cost new if they are in reasonable condition.

[@579.tbogie]

Absolutely great video I've been looking at them and you kind of swayed me towards them more you took the bike where I'd probably go where I couldn't find it on other videos like that, and you confirmed what everybody says the bike will drive itself you just control it. And last but not least the way you went through the mud and water I can tell if you say the bike is good it's good.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Agreed! Love going back to T-Dubs Kid channel. Great video here. By far the best TW200 review video I have seen. I have owned my TW200 for 3 months now. Wrecked it every time out. Continued to keep trying and keep modifying the bike. But still felt like I needed something a bit bigger and snappier. But, like you said I finally road the TW200 the way it wanted to be rode and I WAS REWARDED! I now am so obsessed with this little farm bike that I even watch videos like this the day after a ride. Just to get me through until I can ride it again on the trails tomorrow. Again, thanks for such a fun video. You put into words what I couldn't about this bike. And the stable comment rings true as well. I find myself looking for used TDubs for all my friends to ride.

[@R1DERP]

I ride a Xt225 around town everyday and I see someone has a TW200 ,pretty cool bike I wanna try

[@snipe408]

Great information thanks.

[@timdupont3227]

At age 43, I decided to finally get my bike license. I took a mandatory course on a TW200. Immediately fell in love with it. Upon getting my license, my first bike was a 1983 Yamaha XV750 Virago. I put 15,000km on it in my first riding season. I then sold it and got on a 1977 Honda GL1000 Goldwing. Lots of power. Meant for highway cruising only in my opinion. After a few years I finally found a sweet deal on a 1998 TW200 with 2,400km on it. Owned by an older gentleman that always stored it inside and was never been ridden off road. Now just anxious for riding season here in the Great White North 🇨🇦

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Awesome review! Love the riding footage! I just bought an AG200 (TW's cousin). Can't wait to take it on a technical ride. Cheers! Ps. what you said about having a stable full of TW's for rides with your friends... that is also a dream of mine.

[@harryfritter8266]

After 89,000 miles my tw200's engine finally gave up. So my friend helped me install a stage 2 tillotson 212 and fabbed wider trees and now have a 7 inch wide front tire. It's a sand devil now for all the dunes in Nevada. A modern bw200 that rips

[@spartanchirho]

Harry, you gotta put up some video of that thing!!!! PLEASE!

[@harryfritter8266]

@@spartanchirho It was stolen about a month ago. The neighbors said a guy with a black Chevy 1500 and Texas plates took it

[@spartanchirho]

@@harryfritter8266 Damnit!!! I would love to have seen it, and seen it in action. No videos I guess?

[@justin________7477]

I don't see myself ever selling my '18. It's simple, fun, easy, laid back. The only thing I'd change if I'm being picky is add a 6th gear and another couple hp.

[@frankhugh2052]

Great Review and new sub

[@mathewgoebel4078]

I'm like the person you described at the end of your video the older guy I got rid of my performance bikes because I'm getting older head knee replacement wasn't easy to swing my leg over anymore but God jealous passing By 2 wheelers on my 4 Wheeler so I went out And pursued the TW loving it great video👍

[@tdublove9558]

3200 miles last year on mine so much out there to see conventional vehicles can't go 😁 and I've taken it places I didn't think it could take me so impressed with it's ability to slowly climb up the rough stuff 🤷

[@davehunt8088]

Very good presentation 👍

[@dboutdoors6180]

Great video! I have to agree, Tdubskid makes awesome videos!!

[@justincoleman2740]

Nice one Jimmy! Hope you're well. Team 225!! P.S. Loving my WR.

[@TheDfelan]

Nice video! I still have big bikes T7 and Brutale Dragster, but I was trying to pick up a TW. Couldn't find one in my price range, ended up with a z125 for a great deal, but I'm still itching for a TW.

[@spicydeath82]

fun fact, the motor from the xt 225 will bolt up to the tw frame. a certain year span(96 - 97 i think) even allows you to use the stock tw clutch cable. the benefits of the swap is an extra gear and higher top speed, allowing the bike to do better both off road and on road. something to keep in mind if you mangle your xt bike and can find a tw with a clapped out motor(not likely if they did basic maintenance.).

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

That good to know . I am not mechanically knowledgeable but understand a few things about motorcycles . I own a Tenere 700 and these smaller cc bikes are very intriguing . Would love to get one in a 300cc class but a jump to a 225 sounds pretty good too . Anyway I think a TW will be in the back of my truck headed for some trails one day .

[@josephfelice601]

@@hardworkingamerican8847 how many times have you tipped over your T700?

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

@@josephfelice601 3 times before I had the dealership install the lowering linkage . She's a bit top heavy and I am still a newer rider with only 4000 miles or less of recent riding experience . That's in the last 4 years . I dropped it again in my aunt's 5 acre field that I was working on along with getting the whole property ready to sell . Actually that was before I got it lowered because I still had the stock tires . I was laughing the whole time as I was sliding and plowing around the grassy gopher ridden field , I dropped it trying to do a tiny powerslide . Haven't dropped it since lowering it and getting the Motoz Tractionator ADV tires . Those tires shred the dirt but you need to pay even closer attention to conditions on the pavement . Right now I am thinking about returning the Cyclops Aurora pod lights to Camel ADV for his bash plate . Just don't like the idea of piercing a wire to get power to those lights . I need some extra lights for night time and for a bit of safety during the day . Can't be too careful when you only have 2 wheels .

[@TheWasscallyWabbit]

@@hardworkingamerican8847 I like big bore bikes , but I've always found that's its more fun to ride fast on a smaller , lighter and nimbler bike , than to ride slow on a heavier and taller big bore bike.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

@@TheWasscallyWabbit Yeah that's true , would be nice to so skilled so that I could ride those bigger ADV Dual Sports like my Tenere 700 like it was a 250cc bike . We were camping next to a family last summer , nice group , and they all had various toys . The 15 year old had a Honda 110 I think . It was a squat gutty thumper and I thought dang that would be a lot of fun . It was a newer CRF I think and it looked like it could handle my 210 pound self , at least for a little while . High quality machine for sure .

[@moparandbill]

Great review! I (Bill) love my TW! I bought a new one in 2020. At over 2000 miles on it now, I can say that it's perfect for my 62 year old self. It does just as you said goes where you point it most of the time, an doesn't disappoint on the street. I already bought a xt225 with a bent front end. In the far future when the TDub engine is tired, it will have a fresh 225 to swap in. I have been riding since 72, and can say the TW is by far a winner for all to ride!

[@jimmytmoto]

I love to hear these stories!

[@andrewcarter7866]

My first bike was a TW200...then a DR650, then a Vulcan, then a VStrom, then another Vulcan, then a Goldwing. Sold the Goldwing a couple weeks ago and bought another TW200. I've tried lots of riding styles, and now I know that I prefer to take it easy, relax and see the sights. I also looked through the Google Photos album I had for each bike and realized that I went to way more interesting places on the T-Dub than I did on any of the other bikes. The DR was a close 2nd, but nothing beats the TW for just relaxing and putting around.

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

That's me, last bike. Went from that DR and waiting for my TDUB!

[@johnschultz4955]

That’s me 55 Old fat and lazy I’m done doing wheelies going fast interstate highways Got rid of the last bike just have to work on getting a TW now Real nice review

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

Just saying you described me too! wiating for the 2022s to be releasde

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks, John. Yep, when there's nobody left to impress we finally buy the right bike. Good luck on getting a TW! :)

[@papatorr3669]

I'm only 5'3" and 26" inseam, it was my first choice. I have a TW200 that I have only ridden on my property. TDubs Kid is a great channel for the TW. Good video, gonna watch your XT225 TW200 video next. My friend and his wife ride the XT225. He raced moto cross years ago, and likes them even better than the XT250 replacement.

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks, Papa, it sounds like we're surrounding ourselves with the same bikes!

[@baisleyde]

Nice video , I just got my T-dub out on some really gnarly stuff and it just eats it up , I plan on riding the Kentucky Adventure Trail in a few weeks on the TW, probably goes over some of the same routes as the DBBB

[@jimmytmoto]

Very nice! Enjoy the ride down there, Daniel, so many great roads and trails!

[@beansmalone1305]

I love my tdub. I just think of it and smile.

[@toffeeavatar5011]

We don't have TW's back here in Philippines but I got a Serow 250 (XT250) which I enjoyed much even if I don't ride much often this days ... They used to call it like a garage queen but hey its willing and ready for anything like gas-up and go ... anytime/any weather ...

[@tonyly4613]

Thanks for your videos that was really good I did enjoy very much…At the moment I owned 2 Yamaha R1 2001 .. 2021 …and a 150 Kymco 2019…After 2 weeks doing a little research….Yamaha TW200 possible would be my next bike to enjoy….Because I am 150 pounds and 5 foot tall ..TW 200 might fit my style next after 3 year’s riding …Over 2 thousand hours, 25,000 miles plus I did train myself,have a safe ride love you all the biker thanks…

[@todddavis240]

Thank you sir, probably saved me from making a 4500$ Monkey mistake, the T-Dub looks like a better first bike. Hope I can find a new one, thxz again ;)

[@CanadianDiggersChannel]

I love mine and like you said Slow and go. I changed my rear sprocket to maximize Hwy speed with a lower RPM and it is great now. 60 mph without maxing the engine out.

[@jimmytmoto]

That sounds like a great way to go. It definitely seems like it could handle just a little taller gearing, even on the tightest trails. Glad you're enjoying the T-Dub!

[@spartanchirho]

Canadian digger has an awesome channel! Just subd.

[@ronwhite8503]

Wanted one for years but they never came to the UK. However I did find a Beta Alp 4; low seat height, trusty DR350 engine that works v well. Now for some fat tyres!

[@jaredbauer3058]

You can find a new XT225 or XT250 new on most Yamaha dealers lots at any given time of the year. Try that with the TW200. They dont have them and when they do,they sell quickly. Used as well. Tells you something about the TW.

[@jgb1549]

Very nive video and a great little bike for the country side. But it is not available in Europe, bummer!

[@orlandominichiello]

For a budget bike it works. Great review, now if dealers would actually have them in the showrooms.Very hard to locate one.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

They are a very cool bike and I would like to get one someday . Would be great if there was a way to get a 250cc motor in there . A little more umpf on the road . Also the Honda Monkey seems pretty cool too . Lots of fun on small cc bikes to be sure .

[@JeffCorcelius]

Didn't know this would be one of the hardest bikes to find.

[@juanticimo]

I sold my Tw200 for a crf 300L rally and totally regretted it. There is just something special to the tw200 that you cant get with other bikes. Now of course I am trying to get another one and sell my crf

[@mkshffr4936]

Would like to see someone do a TW coast to coast run.

[@GMasterMonkey]

Well said

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks! Hey, I see you're a TW owner. I just subbed and will check out your videos!

[@LeisureTimeLarry]

You should do a video talking about you perceived differences or comparison between the TW200 and the XT225 since you now have riding experience with both. My buddy is often riding his XT in my videos and people always are asking me in the comments to compare, but I don't ride his bike, I ride mine. I can only go by observation, and it seems like the TW is more stable in that it will generally just go where you point it, where the lighter XT seems to bounce around off track easily. The XT and its 21" front gets up and over deadfall, rocks and roots easier, it can go a bit faster, and is lighter to pickup. The TW is a little tractor and yet can flick through tight smooth quick with the shorter wheelbase. Can't lose with either, but I'm keeping the TW.

[@paulhagerty2773]

You touched on many issues, you did not mention the clutch mod I have done on most every Yamaha dirt bike I have ever owned. Lengthen the pull arm at the engine end and it makes the clutch engagement point wider and easier to modulate. Yamaha, are you listening?????

[@johnscribb6731]

Nice review! I'm on the fence about a T-dub just because I demand a very plush ride. However, I bought a new $12,000 Husqvarna FE for that very reason and found the stock suspension in the rocky stuff somewhat disappointing (not what I call plush). But, I'm spoiled by owning an old '93 KDX200 with perfect stock woods suspension! Newer is NOT better from my experience.

[@archeo289]

Easily one of the best reviews out there for the TD 200.

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks a bunch, Matt!

[@yammietits5040]

I’m 5’5” too! Just subbed bro! Nice work

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Jimmy, you make good videos, informative, fun and just full of commonsense. Now I was hoping to hear you compare your experience on the TW and on the XT225. Can you say a few words about that here? I'm 55 with over 30 years of riding experience, mostly paved roads but a little bit of dirt roads on my offroad-customized Sportster. But the Sportster is still too darn heavy and I would like to buy a light, small dual sport to pack in my van when I go camping. I want a dual sport because I want to be able to ride it on paved roads. I'm 5'11, 190 pounds with a 32" inseam but I'm also used to riding cruisers and not tall, heavy dual sports. I tried the Himalayan that I liked (but it's a bit too heavy still) and an old XL600 which was great fun. Again I would like to load a small bike in a van without having to even think about it. I want REALLY good fuel efficiency because I can do better things with my $$$ than wasting it on excess ga$ and I need a bike that performs decently on and offroad for someone like me who doesn't care about speed, but still wants to remain reasonably safe in traffic (I cruise my Sportster at 60 / 65mph even on freeways). Do you think I would be happier on a TW200 or on an XT225? MANY THANKS in advance for your feedback.

[@IIISWILIII]

The immortal, reliable tortoise in a world of hares

[@Duce7753]

Thanks great review, now just find one.

[@spartanchirho]

I love the fat rear tire, I have an 09, bc of the looks and it does offer some better traction in some situations. But gravel it's a lot less stable than the skinnier xt250. I jist wish they'd make a xt250 with a 6th gear for more top end speed.

[@DTA-me3kv]

I really really want one of these. People want to much for them..

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

I ❤️ my T-Dub.

[@petersymons7817]

Thank u

[@00000901]

great vid! do you have the map of the offroad portion of your video. I ride a lot in the gorge but do not recall the trails:)

[@jcee2259]

I put +30K miles on my 1987 TW200. All seasons Sea level to temperate rain forest sub-alpine dirt. At minus tides I enjoyed wet sea bottom sand. Long trips averaged 2,400 miles. Go figure...

[@StubProductions]

T Tub Kid is a cool guy!

[@jimmytmoto]

He really does phenomenal content!

[@StubProductions]

@@jimmytmoto You make very good videos as well!!

[@kiwithehamster8529]

Been sub for years with tdkidz ..excellent channel

[@deborahchesser7375]

Bang for the buck they are hard to beat, down to the corner store or up the mountainside they’ll get you there.

[@mikelacross]

I'm looking for a TW, but there's not many about in the UK! France seem to have a few though?

[@hectorvazquez8871]

Hello, great video. Could you share where you were riding? it looks very much like VA. Thanks!

[@hdrjunkie]

Why no kick start? What if you’re out in the middle of nowhere and the battery craps out or there’s a starter issue?

[@gordonbaker410]

Hard to think of a better bike to teach a beginning rider on.

[@dangunn6961]

I am considering a TW200 but I've heard about and seen videos and pictures of broken frames. The frame even looks thin and weak.

[@broadwayFan28]

If it had a centrifugal clutch like my ct90 I would have bought one decades ago.

[@paulhagerty2773]

Just bought mine..... The bike was on the floor and I had to shoo two others, said that ones gone!

[@jeepinspence]

Would this bike handle a big guy like me at 6'1" 250?

[@CountryBoyMoto]

I wonder how it would perform in the snow if it wasn’t too deep

[@dzunku1]

I'm 75 year old and got a motorcycle license two month ago. Could this be my first bike? I am 5'5" 130lb. The other choice I'm considering is KTM 200 DUKE. I'd like to have a small but highway legal bike.

[@jamesdeeton4299]

I went to a Multi Brand Motorcycle dealership and they had New mever sold Enduro's from 2-3 years old. They said Motorcycle sales plummeted. ATV and Quad's are sold much more than Motorcycles.

[@timtaylor8557]

For someone with lower back issues, which would you say was more comfortable to ride 'on' road the TW200 or your XT225?

[@patnagle1047]

I own both, am 6 foot and have some back issues. I think the XT is gentler on the back. It's just a tidge taller, and the suspension is more forgiving. Best thing for backs, exercise PT and stretching. It takes so much time, but well worth it in the long run. Best of luck!

[@hasm8235]

Why call it tdub ??..I want one ..cheers bud

[@jefftaswelder9154]

😃👍

[@PInk77W1]

They need rear disc