Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1262717
2020 YAMAHA TW200 R I D E R E V I E W P104 At a claimed 278 pounds, the TW200 isn't exactly light, but because of its small size, low seat height, and lighter-than- you'd-think steering, it doesn't feel too bad on the trail until you have to pick it up after a fall, or when you land from even the smallest of jumps. While the fat tires are great for the dirt, they are also pretty good for the pavement. Here, the big tires do make the TW feel a little sluggish in the han- dling department, but at least you always know that traction is there at all times. The TW is a great urban motorcycle but stay away from the highways. The TW tops out around 60 mph, but that's not a realistic speed for this little guy. Even 55 mph is pushing it; 45 mph seems to be the TW's sweet spot for the open highways. You could gear it up but then you'd lose some of the TW's excellent rock-crawling capabilities. The 1.8-gallon fuel tank might seem small but should get you approximately 70 miles (but Yamaha says 78) in one filling, which is plenty for any single sitting on this bike because your average top speed per ride probably won't be very high most of the time, so you'll be ready for a long break after 70 miles on the TW. Even after all these years, there isn't much not to like about the TW200. Yes, the suspension is far from stellar, the footpegs are tiny, and the TW isn't exactly pretty, but it is an excellent little motorcycle for the beginner and a ton of fun for the experienced rider who understands what this bike is all about. It's a motorcycle that is just plain fun to ride on the trails, but with the TW, the cool thing is you don't even need a trail to have fun on it. Just point it and go and whatever gets in your way, so be it. It'll go right over it. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2020 YAMAHA TW200 ($4599) ENGINE TYPE: .............Air-cooled, single- cylinder, 4-stroke, 2-valve, SOHC DISPLACEMENT: ............................. 196cc BORE X STROKE: ............ 67.0 x 55.7mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ..................... 9.5:1 FUEL DELIVERY: ................ Mikuni 28mm IGNITION: ............................................ CDI TRANSMISSION: ...Constant-mesh 5-speed CLUTCH: .......................... Wet, multiplate FINAL DRIVE: ....................................Chain FRONT SUSPENSION: ..... Telescopic fork REAR SUSPENSION: ........... Single shock FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: ..................6.3 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: ....................5.9 in. FRONT BRAKE: .....................220mm disc REAR BRAKE: ............................ 110 Drum FRONT TIRE: .........................130/80-18 in. Bridgestone Trail Wing REAR TIRE: ..... 180/80-14 in. Bridgestone Trail Wing 34 SEAT HEIGHT: ..................................31.1 in. WHEELBASE: .................................. 52.2 in. RAKE: ..................................................25.8° TRAIL: ................................................3.4 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: .................... 10.4 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ............................. 1.8 gal. FUEL ECONOMY (CLAIMED): ......... 78 mpg WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED):.............278 lbs. COLOR: .................................. Sandy Beige Instrumentation is basic, but, really, what else do you need to know?