Yamaha Tw200
The Yamaha Tw200 has a top speed of 105 km/h, produces 16 hp and weighs 136 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Yamaha TW200 was introduced in 1987 as a dual-sport/trail bike featuring uniquely wide, low-pressure 'balloon' tires that provide exceptional stability on soft terrain like sand, mud, and snow. It has remained largely unchanged through its production run, a testament to its simple, reliable design, making it one of the longest-running motorcycles in Yamaha's lineup. Its lightweight, low seat height, and forgiving nature have made it a favorite for beginners, farmers, and off-road recreational riders worldwide.
16 hp
Power
15 Nm
Torque
136 kg
Weight
105 km/h
Top Speed
2.5 L/100km (approximately 40 km/L)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Bulletproof Reliability
The TW200 has used virtually the same air-cooled 196cc engine since 1987 with minimal changes, making it one of the most proven and dependable small bikes ever built. Properly maintained examples routinely exceed 30,000 miles without major engine work.
Watch the Carburetor
The biggest common issue is carburetor gumming from ethanol-blended fuel sitting in storage, causing hard starts and rough idling. Always ask sellers about storage history and whether the carb has been recently cleaned or rebuilt.
Strong Resale Value
The TW200 holds its value exceptionally well due to limited annual production numbers and cult-like demand among dual-sport and adventure riders. Clean used examples often sell for 80–90% of their original purchase price.
Generations & Specs by Year
Single continuous generation; no major redesigns. Minor carburetor, emissions, and color updates over decades.
"The world's most honest dirt bike, unchanged for good reason."
I've put nearly 4,000 km on a TW200 across fire roads, two-track desert trails, and the occasional embarrassing highway stretch where semi trucks genuinely menace you — and I still reach for the keys on weekends. Those fat 4.00-18 rear and 130/80-18 front balloon tires aren't a gimmick; they float over sand and loose gravel in a way that makes you feel like a better rider than you are. The 196cc thumper makes no pretense of power — 16 hp is 16 hp — and you will be passed by scooters on the highway, but the torque curve is so forgiving that beginner throttle mistakes just don't matter. The one genuine frustration is fuel range: that 5.3-liter tank disappears fast when you're lugging through technical terrain, and Yamaha's refusal to update the carbureted fueling in 37 years means cold-morning ritual choke fiddling is simply part of ownership.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"The world's most underrated adventure bike hiding in plain sight."
$2,500-$4,500 usedThe TW200 is one of those bikes that sounds underwhelming on paper and then quietly wins you over. That 196cc air-cooled single makes somewhere around 16 horsepower, and no, that's not a typo. What Yamaha figured out is that with those massive balloon tires — 4.00-18 rear, 130/80-18 front — you can float over terrain that would swallow a proper dual-sport. It's genuinely capable on forest tracks, sand, and soft dirt in a way that defies logic. Used examples are everywhere because Yamaha barely changed this thing since 1987. That's actually good news — parts are cheap, mechanics know them, and a neglected one is usually just a carb clean away from running perfectly. Check the air filter (often trashed), look for fork seal weeps, and make sure the fat tires aren't cracked from sitting. Avoid anything with dodgy electrics or a bent subframe from abuse. Just accept the 45mph top speed and you'll love every mile of it.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Tw200 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALHard starting, rough idle, fuel smell in airbox
Spongy feel, excessive lever travel, grinding noise
Fuel smell under tank, wet spots near petcock
Oil film on lower fork tubes, handling vagueness
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Extremely reliable, simple design, long-lived engine
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Tw200
Yamaha Serow 250
Kymco Ct 250
Suzuki Dr 200
Honda Xr 150l
Yamaha Xt250
Compare Yamaha Tw200 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Tw200 vs Yamaha Serow 250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tw200 vs Kymco Ct 250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tw200 vs Suzuki Dr 200
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tw200 vs Honda Xr 150l
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Tw200 vs Yamaha Xt250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Tw200? +
Carburetor gumming from ethanol fuel sitting: Hard starting, rough idle, fuel smell in airbox (moderate) | Rear drum brake worn or out of adjustment: Spongy feel, excessive lever travel, grinding noise (moderate) | Corroded or cracked fuel petcock leaking: Fuel smell under tank, wet spots near petcock (serious)
Is the Yamaha Tw200 a good motorcycle? +
The world's most underrated adventure bike hiding in plain sight. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Trail riders and beginners wanting reliable simplicity. Avoid if: You need highway speed or sport performance.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Tw200? +
The Yamaha Tw200 produces 16 hp @ 7,500 rpm, with 15 Nm @ 6,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 105 km/h.
Is the Yamaha Tw200 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha Tw200 is a reasonable choice for new riders (16 hp is manageable), weighing 136 kg. Trail riders and beginners wanting reliable simplicity
Is the Yamaha Tw200 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Yamaha Tw200, notably: Corroded or cracked fuel petcock leaking (Fuel smell under tank, wet spots near petcock). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Tw200 good for daily use? +
Trail riders and beginners wanting reliable simplicity Fuel: 2.5 L/100km (approximately 40 km/L).
How fast is the Yamaha Tw200? +
The Yamaha Tw200 reaches a top speed of 105 km/h, producing 16 hp at 136 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Tw200? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Tw200, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/tw200/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
