Questions about Motorcycle/Scooter Purchase

[scarysharkface]

Someone mentioned the YAMAHA TW200

They sure look like a lot of fun. You could let those big tyres down and cruise through soft sand

While lacking power, those fat tires make sure that none of it gets wasted. TW200 is the mechanical equivalent of a mountain goat but not much fun on the highway.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I wouldn't touch a scooter, but that's personal preference.

I say, if you want to get more ability for easy off-road trail plonking, get the TW200. If you want more on-road ability get the DR200 or XT250. The TW200 will just be easier to toot around off-road, because of the big high floatation tires. But those same tires won't be near as much fun on-road, and you're also pretty much restricted to those same replacements. You only have 1 choice in tire.

I say the TW200 will be easier off-road because... being stuck in the mud on a bike SUCKS. And I think it'll go through mud much better than a regular bike. I'd love to get one as a secret weapon for those really snotty wet and sloppy Hare Scrambles. I think it would clean up. Usually most guys give up after 1 lap, and just being able to do a second lap guarantees a win.

 

[sdwindansea]

Thanks again to everyone for all the information & advice. After a lot of thinking and pros/cons lists, I've decided to get a Yamaha Zuma 125 for my commuting and around town use. I got a great price on a 2009 and it will cost me about $1500 less than any of the dual sports I was considering. I determined that I can get a used trail bike down the road if I find this to be more of a requirement. Trying to find something that would be perfect for all my requirements was not going to happen so the fact that I'll be using it for 95% commuting and errands led me to this decision.

With all of that being said, I loved the Yamaha XT250 (and older XT255).

 

[Oni]

Congrats. I think you'll like it. I love mine. I'm pretty much on the scooter on the weekends unless I have to take the wife somewhere. Great for runs to the store, take out, rent movies etc.

Don't tell anyone...but I don't wear all the gear on the scoot. With the dual sport or street bike it's ATGATT (all the gear all the time) but I've been known to putt down to the store in shorts and a tee shirt from time to time. :bike_rider:

For off roading, you'll definitely want a dual sport or trail bike though. It may look kinda off-roadish, but I wouldn't do anything but a putt down a smooth fireroad with it.

Check out zumaforums.net for some good Zuma info.

 

[sdwindansea]

Thanks Oni. I've already checked out zumaforums.net quite a bit. ADVRiders was quite helpful as well. I pick it up (and pay for it) this Saturday, weather permitting.

If any of you are interested in a 1970 Honday CT90 in Southern California, this one looks really good on paper http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/1503389025.html.

 

[Gear]

This might work. 2009 TW200, 360 miles on bike. Price $3000.00 Not mine. Worth a look.

http://tw200forum.com/forums/84522/ShowPost.aspx

Oh and if you want to see a TW200 up close I just picked one up 2 days ago. Just PM me.