I loved watching this series. I live in Pocatello Idaho, and I just last week bought a 2022 TW200. I am 74 years old and have been riding bikes since 1966. I recently found a single track near Dubois, and I tried it with my XT600. What a HUGE mistake. That extremely heavy bike tried to kill me. LOL I tipped over 2 times and one time it was all I could do to stand it back up. That is why I bought the TW200. I rode it 3 days ago on some trails near home, and I turned around on a nasty hill and after starting back down, I tipped over. No big deal, I was going 1 MPH, BUT, I lost all power and it would not start. It is at the Yamaha shop getting sorted out as we speak. It only had 90 miles on it!!!!! I am replacing the 50 tooth rear sprocket with a 55 tooth. I have installed the handle bar guards, and they worked well when I tipped over. I have a rack ordered, and they said that it is on the way. Some better foot pegs are also on order. So far I love this little bike. It has been a long time since I rode a bike with this little power, but it is much more user friendly in tough places than my XT600. I am looking forward to riding some single tracks around here. I have been on trails like this in Washington, and I did it on an XT 500. That was in 1977. There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then.
Thanks for the story, Rat Builder. Sorry to hear about your issues with the new TW. I've heard that newer ones have been more problematic than we're used to hearing about. I'd be curious to hear what the shop has to say about it. Otherwise, the TW is a great little mule. It won't ever be a good hard-enduro machine, but it'll do a lot! It can be made better with suspension upgrades, a Seat Concepts saddle and a different front tire. Check out the TW200 forum if you haven't. Best-
Tdub had a better rider. ;) On smooth flowing trails with few obstacles the TW is heaver, wider, and more stable. Rocks, roots, climbs, etc. will usually be much easier on the taller, lighter XT or any traditional dirt bike.
I'm jealous of your trails! We got similar trails but they are always bisected with sketchy creek crossings that are often not passable most of the summer. Then you have the mud, so much mud! I've been thinking about buying a TW for a few years now. I stumbled upon your channel and am enjoying watch you guys ride on technical trails similar to what I plan on doing. Cheers!
Unfortunately your vid is 3 years old. Just watched it. Awsom ride. Just wish you would stop more frequently and enjoy nature. I enjoyed it so much, I went out and bought a TW 200.. I'll probably fuck_ myself up riding it but what the hell, you'll have that!!!
What a thrilling series! This is a real testament to the ability of the TDub. That's how I found this vid. I am considering getting one to ship to Honduras for my retirement. Seems to do good on the road and obviously well adapted to the trail. No interstates in Honduras and 80+% dirt and rock roads. The bike looked very stable. My hat is off to you guys. Thrilling and dangerous rides make lasting memories. Thanks again for the series.
The TW will be the perfect bike to have in Central America, I've had mine for about 12 years and there's very few places that it can't/won't go. It's a great do everything go everywhere motorcycle!
I lived in St Maries on the St Joe when I was a kid! Learned to use a fly rod on the St Joe and St Maries Rivers! So many childhood memories! Awesome places to ride in Idaho! Great video! Happy trails!
Watched and loved the Idaho series. Looked like a great time. Can't wait to get my dual sport and add it to a quad weekend trip. Keep the tape rolling and say safe.
Wow... that singletrack had my guts in a twist in some sections. Can't imagine what it was like in real life! Great adventure though - thanks for taking us along!
I saw a significant improvement in both of your riding (and trail 'reading') skills between #1 and #4, on the single track. The XT rider could greatly benefit from standing on the pegs in the Rocky sections and creek crossings. I think if he dropped 1 tooth on the countershaft sprocket and trusted his acquired skill a bit more, his fun-level would increase and his physical stamina would also increase his extended-ride enjoyment. I'm 66 and have ridden these kinds of trails since I was 14 or 15 yrs old. While my riding prowess definitely 'peaked' 30-40 yrs ago, I still enjoy this style of riding- particularly when I'm not riding alone! Haha. It's a shame-(on part 1 video)- that the road is gated/closed so far down! Those are very expensive/sophisticated bridges to be relegated to be strictly for bikes, 4 wheelers and bicycles! (A lot of money & labor was invested in those bridges!) Come ride with me in Montana- I have an xt225 and an XT 250; they're very competent trail bikes and will take you up into the most gorgeous places! I've enjoyed your No. Idaho videos: pretty Beargrass!
Now THAT was a fun series! Beautiful country. Superb trails. Your adventures, mishaps, and experiences brought back SO many fun memories of my own! (I've been off-road riding for 50 years this year.) Thanks for the ride!
Wow, 50 years! Good for you! Yeah, that was a good day. It might not have been smooth sailing, but we got through it, and we had an amazing time. Thanks for the comment, and for watching.
Aw, final part? I'm disappointed this series was suppose to last all winter :) Absolutely beautiful country. I wonder if at one time this was a singletrack trail and was later expanded to an ATV trail. I bet you didn't mind the extra trail width after all that other skinny singletrack.
A lot of the back country trails in south central Idaho are old mining roads, a whole lot of them actually, but some were created just specifically for mountain bike and motorcycle riding! Idaho without a doubt has some of the best riding in the country! I should know as I lived in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area for over 20 years and there are still a few trails inside of a 50 mile radius that I haven't been on and a whole lot more I have yet to ride the further out you go from there! I live in Montana now and have access to great trails here as well but Idaho has some of the most unique single track trails that exist anywhere!
I have an xt225 and was thinking about TW. Any thoughts on which was better for this kind of riding? Did the fatter TW tires help, hurt ,or made little difference?
Each has their positives and negatives. They also have similarities and differences. The XT has more suspension travel and traditional larger wheels, and that 21" front undoubtedly has advantages clearing rocks, roots, and logs. It is lighter as well due to the thinner aluminum wheels. With some suspension work it can be ridden similarly to other traditional dual sports or dirt bikes. The TW is lower, with a wider seat and a more standard seating position. It's heavy wide wheels and tires generate gyroscopic momentum and traction that carries it along, through and over things along the way in a more tractor like fashion. Low and slow, on the seat most of the time as opposed to standing on the pegs most of the time. Honestly, the differences in engine cc's and that 6th gear of the XT have seamed to make little difference in our riding, but maybe SKC will chime in with his point of view as the XT pilot. I love my TW.
I have ridden the XT225 a fair amount but have owned my TW 200 for about 12 years and while the XT is a good bike and probably the better choice if you intend to do more on road miles where you would be wanting to cruise at speeds of 60-65 mph if you plan on more slow speed and technical trail riding I can tell you that the TW is the unbeatable choice for that type of riding! That fat wrap around tread rear tire finds traction everywhere and can mountain goat it's way up most anything! I have ridden mine to most amazing places there in Idaho and here in Montana where I live now because of the incredible ability this bike has!
I loved watching this series. I live in Pocatello Idaho, and I just last week bought a 2022 TW200. I am 74 years old and have been riding bikes since 1966. I recently found a single track near Dubois, and I tried it with my XT600. What a HUGE mistake. That extremely heavy bike tried to kill me. LOL I tipped over 2 times and one time it was all I could do to stand it back up. That is why I bought the TW200. I rode it 3 days ago on some trails near home, and I turned around on a nasty hill and after starting back down, I tipped over. No big deal, I was going 1 MPH, BUT, I lost all power and it would not start. It is at the Yamaha shop getting sorted out as we speak. It only had 90 miles on it!!!!! I am replacing the 50 tooth rear sprocket with a 55 tooth. I have installed the handle bar guards, and they worked well when I tipped over. I have a rack ordered, and they said that it is on the way. Some better foot pegs are also on order. So far I love this little bike. It has been a long time since I rode a bike with this little power, but it is much more user friendly in tough places than my XT600.
I am looking forward to riding some single tracks around here. I have been on trails like this in Washington, and I did it on an XT 500. That was in 1977. There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then.
Thanks for the story, Rat Builder. Sorry to hear about your issues with the new TW. I've heard that newer ones have been more problematic than we're used to hearing about. I'd be curious to hear what the shop has to say about it. Otherwise, the TW is a great little mule. It won't ever be a good hard-enduro machine, but it'll do a lot! It can be made better with suspension upgrades, a Seat Concepts saddle and a different front tire. Check out the TW200 forum if you haven't. Best-
Grouse are so silly! Really enjoyed watching this Idaho series. Moose on the loose! LMAO the ridge top looks fun.
Nice work men!
This was an awesome video series and probably the best real world comparison of the tw200 and xt225. Seems like the t-dub had an easier time.
Tdub had a better rider. ;) On smooth flowing trails with few obstacles the TW is heaver, wider, and more stable. Rocks, roots, climbs, etc. will usually be much easier on the taller, lighter XT or any traditional dirt bike.
Cool series guys! Heading out this summer to Fairfield. Gonna try to ride north to Wallace if all goes well on a Honda CT125 and TW200!
Have fun!
I'm jealous of your trails! We got similar trails but they are always bisected with sketchy creek crossings that are often not passable most of the summer. Then you have the mud, so much mud! I've been thinking about buying a TW for a few years now. I stumbled upon your channel and am enjoying watch you guys ride on technical trails similar to what I plan on doing. Cheers!
A ride to remember! Beautiful country too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Big bikes take away all the fun but these little bikes are perfect for this track.
Where you riding near Potlatch/ White Pine Area? Looks familiar.
Sketchy in places, with drop offs right next to the single track. But turned out to be a great ride because you and the bikes survived..
Unfortunately your vid is 3 years old. Just watched it. Awsom ride. Just wish you would stop more frequently and enjoy nature. I enjoyed it so much, I went out and bought a TW 200.. I'll probably fuck_ myself up riding it but what the hell, you'll have that!!!
Man, what a ride. Love all of it.
What a thrilling series! This is a real testament to the ability of the TDub. That's how I found this vid. I am considering getting one to ship to Honduras for my retirement. Seems to do good on the road and obviously well adapted to the trail. No interstates in Honduras and 80+% dirt and rock roads. The bike looked very stable.
My hat is off to you guys. Thrilling and dangerous rides make lasting memories. Thanks again for the series.
The TW will be the perfect bike to have in Central America, I've had mine for about 12 years and there's very few places that it can't/won't go. It's a great do everything go everywhere motorcycle!
Very nice, subbed
I lived in St Maries on the St Joe when I was a kid! Learned to use a fly rod on the St Joe and St Maries Rivers! So many childhood memories! Awesome places to ride in Idaho! Great video! Happy trails!
Thanks for watching and commenting, Joe John. Yeah, there are some pretty great places in the PNW!
Watched and loved the Idaho series. Looked like a great time. Can't wait to get my dual sport and add it to a quad weekend trip. Keep the tape rolling and say safe.
Thanks RJ, I appreciate it.
Wow... that singletrack had my guts in a twist in some sections. Can't imagine what it was like in real life! Great adventure though - thanks for taking us along!
Thanks for watchin'!
Great video - thanks for sharing. Just got a xt225 myself. Looking forward to some off road riding.
The XT is a great little bike. Congrats! Thanks for watching and commenting, Jeff.
Great series... Thanks for taking us along,
I saw a significant improvement in both of your riding (and trail 'reading') skills between #1 and #4, on the single track. The XT rider could greatly benefit from standing on the pegs in the Rocky sections and creek crossings. I think if he dropped 1 tooth on the countershaft sprocket and trusted his acquired skill a bit more, his fun-level would increase and his physical stamina would also increase his extended-ride enjoyment. I'm 66 and have ridden these kinds of trails since I was 14 or 15 yrs old. While my riding prowess definitely 'peaked' 30-40 yrs ago, I still enjoy this style of riding- particularly when I'm not riding alone! Haha. It's a shame-(on part 1 video)- that the road is gated/closed so far down! Those are very expensive/sophisticated bridges to be relegated to be strictly for bikes, 4 wheelers and bicycles! (A lot of money & labor was invested in those bridges!)
Come ride with me in Montana- I have an xt225 and an XT 250; they're very competent trail bikes and will take you up into the most gorgeous places! I've enjoyed your No. Idaho videos: pretty Beargrass!
Are there grizzly's in that area?
They can be. Usually that are they are passing through. Still, anywhere along the northern continental divide, you could run across a grizzly.
Use to ride trail in my younger days. I'm now 57! Can't wait to do that again! 😎
I'd love the Location of this trail? gpx file?
Send me an email at leisuretimelarry@yahoo.com
I really miss riding thanks for sharing
Looks like a blast!
That looks like a helluv Alot of fun! Talk about being in the middle of nowhere wow! Watch out for INJUNS
What a great ride . Thx for sharing.
That was great, subscribed for more!
Thanks Matt! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!
You guys are the real deal !
Thanks , aye !
Now THAT was a fun series! Beautiful country. Superb trails. Your adventures, mishaps, and experiences brought back SO many fun memories of my own! (I've been off-road riding for 50 years this year.) Thanks for the ride!
Wow, 50 years! Good for you! Yeah, that was a good day. It might not have been smooth sailing, but we got through it, and we had an amazing time. Thanks for the comment, and for watching.
Aw, final part? I'm disappointed this series was suppose to last all winter :) Absolutely beautiful country. I wonder if at one time this was a singletrack trail and was later expanded to an ATV trail. I bet you didn't mind the extra trail width after all that other skinny singletrack.
Any idea why they put these roads in? In Nevada, any roads like this are normally related to mining.
A lot of the back country trails in south central Idaho are old mining roads, a whole lot of them actually, but some were created just specifically for mountain bike and motorcycle riding! Idaho without a doubt has some of the best riding in the country! I should know as I lived in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area for over 20 years and there are still a few trails inside of a 50 mile radius that I haven't been on and a whole lot more I have yet to ride the further out you go from there! I live in Montana now and have access to great trails here as well but Idaho has some of the most unique single track trails that exist anywhere!
I have an xt225 and was thinking about TW. Any thoughts on which was better for this kind of riding? Did the fatter TW tires help, hurt ,or made little difference?
Each has their positives and negatives. They also have similarities and differences. The XT has more suspension travel and traditional larger wheels, and that 21" front undoubtedly has advantages clearing rocks, roots, and logs. It is lighter as well due to the thinner aluminum wheels. With some suspension work it can be ridden similarly to other traditional dual sports or dirt bikes. The TW is lower, with a wider seat and a more standard seating position. It's heavy wide wheels and tires generate gyroscopic momentum and traction that carries it along, through and over things along the way in a more tractor like fashion. Low and slow, on the seat most of the time as opposed to standing on the pegs most of the time. Honestly, the differences in engine cc's and that 6th gear of the XT have seamed to make little difference in our riding, but maybe SKC will chime in with his point of view as the XT pilot. I love my TW.
I have ridden the XT225 a fair amount but have owned my TW 200 for about 12 years and while the XT is a good bike and probably the better choice if you intend to do more on road miles where you would be wanting to cruise at speeds of 60-65 mph if you plan on more slow speed and technical trail riding I can tell you that the TW is the unbeatable choice for that type of riding! That fat wrap around tread rear tire finds traction everywhere and can mountain goat it's way up most anything! I have ridden mine to most amazing places there in Idaho and here in Montana where I live now because of the incredible ability this bike has!
If you dont hit pavement soon you always have enuff gas to go back the way you came right?....lol
I want one or just the frame..thing needs a 350 xt or tt eng.
I have always thought that would make for the most perfect motorcycle, a TW 350 with a six speed! Maybe one day Yamaha will grant my wish?!
That XT225 seems really under powered.
Where's the invites ..north west Washington looking for group riders