HONDA XR150L vs. YAMAHA TW200: Side by Side Comparison & Dirt Road Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
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A big thank you goes out to Rick for letting me borrow his TW200 for the weekend.
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****CORRECTIONS:
1) The TW200 does NOT have ABS.
2) Yamaha did not add an electric start in 2001. The TW has always had an electric start. They actually removed the kickstart and made it electric start only in 2001.
I apologize for the mistakes. ****
The TW200 and XR150L occupy the same funny space of the small displacement dual sport market.
Both are under 200cc’s, both are disc front and drum rear, and neither has anything fancy to write home about.
Simplicity is not always regarded as a good thing, but for the TW it’s part of its legacy. Having been sold in the USA since the late 1980s, the TW has the same cult following as the KLR650. Tractor-like engines seem to propel these bikes through the hills and into the mountains and they are known for being reliable and tough as nails.
The XR150L is the new kid in school. It doesn’t have the same “built in Japan” reputation as the TW, but it’s been a proven workhorse of the South American and Asian markets for the last 15 years. At $2,000 cheaper, it’s a fantastic competitor to the TW.
In this video I run through the specs of each motorcycle and compare them. Then I run them out onto some pavement that gets moderate traffic before riding up the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Mount Pisgah. Then I backtrack to the access to Bent Creek Gap where I first ride down Wash Creek Road before coming back up to Bent Creek Gap Road.
On dirt the TW200 is a champ. The large volume tires just absorb anything you throw their way. The aftermarket suspension felt perfect for my 185lb frame and it was comfortable and predictable through the bumpiest of obstacles. One of the things I noticed with the TW was that I couldn't get it to slide. Not when braking, not when cornering. It was just planted. The other thing I noticed is that it was definitely superior for standing and riding. The way the footpegs toe in makes it the perfect position to stand and retain control of the motorcycle.
The XR150 was fantastic. It doesn't have the power up the steep stuff that the TW has, but it's smooth. Much smoother than the TW, in fact. Its suspension is soft and forgiving and its saddle is much more padded and comfy. With better tires it would be a more off-road worthy rig, and mine will get some Shinko 244's in the future.
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I use my TW in the woods and farm daily and love it . 77 year old here .
That’s awesome! It’s a great bike to get around on!
My thoughts on the 200 as well. Im 60.
And disabled.
I used to own an 89, the only thing I'd change is a bigger gas tank.
I hope to be doing the same thing. I wish many more good years of gentle riding, sir! 🙏
I began shopping for an XR150L about a month ago, and it is hard to find a dealer that has them in stock. I found a dealer that had a few in stock, but here’s the catch: they mark them up to nearly $5000! I’ll PM you an invoice that a dealer in Spokane sent me. Feel free to share it if you wish. In the meantime, I have put a deposit on one, and they anticipate delivery of their allotment by 7/17/23, so I have to wait. Their price they quoted me was $3413 out the door. I have my KLR650, and my restored 1972 CT90 to enjoy riding, so I can be patiently waiting in the meantime. I’ve sent an email to American Honda expressing my dismay that some of their dealers are allowed to mark up prices so exorbitantly, and I think it reflects badly on the company, as a whole! Great review of both bikes! You are a gifted narrator, and videographer!
$5000? Holy cow. That’s wild. I’d be interested in what Honda has to say about all of that.
Wow, KLR, CT90, and soon an XR150. You’ve got a great fleet to play with! Congrats on the new bike and I hope you enjoy it when it arrives.
Thank you very much for the kind words. Ride safe!
The forty some hundred bikes are prolly out the door prices with plates and taxes paid in overpriced markets.
You should get one for less than 4 for sure all said and done. 3800 or less total. 3413 out the door is good, especially if you don’t have to go to the dmv, but I’m guessing at that price you do.
@@0verfiend yes, but in Montana there’s no sales tax, and it’ll be $127 for the license plate, which is a one time fee, and the plate is permanent, so no annual fee.
@@0verfiend Got mine in Iowa for $3552 total out the door. I can't believe how other dealers are gouging people.
You might wanna contact Honda and report them. I know Honda was not letting dealers do that with the 300l of course dealers are always trying to rip people off.
I've never ridden an XR150, but I've owned a XL250 and a road legalised XR650R, and many, many other dirt and dual-sport bikes. Been riding since 1975. I live in the country, and now that I"m in my 60's, I wanted a back-to-basics bike like my 1970's "trail bikes", and now have a 2021 TW200. Though not the fastest bike (LOL) it has become my favourite. I wish I had been smarter and not gone for power during the past, and bought a TW long ago. Where I live there are a couple of 80km/h 2 lane highways, but the rest is back roads, gravel roads and deep, soft sand trails. You can cruise at 80km/h for short distances, putt around at 60 to 70km/h all day, but where the TW shines like no other bike is in the deep, soft sand. I assume it is the tires. Speaking of tires, the only fault I've found with the TW is the front tire. It really is dangerous at times. With that sorted out, the TW is a great bike. Nobody asked, but I'll give some advice after 48 years of dual sport riding: more power and more weight = less fun.
True that! I have owned tons of bike. At 55y the most fun is a KZ400 twin '76
I bought a TW200 back in about 1987 for about $1600.00 new. Did some trail riding, and I worked on farm that had open range turkeys. I used it to ride the pastures to pick up dead birds, and check feeders. Really enjoyed it.
The rack on the TW200 is by MotoMule and was put on by me last year. It is made in the USA by a motorcycle enthusiast. I feel like it is an excellent design which is beautifully executed.
I’ll have to check MotoMule out!
I really liked how it looked on your TW200! I bet it comes in handy for trips and running errands!
Can you reply with a link to your TW200 suspension mods?
@@dwartfarquart9590 I am not certain what information you would provide me with? I would be very pleased to accommodate with details where I can.
I own both. Your comparison is spot on. For daily in town commutes, I’d pick the Honda every time. It’s smoother, gets better fuel mileage, and handles much better on the street. Off road, it’s the TW hands down. As far as tires go, the TW does have a few options. The XR has virtually no tire options, and you can’t even order factory replacements. Quality on the TW is much better. Every XR I’ve looked at had shotty thin paint, and tons of weld splatter. I really like both bikes. They each have their niche. Shifting is another point. The Hondas transmission is way smoother, and easier to shift. The TW feels notchy when shifting. It’s old school that way. Again both bikes are great. I’m curious how the Honda holds up. Time will tell I guess.
I think the weld splatter and rough finish is partly why the Honda is so much cheaper. I would imagine that even tough the TW has been out much longer than the XR, Honda has produced and sold many more XR's. I'm just guessing as I haven't looked up any facts. I think the XT 250 is about the closest comparison but, again the price difference kills it for me. Here's something to put into perspective. My '69 GTO with 32 options was $3100 base price and the 32 options cost another $1K so it was $4100 plus tax and license. My XR was $4200 out the door. Hard to put a current price on the GTO but, the XR will never be worth as much, period.
@@RedBud315here it's 2971msrp and the tw200 is a 4899msrp with about the same on freight and destination charges. Then and tax title and doc fee massive difference in price
Well said! Only time will tell! Ride safe!
@@ToGrimmToWin for 4899...I could easily throw in another 2k and get another XR150L.
I disagree.
The only reason a TW200 shifting is "notchy" is that the oil needs to be changed.
I put 11,000 miles on mine in the last 16 months. I don't even watch the miles on the odometer. When the shifting loses it's smooth feel, I change the oil and filter. 500 to 750 miles is normal.
The mileage on my 77 CT125 is about 105mpg and the TW200 is 73ish mpg. 23:08
Excellent, well-balanced review! However, there are three factors you overlooked: 1. Price gouging by Honda dealers and the absence of affordable used XR150L's. 2. The TW200 is freeway capable. 3. Tire options are limited for the TW, but better than the Honda at the moment, at least in North America.
Very thorough video in comparing these two motorcycles. You have a very calm demeanor that bodes well for these type of reviews.
Thank you for watching! I appreciate that!
Gained a subscriber here! Rode for about 5 years as a teenager and young adult. Everything from enduros to super sports. Haven't rode in over a decade. Wanting to jump back in for a season or two on something like this. Thanks for the great content!
Thanks for watching! I’m glad you’re stoked on riding again! Be safe out there!
I live close by them trails and take my tw200 on them all the time. Good to see someone else riding one around here
It’s a great machine! We are lucky to have such great riding close by. Ride safe buddy!
Thanks for the comparison. I was on the fence about which bike to buy for my daughter. I decided to go with the TW as I found one used in as new condition only 1000 miles with several extras for $3450. Cant beat Honda reliability and the fuel mileage is unmatched. Was a tough decision, thanks for posting this and help with making my choice.
Great choice! I hope she enjoys it and that you two have fun! Ride safe!
I would have done the same
Nice video.. I have a XR650L and a XT225. While the XR is in a whole 'nother class, the XT which is quite similar the the TW (tech, power, production age etc) has a lot of merit to it. It is A Lot less work to ride, as a nearly 60yo rider, when I go solo camping the XT is a Great forest road bike..docile, easy to turn around, pick up etc.. will maintain 60mph when needed. the XR is a beast, can be pushed much harder, when I need road speed etc.. however, I find myself using the XT more and more.. so, I guess I'm saying, there's something cool about the smaller dualsports, they have their place..just have realistic expectations..
Very well said! Having the right expectations with these smaller bikes is what it comes down to! Thanks for watching and ride safe!
Man, nice I'm 69 and have a KLR650, it spends most of it's time sitting in the garage, I'm thinking of a smaller bike, I had a XT225 year's ago, I'd like to find a good used one or maybe this new XR150l !
@@markcollins5026 Don't expect much over 55-60mph tapped out on pavement..
Yamaha did not add electric start to the TW in 2001. Every TW200 ever built came with electric start, from the first one in 1987 to the most current one. Prior to 2001 they had both electric and kick start.
Personally I think it was a mistake to eliminate the kick starter, I plan on retrofitting a kick start to my 2024 TW200 as a back up
An old timer dual purpose Suzuki guy here...even novice motocross when really young. From my view, and I think Off Road Rider agrees now, the two bikes are not that similar at all, because the Honda is a street first - dirt road second beginner machine. The Yamaha is also beginner level okay, but with fat tires (and that custom rear suspension !) it is going to be much more capable. The difference is that fat tires require one way of taking rocks, and thin tires another technique. Fat tires bounce ( inflated) or slide (low pressure) off rocks stuck in the trail while thin tires are just "go straight and maintain balance". I love this channel, as it takes me back to my days running through the hills of Oahu. Asheville is a bike riding paradise for scenery...:))
You nailed it! Thank you for watching!
I do put actual ATV tires on the rear of my TDUB lol. They work awesome. Takes a little fanagling but it's workable and the best option for rear tires imo especially off-road.
TW200s also have the benefit of a cult culture; tons of aftermarket, tons of TW specific youtube vids showing you how to do anything and everything, even TW clubs in most areas. But the prices... man. If you can find a used one at a good price I'd take it over the Honda but that Honda is SICK for that price. Hopefully this pushes Yamaha to get a little more sane w/ their TW pricing.
Thank you for the comparison video. I have a TW200 and love it. The 150 L seems like a it would make a excellent bike as well. You are correct when you said the shifting seems tractor like I’d say raw. Again thank you for the comparison video. Excellent video.
It felt very much like my fathers KLR650. I really liked that about it.
Thank you for watching!
I picked up a xr150l last week and something that really helped my bike is putting a 110 main jet. They come way too lean from factory. The new jet fattened it up just enough and gained a little power
Oh I’ll have to do that too. Do you have a link to the jet you got?
@georgearmstrong4301 the 124 mpg number is very optimistic before the jet swap I got about 98 mpg over 200 miles and after it only dropped to 90 mpg
@OffRoadRodeo it won't let me post the link but the kit I got was from Amazon that came with 15 different main jets
@georgearmstrong4301 I can get it up to 65 now if I tuck down where before it struggled to hit 60. It easily cruises at 50-55 sitting upright but I'm 6'7" 275lbs so I would expect someone shorter and lighter would be able to get it to cruse at 60-65 with slightly better fuel economy
Great comparison and review. Years ago I considered a TW200 vs a Kawasaki KLR250, both around $4k at that time. I decided on the KLR250, known as the Super Sherpa, which offered a larger (250cc) engine, 6-speed transmission, and dual disc brakes. A very well-made and comfortable bike, it was available for quite a number of years. As these are no longer sold in the USA, a look on the used market may be worthwhile to consider and compare with the XR150 and TW200. I'd enjoy taking mine on the course that you rode in western NC!
Thank you for watching! Funny enough, I found one of the Super Sherpas for a great price on Marketplace the other day. Now you’ve got me thinking about it!
I once had the Super Sherpa on a guided tour of anthracite coal country which included all types of terrain, coal banks, river beds, silt basins as well as a little on-road riding. It surprised me how well it handled everything thrown at it, even unexpected jumps. The 6-speed transmission has a low 1st gear which was great at climbing and dealing with the terrain I experienced. After selling my original SS, I purchased another made during the last year they were available in the USA. I'd enjoy hearing your impressions if you decide to pick one up!@@OffRoadRodeo
@@OffRoadRodeoare you talking about fb marketplace and is there other sites you’d recommend for buying used bikes from private owners?
@@commalTl typically I just do a search 'NAME motorcycles for sale'
@@commalTl I'm pretty sure FB marketplace is what he is referring to. I can't think of anything else referred to as "marketplace" except for FB's.
I love North Carolina. Used to go up there as a kid. Now I just stay in Florida. I love how much you appreciate the area you live.
I’m very lucky to live somewhere so beautiful. I always find it important to take note of that fact. What part of FL are you in?
Rick from Cogent is the man! He and Todd are the goto for suspension. Great video and beautiful place to ride.
That’s the truth! Such a great dude! Thanks for watching!
Sadly, our friend and employee Todd has become terminally ill. We will continue to keep our Cogent Dynamics Inc in the proud way forward yet our sadness of a good friend been able to keep our ongoing contributions.
@@cogentdynamics very sorry to hear this, prayers for Rick and his family and friends.
Man. nice video, but I wish you could of done the test with a stock TW !
Yeah, it was super kind of Rick to let me give that one a go, but it sure would be nice to have a stock one to compare to. If I find someone with a stock one I can try I’ll make an update video on this.
Having purchased a 2023 Trail 125 last season, I was thinking of purchasing either of the ones you featured in your video. Fact is, I also have a KLR 650 along with a Victory Cross Country tour with a Hannigan sidecar, 3 scooters ranging from 50-150cc and a Burgman 650 which is going to be sold in the next month or so. Thanks to your video, I think I will seriously direct my $$ to a black XR150L, as my riding buddy has a white XR150L and has already offered to install a 16 tooth sprocket for me. Of all the videos I've watched, this is the most informative comparison! Would like to know where along the Blue Ridge is the entrance to that trail, as I'd like to share it with my friend. Still, I really do love my Trail 125 for local trails in my area and beyond.
You have quite the stable! I think the XR150 will complement those bikes well. The entrance to that trail is at mile marker 400 on the Blue Ridge Parkway going south towards Cherokee
Hey great video review of the TDUB, you mentioned available tires for the TW. Well you definitely need to get rid of the front stock tire, aka "the death wing." I have seen several front tires for the TW they are much better. I have a 140-80-18 on the front of my TW. It is a very large tire however I love it good on the hardball fantastic off-road. As for the rear you have a few options keep the stock or get the one with exact measurements and is definitely better on the road but not so much off-road. You can also put an actual atv tire on the rear, 26x8x14 however most people with that size atv tire put on a 55 tooth sprocket, hope that helped.
On the new TW200, all they did was remove the kickstart. They did not add an electric start. Because the older versions have both. They have an electric start and a kickstart for in case your battery goes dead. The old version is way better with both options. My TW200 is a 1999, and it has a kick start and a Electric start.
Yep, that’s my mistake and I have a correction added to the description.
I wonder what made them remove the kickstart? It’s the same with the XR - South American and Asian models have kickstart and electric start but US is electric start only. Must be some sort of regulation? Or is it just cost savings?
My 87 TW had electric start and kickstart. 2001 they got rid of the kickstart.
200 cc faster than a 150 cc who would of thunk it ! Great video . The lure of the XR150L is MSRP around $2800 vs $5000 for the TW200 . For $5000 their are a larger selection of bikes not so much for $2800 .
Well said! Thanks for watching!
I loved my tw125, but it was scarily underpowered for how heavy it is, it had nothing left to get you out of trouble on the dual carriageway, also not having a back disc brake wasn't ok, in my opinion. Also the tyres were scary in the wet on road lines. I imagine the 200 is a little better, but in the UK you need a full license for that, the fuel seemed to have a really small range too, I felt like I was always filling up, especially because there was no gauge so you need to keep on top of it
Interesting, I’ll have to do some digging to see if the TW125 was sold here in the US. Did it feel underpowered? That would be an interesting model to compare to a CT125.
@@OffRoadRodeono such thing as TW 125 here in the states. I think he is mistaken and ment a TW 225 which was an Asian market bike
Nice comparison, well done. Exactly the size I was comparing specs on. I wish these could be compared to the Suzuki 200.
Thanks for watching! I’d love to do a comparison with that Suzuki
Very good comparison video. Like you said, it will depend on a large number of factors each individual will have to look at and decide as to which motorcycle for what purpose and well as finances.... Great video my friend keep up the good work!!!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words!
Nice comparison video.
I have a number of 70s Honda 125s and a 2009 TW200.
Your description of the experience is very good.
The Tw200 has always had electric start.
Fantastic video with an excellent and objective comparison!
Thank you for posting
Thanks for watching!!
Great video comparing the two! A small note: if you use a stabilized camera or a gimbal, there will be less shaking in the "static" shots in the beginning of the video where you just point the camera at the bike🙂. Also, if you could add time stamps, it'll be even more fun and easier to watch. Cheers!
Hey, thanks for the tips! I’ve updated the camera I’m using since then, and I’ll make sure to do time stamps going forward. Thanks for the advice!
Oct/3/2023, Just bought a New 2022 CR150, white, (showroom model)(0 km on odometer), since original display, in the Philippines. $1,684.00usd, Helmet incl., +gas, 3yrs registration + Insurance. It is a Fun bike.....(what a difference versus US prices).🤠
Congrats on the new bike! I hope you have lots of fun on it! I’ll have to relocate to the Philippines so I can get better deals haha 😂
August 2024. I am purchasing a Honda XR150L tomorrow in eastern Minnesota. MSRP was $3000. With handling, Registration, Sales Tax (around 8%) it comes to $4007. Perhaps I could have hunted around more but I decided I was OK with the price, within the context of living here.
FYI, I saw a comment elsewhere that in the Philippines you can buy the same 150cc Honda equivalent machine for $1750, w/ all fees, a free full face helmet and some bonus gas. In India you can get the 100 cc equivalent the Honda "Shine" for $750. But where do you really want to live? In the last 8 months I've traveled both in India and Brazil. Lots of small equivalent motorcycles. Sometimes with up to 4 people on the machine!
nice video I own a 87 tw and looked at the xr but ended up getting the Lifan KPX 250 no regrets it's better in every respect more power highway capable better suspension the seat is comfortable and 80mpg I couldn't see paying $3900 for a Chinese Honda
Sitting on my porch at Asheville watching this. My top heavy KLR may become a TW 200. The KLR is just to tall for me. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! Both are great choices but I definitely understand the height. See you out there!
Yes the KLR isn't made for possums.
I have the xr 150 and I love it. I just hated getting ripped off at dealer, couldn’t do nothing about that like years ago.
I lucked out and got a fair price for mine but holy cow some dealers are just being cruel with pricing.
Excellent video...very informative...loved it...
Thank you for watching!
I wished I could ride along with my Lifan Xpect 200. Such a nice environment, and perfect for those 150-250cc bikes.
These 2 bikes are in vastly different price ranges. It seems as if Honda needs to introduce a 250cc version of the XR!
I agree! Perhaps an EFI model of it as well!
Honda have made an XR250 ( air cooled, single cam 4 valve, oil in frame) as a road bike for many years and it was always a great seller, and easy to repair / robust. Once the fancy, water cooled / high revving likes of the modern 4 stoke Yamahas and Kawasakis came along, it fell from favour. Still a great bike ( but heavy against modern kit). Available as a 400 , and a rare 200 in Jap spec. Honda made an XL 250 too, that was more road biased.
It's called a CRF 250L or 300L. cmon do some research.
I think the tw200 is the most beautiful bike ever built
There’s something sleek about its design for sure!
@@OffRoadRodeo on paper it's ugly, but it just works perfectly
Thank you for this very informative and thorough review. 👍
Thank you for watching!
Great video and an actual comparison that's not your typical BS of simply repeating specs. In my opinion, it's foolish to buy either of these bikes new, unless you don't care giving some dealership an amount of money that could get you a used GS in good shape (or so many other fantastic bikes you can now find used for between $4 and 5K). I think you won't find the XR150 used for a few months until some people who bought one decided that it's really too small and under-powered. Then, for give or take the same price used, which bike to get? If you're an urban commuter who needs the lightness and economy of the XR, then yes, go XR. if you're more interested in having a solid little offroad pistol, then go TW. If I find a cheap used TW in good shape, I'll jump on it and then I'll upgrade it left and right including a Clarke tank, a better seat and better suspensions. I'm confident that, correctly maintained, the TW will last longer than me. Again, THX for the video!
Great insight and thanks for watching!
Very, very informative video - thank you! I'm actually quite surprised at how light the TW200 is - not much heavier than the Trail Rider. I think I would be happy with the extra power and speed of the TW200, but for now, it's gonna be the Trail Rider and my current 300cc scooter for pavement. Great job!
Thanks for watching! The TW is an interesting bike for sure. I’ll have a comparison of it with the Trail CT125 coming in a few weeks as well. Best wishes and ride safe!
I'm ignorant on a lot of the models, what is the Trail Rider? Who makes that?
@@Nbvgfbnvcjkubvcf Honda. Honda CT125 Trail Rider is the full name in the US. It's sometimes called the Hunter Cub overseas.
Two things. You guys sure have a lot of rules when it comes to public land use and e bike regulations compared to where I live just north of Maine in New Brunswick 🇨🇦. E bikes are bicycles here unless you are driving under the influence. Maybe it’s because there are less than 800,000 of us in over 28,000 square miles but we definitely have a lot more freedom on crown land (public land) than you have there. We get to use it like we own it. I guess we do lol. The other thing is your list says the TW has ABS brakes. I only mention this because I’ve seen it several times now. I don’t know who started this misinformation but it continues. Just found your channel recently and subscribed. I got tired of waiting for the CT125 to arrive here and couldn’t find a new or decent priced secondhand TW. So I picked up a secondhand low mileage XT 250 for a great price. I’m a lot shorter than you (30 inch inseam) and 66 years old so I required the low seat. I enjoy your channel.
how's the xt?
@@StatzGeeI’m very happy with the XT. I put a new clutch lever on it and bush guards plus a led headlight bulb. The stock tires are horrible on dirt. I will replace those sooner than later. It’s a lot of fun to ride and will cruise all day effortlessly at 60 mph. With a little bit left for passing. Highly recommended.
@garybrown9062 Thank you for watching. There’s a lot of regulation from the federal government in protected land here. Some people like to take their chances and poach, but that’s just not my style. No judgement on those who do, but since I’m making videos it would only incriminate me 😂
You’re absolutely right, I did not mean for that to say it has ABS. You’re right in the fact that it does not. A correction was added to the description. Thanks for watching and subscribing. I hope you’re enjoying the XT, those are great machines!
Great comparison! Just wanted to add how insanely QUIET the xr150l is! I can ride places I probably should not, but I certainly won't disturb anyone when doing so. Way quieter than my vacuun or push mower, yet as pleasant as my Harley, just at the other end of the dB scale! Never ridden a tw200, but it's legendary status, along with its stable mate, the xt250, Rambo's 1982 escape bike of choice (take a minute to check out the film clip on TH-cam), calls to me every time I see one! Looks like a ton of fun, but at $2000 less, I feel lucky to have ordered an xr150l in March and received in May for $3900 otd; NYS taxes, tags, etc, included. I know! But that markup is the price to pay to have a brick and mortar dealer 5 miles away that will hopefully be there for another 30 years; Roc On Powersports of Rochester, NY. In fact, the accessory skid plate arrived about a week after ordering. Ditto for an OEM seat that I am going to have a local upholster, Snyder's, slam by a few inches to make it easier for shorter people like my 5'4" daughter to ride. VERY friendly beginner bike with over a decade of proven reliability and aftermarket parts. Definitely low on power, but like the old Honda Rebel, there will be a huge resale market for this bike. I purchased a three-year, transferrable manufacturer's warranty for a total of 4 years that will make the bike even easier to sell. I agree with the mountain bike analogy; this bike is relatively tall, comfortable, and super light and nimble. Lots of front brake dive because it bites hard. The rear drum is my go-to 90 percent of the time for that reason. For everyone waiting for one, IMO, it's worth the wait and the usual dealer markup unless you're willing to wait until sales cool off, as they did with the Honda Navi, for example.
Wow, very well said! I watched the Rambo clip and got a kick out of that! The XR150 is a great motorcycle and you scored it for a great deal. It’s a lot of motorcycle for not very much money! Enjoy and ride safe, my friend!
I'm 6'2 240lbs would I fit on the xr?
I think you might be disappointed with the Honda XL150 or the TW200 from both size and power standpoints; neither has much of either! The Honda is really no better than many of the Honda clones like the Brozz 250 but at twice the cost. Not sure what your experience level is either. If I had it to do again and wasn't buying for my 5'5" daughter, I'd buy a used low mileage Suzuki S40 (Savage) for around what you'd pay for the 150 or 200, put some dual sport tires on it, and enjoy! There are a ton of new "Chonda" bikes that can be delivered to your door, 80 to 90% assembled, that would be bigger, new, and more powerful. The X-Pro Templar X is one such very popular newer model that comes to mind. @@chachmcgrach2053
@@MichaelWhite-cx4ho okay found that Templar on a website called sportsmax. Hope they're credible
@@MichaelWhite-cx4ho thank you for your input glad I didn't waste 3 grand.
Nice job with the review 👍
Thanks for watching!
Very professional video comparison
Thank you!
You don’t live very far from me. If you want a great place to thoroughly test motorcycles on a single track look up Enoree OHV trailhead in South Carolina. It costs per day to go ride there, but it is an amazing place to ride. I have taken my CT125 and XR200 there several times.
Thanks for the tip! I’d love to check that out. I’ll have to do more research and plan it out. Can you camp in there too?
Awesome comparison vid!!
Thank you for watching!
I thought that road looked familiar and then I realized you are actually near me lol there is an atv park like an hour away if you're interested in that. Its called Wayehutta OHV Riding Area
I’ve been wanting to get over there. Is it pretty awesome?
Great comparison video!
Thank you for watching!
Sounds like the Honda is priced per what it has power and ability-wise, and the TW is priced because the market desires it. How interesting! o7
Well said!! Thanks for watching!
Honda did this for two reasons; they want to push away the Amazon motorcycle thought process with this price point, and they covet the TW200 attraction. However, I have a CT125 and a TW200 and I like both for what they are, but after the CT and getting on the TW, the extra power is fundamentally a better ride. I use the CT to go to the store as I am able to load 4-5 bags of groceries on the back of a full size crate which I can't do with the TW. The 150 is an anti hero post apocalyptic all around motorcycle. Nice price point.
Very well said!!
If they bumped the tw to 400cc with fuel injection I’d buy one.
I bet we will see a larger displacement model in the future!
I agree, I have a TW and live on a gravel road with over 50 acres but if I ride to town, I hit a highway where people drive 65 +. I would love 250 to 350cc.
Great review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
As a lifelong Yamaha rider who started at 16 on an RD250 then RD350, RZ350, FZ600(raced at Willow Springs and Riverside Raceway) and still own a '76 RD400 I have always known the TW200 was a pretty good bike but, I really wished Yamaha had come out with something comparable to the XR150 for the price. I just picked up an XR that did happen to be marked up $400 and with expensive CA DMV fees it was $4200 out the door. But, that is still $600 less than the TW MSRP before tax and license and since I used my credit card which I will pay off immediately to avoid APR%, I will se the miles to buy any upgrades I need like better mirrors and pegs, tank bag, etc. If I want to ride faster I will hop on the RD. On a side note, the best handling bike I've ever owned was my '05 Buell XB12 SCG which I bought because it was pretty much the only American Sport bike of its era and I wanted some home cooking.
Great selection of bikes! I hope the XR gets other manufacturers thinking about this segment of the market. Am interesting halfway point would be the Suzuki Van Van 200 but I think that’s a discontinued model.
That Buell seems awesome!
Me, my best bike (of 13) was the RZ350, brand new 😉
Back in 1980 I bought my first bike, a 1976 Suzuki TS250. They guy asked $100 for it and I gave him $25. He moved away before I could get him the rest. Never heard from him again. That was a fun bike. It had half of a PA license plate and we were in West Virginia. The cops didn’t know what to do so they let me go. I wish I still had it.
Now I’m looking for the Honda XR150. Can’t find it anywhere in California.
The Xr has better range, better brakes, and a rack. And it’s 2000 dollars less. I wonder if a different tooth count in the rear would give you that little extra torque for hills. The 19 inch rear is a lot bigger than the tw 14 inches.
Cool bikes.
I’ll have to give a different rear sprocket a try to see! Well said.
Thanks for watching.
I'm 6' 2", 220lb, and awfully big for someone who enjoys small bore dual sports. I've geared all my bikes down for better acceleration, and you're overlooking the flip side: Gear it down a few teeth, and you'll have an even lower top speed!
I have 2015 XR150L here in South Africa, to which I've fitted a one tooth smaller front sprocket. It accelerates better through the gears and up hills, while strangely, maintaining the same top speed of 112km/h (70 mph), possibly due to the lower gear ratio allowing it to push through the air?
PS. The XR has a 17" rear wheel. I also like the fact that the XR has both electric and kick-start and a much better fuel range of 480km (300 miles)
The majority of your cycle dealers, Jack the little Honda,s price up so bad, it's just not worth 5000.00 dollars, if you can find it that cheap even, the dealers are costing Honda lots of sales because of their price gouging
Yeah, there’s lots of dealers out there with no ethics and that are just trying to make a few more (thousand…) bucks. I wish Honda and other brands would enforce MAP pricing.
Additionally, these are popping up on Facebook Marketplace in the $2500-3000 range so it might be worth looking there too.
TW for the win in my books. Don't get me wrong, the XR is amazing for what it cost.
I totally understand! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for the excellent video! I learned many things. You are producing high quality and informative content. I am very impressed.
Thank you so much for letting me use your TW200! It was a fantastic machine and I had a lot of fun riding it. Your suspension upgrade on it felt amazing, too!
For me having a low seat height is a factor. It looks like the TW has the XL beat on that.
Yep, it sure does!
Well done!
Thanks for watching!
The T-Dub is a tractor able to perform minor miracles. The quintessential farm bike.
The XR is cheap enough to allow you to justify not buying a CRF 300 until you get tired of your buddies always leaving you behind on the trail since Honda doesn’t market it as a trail bike. For what it costs, the XR is far cooler than the Navi if you’re not worried about it looking like a dirt bike.
Well said!
My brother got his TW200 in 2008, I got my XR150L a few days ago
Congrats on the XR150! I hope you enjoy it. Have any cool rides planned?
@@OffRoadRodeo Yeah, I wanna take it through my town and I havr this biker trail I wanna go on!
i got XR in October! only have about 450 miles on it so far but just did an oil change yesterday. it’s my first bike and i love it.
@@poisonousnut Yeah I also love it and Its really a great beginnner bike
I would love to ride with you sometime. I have a SCL500 and shopping for either a z125 or a xr150
That’s awesome! I’m down to ride! How’s the SCL500? I think they’re beautiful!
Do they have a new term now for trail riding called singletrack?
I come from the mountain bike world and that’s just a mountain bike term. Same thing though.
Very USEFUL video - THANK YOU!!
(From someone considering a Honda XR150L as their very first bike, primarily for farm use - but wanting to make sure they didn't overlook a better choice). The only thing I can think of adding to this (pretty comprehensive) review would be a SOUND level comparison between the two. Thank you very much for the time and effort you put in to do this video!
Glad it was helpful! I’ll definitely make sure to do a sound level comparison in the future. That was a great idea. Thank you for watching!
I’d like to see a comparison between a similarly set up XR150…after equal dollars spent on purchase and mods I think I’d rather have the Honda.
Maybe Rick from Cogent Dynamics will let me do a follow up once I have all my aftermarket accessories and tires installed.
The rear rack looks really good, do you have a link for that rack? Thanks so much!
Agreed! I don’t but let me see if I can find one!
I tried getting a 300l in California dealer wants 8500 out the door. What robbery. They have a bunch of bikes they just keep them off the lot so they can charge more
That’s ridiculous. I hope you find something reasonably priced soon!
I had planned on buying a 150 Honda this year till I found out the only close dealer I have, was going to charge me 5,600.00 dollars out the door, that's an all out rob job
That’s insane. The first dealer I called about this bike tried something similar. I called a few other dealers before finding the one I bought this from. It’s a pain but sometimes if you search and call around you can find a good deal.
Well done. Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
I like a bike w/ larger tires meaning taller/wider both. Taller tires offer more handling ability & the fatter/wider tires are able to
handle weight in carrying & for traversing rocky/rough surfaces w/ less chance for flats..... I like both bikes. peace
The Honda transmission is supposed to be wider @ the top end for street use. In Asian/S.American Nations this Honda
has been around for many years. Proven & bullet proof but why did Honda wait to bring it here? I learned that the sheer
number of Chinese bikes being sold prompted Honda to come into the US market. For $1,000 more than Chinese bikes,
you can have a Honda that lasts a long time, even if you abuse it! The Chinese bikes don't hold up so well & not even
for those who take good care of them..... they vibrate apart & for the $1,000 extra, a Honda can last longer them you?
Back in 03 I had the tw and loved it until my brother-in-law wrecked it but I think about that bike every day
It’s really a fantastic bike!
High time to get yourself another one! Lots of good used ones for around $2500 and they last forever (assuming your brother in law stays away from it).
I would really like to see a back to back comparison between these 2 the tw200 and xr150 plus the crf300LS and the xt250
You should make a video about the tires.
Good call! Thanks! I’ll make one and have it out in a few weeks!
Have to like the video. Looks like either you or the Yamaha drank to much coffee before hitting the dirt trail. Just kidding. Great video.👍
Thanks for watching!
I rode a Chinese 150 single one time and that thing would break loose dirt in second gear I couldn't believe it just using the throttle
They’re inexpensive and surprising despite it!
sold my TW regretted it every day since
I can imagine. It’s a great bike!
I think the TW200 back tire has options not only because it’s very popular but it’s an ATV size. I’m not positive but I think.
How far is this from Waynesville North Carolina? I'm moving to that area pretty soon maybe we can ride sometime! 😎
Nice review/video by the way
Shoot me a message on Instagram (@offroadrodeo) or an email (offroadrodeo@gmail.com) and we can trade contact info!
Look at Bridgestone TW203 / TW204 as alternative tyres.
I’ll check those out. Thank you!
Dr200 ,klx230 would be the 2 id like comparisons with
I’ll see if I can find some to try!
I did the shinko 804/805 combo on my xr
How do you like them? I’ve since put Shinko 244’s on mine.
@OffRoadRodeo im from canada and i got them at the end of the season before winter so i didnt really get to test them but it definitely increased the right height a little which i dont love since im shorter but should be alot better offroad im hoping
🙂You Do Really Good Motorcycle Videos 🙂
Thank you! You’re very kind!
Is this the road between waynesville Walmart and pisgah forest Walmart? I driven a tractor trailer on that road. Thanks for the reviews.
The one you’re seeing in this is Brevard Road or 191. It might be the road you’re talking about! Thanks for watching!!
Now make a fuel injected version for better mpg with a 6 speed that has a low speed gear box like the old Honda trail. Then increase the tw to 225cc and the Honda to 175cc
Im looking at the CRF300LS
The TW is by far the better bike. The quality of the components on the TW are much better; especially the wheels. No doubt the Honda performs well but the TW will hold up better over time. You get what you pay for.
Well said. I’ll be interested to see how the XR150’s (including mine) hold up.
They’ve been out for 15 years. What do you mean…
Of course it is. It’s $2000 more. Have fun on it.
@@0verfiend it's been out for 15 years in countries where people save for years to afford even an XR150. It's good enough to beat cheap junk, but not to compete with the build quality of world-wide releases like the TW200, CRF300L, etc.
Adding the new suspenders must bring the price well over 6K on the road.
Is there any reason why you couldn't add big tires to the XR150 to get a similar ride to the TW200 in mud/sand?
You definitely can put a bigger tire on but you’ll just be limited by the clearance in the swing arm and the width of the rim at some point. I’ll be putting on a 5.1 x 17 Shinko 244 soon.
great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
OK my shifting on the xr150 is rough as hell you call that smooth
Hmmm, weird because mine really is smooth.
@@OffRoadRodeo idk it may be it's just very sensitive altho I will say mine sometimes get stick in a gear
I love my TW but that honda is nice.
The TW is a proven great motorcycle but the XR is surprisingly durable and reliable!
A used Suzuki DR200 is a better option than both. Reliable, larger frame and more power. Good all around enduro bike
Those are great machines. Like the TW, they seem to hold their value. I’d love to toss a leg over one.
Should do a comparison with a TW with OEM suspension. Otherwise a very unfair comparison.
I’d love to. I do not know anyone else with a Tdub but given the opportunity, I absolutely will.
Too bad the TW gas such a tiny tank. Seems like a great ride otherwise but pretty expensive for a basic bike.
Yeah I agree, there are however after market tanks for that have a larger capacity.
Wait on the xr150, till prices come down.
When can get yamah xt250 , kawasaki klx250, honda crf250 for $3k used can't see point getting a new xr150 for $3k. In philippines the xr 150 is $1500, crf150L fuel injection is $2500. Why honda charges double or more than other countries for same equipment is wrong.
Good point, which would you personally pick?
While I don't disagree with your conclusions on the new bikes, there is a very deep secondary market for the TW200. A used, good condition TW for the same price as the XR is a tougher call.
A nice thing about the TW is that a lower mileage used one can be readily found often for $2000-3000 and it will last just about as long as a new one. The same may be true of the XR, it's just that there are a lot fewer of them on the used market since it's new in the US.