Big Guy on a Little Dual Sport Motorcycle: Does Size Matter? Opinions on TW200 XT225 DRZ-400 WR450f 

It’s hard not to admire the Yamaha XTs. Surprisingly capable off-road, and perfectly at home on the pavement as well.

AGREED! Risers can make the biggest difference in fitting - and even handling - of an off-road bike.

We’re glad to help! One of the things that helped me make my decision was a few amazing friends who were willing to let me try their bikes. In the year before my purchase, I rode the WR450F and a DR-Z400, the XT225 and TW200, as well as a DR650 - and probably some others. Enjoy the process, and WELCOME to the Dual Sport community!

@@dualsportpa I wish I knew people with bikes to try, that would be ideal. Living in Alberta, Canada there's a big quading/snowmobile community because of our winters. Once again, thank you and have fun riding!!

@@RichyRich-eo9uk In my DRZ/WR comparison video, I mentioned the start of my trail riding coming from a weekend road & trail rally. This event was held by the CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) chapter. These guys were the best, and many were willing to offer their bikes to try. Check your local chapter for a trail event - or come to Pennsylvania in July!

@@RichyRich-eo9uk if you get in the Spokane area once the snow is gone I've got a couple you could try

Gotta love the Mighty T-Dub. A bike for all seasons.

Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your T-Dub!

We’re glad you’ve enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing about your CRF. Let us know how you like the new spring!

Lots of us would like to see them bring back some classics. The XT350 and XR400R come to mind!

You and me both! I ❤ my T-Dub!

They cant because of emission standards and 350 sales in asia arent good dude to lisence rules and 350 are too small for us market.

@@BlackwaterAquatics 😮‍💨

Thanks for the comment. We’re glad you enjoyed the video! Any tips for middle-aged riders who want to continue enjoying the sport into their 70’s and 80’s?

A small bike is a great learning tool. I took a TT-R125 on a group ride with guys riding 350 and 400-class bikes this weekend, and had an absolute blast!

100% Agree! I admire the big bikes, and the guys who choose to take them on the trail, but there’s something about the smaller dual-sports that takes me back to a simpler time when all I had to do was ride!

Thanks, Les! We’re glad you enjoyed it! I’m preparing to upload another in the next few days, and have more interview-style vids scheduled to record in the next couple weeks. Be sure to subscribe to stay informed!

Thanks for watching, and for your comment! I rode the KLX300 (briefly) last year, and was impressed with the power availability (it had been re-mapped) and nimble feel of the bike. Plenty of torque to haul you up anything you’d care to climb. The 650 is another animal altogether. Widely respected as a competent all-around workhorse, it begins to feel every one of its 480+ lbs off-road, especially when you have to pick it up a few times. I’ve run into a number of big&tall riders who believed a bigger guy really needs the extra cc’s to move their mass. Not true. Welcome to Dual Sport riding! Let us know what you end up getting!

If you're looking at the KLR, do check out the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Comparable in most areas, quite a bit less expensive, every bit as capable, and less fancy stuff to break. We own & ride 2, as well as my little TDub. We're the same size, 6-2, and 250. The only drawback to my TDub is lack of crash bars. With Giant Loop Coyote saddlebags, an Armadillo gas bag, Diablo tank bag, (and will add a front fender bag tomorrow), and I can go anywhere the big Beamers can go, with a LOT less effort (well, except the freeway, she won't go that fast and like it!). our 2021 Himalayans and the 2022 TDub were comparable in price, but the himi came with crash bars, pannier racks, and a USB port. At almost 75, I find myself riding the TDub more simply because it's quite a bit easier to ride, weighing 153lbs less than my Himalayan. However, I can easily cruise the freeways on the Himi. Parts are all over the place for the TDub, not so much for the Himi though. If I drop the Himi, I need a Dustriders lift to raise it, but the TDub, i can just pick up.

@@alexmacdonald258 Thanks for the great info! I haven’t had an opportunity to ride (or even see) the Enfields, but have ridden TWs hundreds of miles over both road and trails. The one thing that always comes out when describing the TDub is STABLE. I compared one just this weekend to a DR200 and XT250, and found it to feel a bit like a TANK in comparison. Both the XT and DR felt more nimble, and responsive, but not so firmly connected to the ground when things got loose or slippery. Of all these small-ish bikes, the DR felt most comfortable for larger riders, and the XT was the most cramped, with the pegs feeling very close to the seat. The TW was right in the middle. The XT was best suited for the smallest riders. Power-wise, the XT felt strongest, followed by the TW, and then the DR - but I think the DR would wake up quite a bit with the air box opened up and a re-jet. I hope to ride a Himilayan sometime soon, and will share my thoughts when I do!

@@dualsportpa you know, the only problem I find with my TDub is, it'll turn you back into a 10 year old faster than you can say "I KNEW I shouldn't have done that"😁 Good luck on your search!

I think that’s the best part of DualSport riding!

That’s great to hear, Jonathan! Let’s get together and ride!

@DualSport PA I plan to come up soon! It will be a great time.

CMA Trail Rally in July @ ANF. Be there.

There is SO MUCH to unpack here! First of all, thanks for reaching out. Andrew and I still enjoy exploring this topic, and perhaps it’s time for a “how to choose a little bike” video? In our little riding group we’ve got several TWs, an XT250, several XT225s, a DR200, both vintage and modern CTs (90 and 125) and an XR200. Each of us has spent some time on all of these bikes - and plenty of larger bikes for comparison. One of us (I’ll let him tell his own story) DID break his foot riding a little bike, but some basic precautions could have prevented this. The short answer to your question is ANY of these bikes would be a lot of fun, and easy to transport, but the full truth is that each one has specific strengths, and can fit one rider better than another. One example is that the XT250 has great power delivery and a super-low range that allows it to walk through almost any conditions you’re likely to come across - BUT it has the smallest cockpit of any of these machines, and could feel pretty cramped for a larger rider if you’re going to be in the saddle for any length of time. The older XT, the DR and the XR all feel larger by comparison. The CTs are great fun, but a heavy rider can bend the pegs in the rough stuff. The nice thing is that any of these machines is likely to hold its value very well, particularly if you buy it right, and can be resold if you find something that fits you better. Or keep it, and invite a friend to come along! I’m going to start production of the comparison video I’ve been considering. I’ll be sure to include Andrew’s perspective!

Yeah, dangling feet could be an issue. Something to be aware for sure 🤪 but being aware and wearing the correct footwear goes. Long way to not catch your toes (I did mangle my foot a few years ago). That said, it does not matter what you are riding. You still need to take the same precautions. You probably just need to find a way to ride some smaller bikes to find out if it is for you.

I can relate! I’ve had a CBR600 (that I loved) and have currently got a 1000cc sport tourer that almost never leaves the driveway. My wife can’t understand why I’d rather ride this uncomfortable, slow, ugly bike! I think it has something to do with feeling like a kid again.

@dualsportpa that could very well be a valid point, I definitely giggle like a small child on the small dual sports, and at 35 years old and just learning to ride I'm glad I started on a dual sport, single track is just loads of fun and falling while not advised hurts much less at 15-20 than it would at 100ish

@@lowxpectations I’ve experienced a highside on pavement, and it’s definitely different than a typical off-road get-off. Dual Sport riding is an excellent introduction to motorcycling, and it may turn out to be your favorite type of riding!

I’m not familiar with much of Maryland, but a friend has recommended Wolf Den Run State Park for its trails and facilities. Check it out, and let us know what you think. dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/Wolf-Den-Run.aspx Enjoy the new bike, and be sure to check in if you ever find yourself riding on this side of the border!

@@dualsportpa ... Thanks. Looked up Wolf Den . It is about 4 hours from me out in western MD. I've also been searching the MABDR. Thank you, Jeff

Thanks for sharing! The TW is a ton of fun for kids of all ages and sizes!

A dr 200 fits well in this category,no speed demon but climbs like mountain goat.

@@jeffflorence594 After this video was shot, I acquired a DR200s. Andrew and I have both ridden it, and will be doing a comparison video soon.

Thanks for sharing that, Chris! Every manufacturer makes their bikes to fit a range of rider sizes, but some do seem to lean toward one direction or the other. The DR200 seems a bit less cramped than the TW200, and the XT250 feels very small compared to either of those. Any of them is perfectly capable of carrying a full-size rider, and can be a ton of fun on the trails.

I’ve experienced a few bikes that have made me better. I had a close encounter with a KDX420 as a teen that taught me to respect the throttle. A Cannondale C440 was a big part of my maturation as a rider, as it took my basic skills and added a need for restraint. My friend Chaz had shared his WR450f with me on several occasions in the past, and I was one of the first to ride his YZ490 “ditch-digger” years ago. All of these machines were an absolute blast to ride, and exhilarating - to say the least. There’s just something about these smaller, less aggressive dual sports that that’s just good, clean fun. They don’t require restraint. They put a huge smile on your face. There may be a little less adrenaline involved, but that only means that you’re less exhausted at the end of the day. There is less finesse involved in the throttle hand, even if there may be a bit more demanded from the (lack of) suspension. Thanks for watching and commenting. Enjoy your new ride! Let us know how your trip goes this summer!

All true, and Andrew addresses this in the video. At the same time, these machines are engineered to withstand specific stresses, which are likely more than a casual rider - even a large one - is likely to surpass. Aggressive off-road riding CERTAINLY puts these components into the danger zone, particularly with a heavier rider.

Welcome to the Channel, and congratulations on your new purchase! Spring rate preference varies widely with your intended use and riding style. If you’re riding aggressively, I can see wanting something a bit stiffer. RaceTech offers a calculator to help you dial in your best rate for front and rear. You can find that here: racetech.com/VehicleSearch According to ProCycle, stock rates are .44/5.3 (mm/kg) f/r. They recommend .54/6.0 generically for your weight, but the RaceTech calculator takes other factors into consideration. Let us know what you change, and how you like the results.

I agree. I'm 5 foot 9 with a 30 inch inseam. I love the DRZ 400 but it's too tall for me. I'm glad it fits you!

@@wsbill14224 I’ve heard of guys lowering the suspension with spacers or lowering links.

I’m 240 and 6ft and I bought a new DRZ two years ago. I have been 100% happy, love the bike. Plenty of power and I cruise the freeway 70 mph no problem with reserve power to pass if needed.

@@fastdude2002 My DR-Z will hit 90 (speedo indicated), and it’s been geared down a tooth in the front. It’s got plenty of highway legs to travel between trails or carve the occasional canyon road. I love mine, and can’t see myself ever selling it, even if I get something better on the trail, and something better on the street. It’s a great “do-everything” bike!

A friend of mine (200+ lb) has a CT125, and has ridden both road and trail with it. It’s surprisingly capable, and a ton of fun. It’s not going to win races or crush a hard enduro, but it will get you through the trail with a smile on your face!

@dualsportpa at my age I just want to finish the race..

All great points. Gearing can make up for lower power to a point, as long as the goal is to ride trails, and not to set records.

Have you uncorked and rejetted? (basic uncork = remove snorkel, remove noise restrictor, keep air filter, keep spark arrestor screen) My experience is a basic uncork and $14 amazon jet kit *made each bike size feel like the next size up* (and was more responsive, ran cooler, & started easier). The 100cc felt like the 150, the 150 felt almost like the 230. We were all surprised how much difference it made.

@@andrewstambaugh8030 no and I'm not going to. On warm days it starts with no choke so it's not terribly lean. I didn't remove the vapor can either. It runs fine as is, starts instantly, and is very quiet. I like peace and quiet, and I want to keep my fuel sealed and fresh.

Hi, David. Thanks for checking in! You’ve asked a really broad question, with no definitive answer, but I’ll give you some food for thought: The two machines you’re comparing are VERY different, with totally different personalities. The KLX will likely feel more approachable and forgiving, while the CRF will probably be a bit on the wilder side. Suspension on the Honda is more robust, with more adjustments available, but this is likely to make the most difference for more aggressive riders. KLX has a shorter wheelbase and steeper rake, which should make it a bit more nimble and maneuverable. I’ve ridden a KLX with custom fuel map and aftermarket pipe, and it has plenty of power for road or trail, regardless of your size. I’m betting the CRF feels like a bigger bike, although I’ve never ridden one personally. The only other observation I’d make is the $4,000 price difference makes the green one quite a bit more attractive to me. That’s a lot of upgrades and accessories - and good protective gear should be a top priority whatever bike you choose. Let us know what you decide!

The TW is widely known as an “agricultural” motorcycle. It is small, lightweight and maneuverable, with tank-like stability. It’s a little tractor of a bike. I can’t speak directly to the KLX, but I’m sure it’s plenty capable. It should be noted that it is a much more modern design than the T-Dub, with fuel injection and more electronic doo-dads. To give you an idea of TW gearing, I’m pasting a forum post below from TW200forum.com: Stock gearing of 14tooth CS sprocket and 50tooth rear sprocket, 1st gear, idle is at approx. 1300rpm. Here is your speed based on RPM; 1800rpm=4mph 2700rpm=6mph 3600rpm=8mph 4500rpm=10mph 5400rpm=12mph 6300rpm=14mph 7200rpm=16mph 8100rpm=18mph 9000rpm=20mph Top speed in 5th gear @9000rpm is 69.7mph Those who prefer a lower 1st gear usually swap out the rear sprocket for a 55 tooth rear sprocket. Here's your speed based on RPM with a 14tooth CS sprocket and 55tooth rear sprocket; 1800=3.7 2700=5.5 3600=7.3 4500=9.2 5400=11 6300=12.9 7200=14.7 8100=16.5 9000=18.4 Top speed in 5th is 63.4mph If you want a lower crawl speed, then a 13tooth CS sprocket in conjunction with a 55 tooth rear sprocket gets you these speeds; 1800=3.4 2700=5.1 3600=6.8 4500=8.5 5400=10.2 6300=11.9 7200=13.6 8100=15.4 9000=17.1 Top seed in 5th is 58.8mph See the whole thread at: www.tw200forum.com/threads/how-slow-can-you-go-in-1st-gear.69869/ Thanks for checking in, and let us know what you decide!

I’d love to try the new XR! I was beginning to believe that I’d be buying the first one to arrive at my local dealership, but ended up purchasing a (slightly) used XT250 this past week. I’ll look for an opportunity to try it for myself, and will do my best to compare with the smaller machines I’m familiar with: TW200, DR200, XT225 and XT250. Be sure to let us know what you think about yours!

I want one of these. Looks like a fun little bike. It would complement my crf300l

When you ask, “Should I buy [any small dual sport]”, the answer is always “Yes”.

I bought one for my wife but she fractured her ankle rolling her atv so she can't ride it yet. I was riding it a bit last night and I found it quite enjoyable. I'm 6'2" 210lbs and it feels just a little small due to the hump in the seat but I did a gps test and maxed out at 61 mph but the speedo never went over 58 mph so the speedo actually reads just a hair slow. It will be a decent little bike as long as you stay off interstates. I have an 18 250l and even with the fork spring kit and a firmer rear spring the xr suspension feels slightly firmer to me.

@geraldburmeister9637 Best wishes for your wife’s quick recovery! I hope she’s able to enjoy her new ride soon!

The Classic 350 looks like a great bike - albeit not what most would consider a dual-sport. The Trail 125 is a ton of fun, but I’m not personally drawn to the automatic clutch. Whichever you choose, enjoy the ride!

@@dualsportpa my wife has the ruling vote she really likes the scram 411... go figure...lol, I totally agree the automatic is a bit of a downer... And the classic is pushing it a little bit for the bush...lol in saying that I've watch those Himalayan mountain videos they put those bikes through hell...lol, I think the scram is a compromise between the two.... great video

In this case, I’d have to agree with the wife.

I hope some day you have a friend who is as great a man as Andrew. You have no idea.

Thanks for letting us know! Since posting this I’ve realized that the music volume is too high to clearly hear my voice on some devices. It’s only my third video, and I’m learning something new with each one! I hope the video was helpful for you in spite of my technical errors.

Great question! Answer the following SIX questions for me, and we’ll give you the perfect recommendation. 1. How much (on-road/off-road) riding experience do you have, and how would you describe your riding style? 2. How comfortable are you doing maintenance/repair work? 3. What types of roads will you be riding? (# of lanes, speed limits, etc) 4. How much “off-road” riding will you do, and how challenging (“technical”) is the terrain? 5. How do you feel about the following numbers: $2,500 - $5,000 - $10,000 ? 6. Would you prefer the latest computerized technology or old-school proven simplicity?

@@wellhello2828 Thanks for watching! We’re glad you’ve enjoyed our content. Andrew and I agree on a couple points: 1. We’d recommend staying away from the 650s, at least for this first bike. Your first adventures off-road are likely to lead to a fall or two, and the big thumpers can be be pretty tiring to lift and maneuver. Once you’ve gotten comfortable riding in the dirt, you can then consider the bigger bikes - although we can’t think of any real advantages of the 650s unless you’ll be doing longer distances on pavement or forestry roads. 2. A used machine would be a better place to start than new, for these reasons: -You’ll feel more freedom to ride (and fall) on a bike that has already experienced a few scrapes. The first scratch on a brand new bike can hurt a bit. -Also, You can’t really know what you like or don’t like until you’ve gotten some experience. Get comfortable on a nice manageable, pre-loved off-road platform, take note of what you like and dislike, then sell or trade to get what fits you best. You may even fall in love with your cheap starter bike, and find it difficult to replace. Our recommendation is to find a used, smaller-displacement Dual Sport with a reputation for bullet-proof reliability. Yamaha’s XT225/XT250 comes to mind, but there are many others that could be just as good. Availability may depend on which local dealerships have been moving the most Dual Sport machines. Around here, we don’t see many DRs or KLRs. Yamahas are much more common. Lots of older Honda machines for sale, but recent CRFs are not as common either. If these feel too cramped, look into handlebar risers (or taller bars) or aftermarket pegs to open up the cockpit a bit. Keep in mind that any of these machines is going to be way too soft and undersprung for anyone over 200lb, but for casual trail riding (5 out of 10), this shouldn’t be much of an issue. After a season of riding, you should have a better idea of what you like: -Want more power? Go to a larger displacement bike or a higher-performance mid-size from one of the European labels. -Need better suspension? The DR-Z400s handles a wide variety of riders and conditions surprisingly well. -Finding yourself on milder trails and backroads most of the time, or traveling longer distances than expected? You may want to consider one of the 650 singles or even a light adventure bike. In the meantime you’ve gained some experience with a smaller initial investment, and can likely get all your money back out of your bike. If you were afraid to work on your bike I might direct you to something newer or fuel injected, but your answer to question 2 told me a lot. None of these bikes will be very pleasant on the pavement, even for your 60-minute limit. You might consider an aftermarket seat (Seat Concepts is tough to beat). Fuel capacity will also be a concern for all, but extended-capacity tanks are available (IMS, Clarke or Acerbis) for some of these machines. Fortunately, the small displacement engines tend to be quite efficient. Of the bikes you mention, the CRF300l may have some advantage, as there are aftermarket seat and tank options available. However, If the 306-pound CRF seems manageable, the DR-Z400s (my personal choice) at 317-pounds offers a considerably more robust suspension that could carry you longer through your development as a rider. Seat and tank upgrades still apply. Enjoy the journey! Riding anything at all is more fun than researching to find the “perfect” bike and delaying your joy. Let us know what you decide!

@wellhello2828 Once again, because of your answer to question 2, I wouldn’t have much concern about going that direction. Be prepared to pay extra close attention during the assembly process, and keep an eye on things while breaking it in to be sure not to lose any parts. The only other thought on this route is whether it would actually save you any money. $2500 new - $1500 resale = $1000 ^^ Cost to ride the Hawk ^^ $4000 used - $3500 resale = $500 ^^ to ride a used XT ^^ I’ve even seen guys sell good Japanese dual sports for more than they paid after riding them for years. Remember that the listed price isn’t always what you’ll pay for a used bike. These words have saved me a ton of money over the years: “Can you do any better?” It is an unthreatening and polite way to ask the seller to give you a break. I got 10% off the price of a 2018 DR200 last year with that question.

XR650L or similar (DR/KLR) or possibly Vstrom 650-not really dual sport more like all road..think Subaru Outback/Crosstrek only a motorcycle..

A 300cc is good place to start. Then move up to bigger cc. Kawasaki klx 300, honda crf 300l or rally, yamaha wr250r, suzuki dr300. Then when get skilled can move bigger bike like Kawasaki klr650, suzuki dr650.

Most people do. Happy is the man who realizes this while he is still young.

The Hawk seems to be gaining popularity as a durable and capable dual sport. Thanks for sharing!

@dualsportpa it's a good bike as long as you take your time setting it up out of the crate. You can't just slap it together and expect it to be reliable. Every bolt needs loctite, valves need adjustment, and the carburetor needs to be jetted to your elevation. But I have 2,300 miles on mine so far with zero issues and I'm not very easy on it.

@@Hardy_boy1 That’s all good to hear. RU-vid response has varied between ridicule and grudging respect. The engine seems to be based on a super-reliable design that has been proven around the world. Much of the rest of the quality seems to be up to the assembler.

I would never buy a chinesium bike. They are made like shit. A Chinese bike will break down before you can register it. I ride a 2001 Yamaha that runs like the day it was purchased.

Ride what you want, ride what you like, ride what moves you… But don’t think that you need large displacement just because you’re a bigger guy.

@@dualsportpa this 300 is twice the size of my second moto (150cc scoot) and quite larger than my first (125cc Sanyang clutch bike)

So big guys don’t necessarily NEED to ride a BIG bike. The smaller (200-250) dual-sports can be a blast for riders of every size!

Great points - sand and altitude will rob some power.

Thank you for sharing your comments! We value your opinions and will be sure to consider them when making our next video!

Thanks for letting us know, Rene. We had a technical difficulty with the mics, and didn’t realize the problem until the conversation was over, so we had to use the camera audio for this interview. I thought Andrew’s insights were valuable enough to publish the results even though the technical quality was poor. Our goal is to improve with every video we produce, and are currently putting together our FOURTH release, which should be published in a few days. Stay tuned, and let us know how we’re doing!

@@dualsportpa I still finished the video. Good info. Bought 2 TW's & an XR250R last year. 66 y/o, hadnt ridden in 40 yrs. Cant wait for snow to be gone. KLX wasnt available out west.

Good for you! I hope you’re enjoying them! My son has an XR200R, and I’ll probably do a comparison between it and the TW at some point. What are your thoughts about the two platforms?

@@dualsportpa XR is way faster and more capable on muddy single track.

@@Rene-up1dl Do you feel that the XR feels heavier or seems any harder to handle than the TW? Which would you rather ride on rougher, more technical terrain?

Small bikes rock!

Any thoughts on how that difference affects the ability of a small bike to carry that rider on a trail?

100%. There are a lot of body muscles that go into moving and maneuvering a motorcycle especially off road at slower speeds. Especially your core and legs. A "big" guy with muscle tone and mass will maneuver a bike 100% different than a "fat" guy in the same conditions. Not saying the "fat" guy cannot ride it, he will just have different challenges. The bike you 100% move you. But can it hold you? Will the frame support you? Will the suspension be comfortable and functional? These are the real talking points.

What bike would you recommend for a larger rider?

What bike would you recommend for a larger rider?