Yamaha TW200 vs Yamaha XT250: Best Comparison Out There! 

WHATS THE TOP SPEED ON THE TW BRO?

What would I choose? A TW 300 with a 4 gallon fuel tank and rear disk brake. Come on, Yamaha, you can do it!

“.... for only $500 more you get a much better bike in all aspects.” Me: I don’t care, I want fat tires.

I own both. The TW is a beast and for climbing walls 😂, the XT is for light commuting and trails. Once again thanks for the Vids Mobb👍

Tdub for life! I was able to secure some time at my local university's math laboratory and proposed this question to them: "What is it about the Yamaha TW200 that's sooooo desirable?" After about 3 days of analysis with the available data given to them they then sent it to their department of anthropology. After 2 days that department then sent it to their engineering department. 3 days later engineering sent the data to the history building. History spent only 1 day before sending it off to athletics. 5 days later athletics sent it back to the math lab where my original contact who let me in gave me the final scientifically concluded verdict of why the Tdub is desirable. Ready? Here's what they determined: IT'S MORE FUN TO GO FAST ON A SLOW BIKE THAN SLOW ON A FAST BIKE.😉

Great video! My wife and I debated on this quite awhile on which bike to get for her. We ended up with the XT, and that thing is an absolute pleasure to ride. As always, every bike like this needs a 6th gear to better allow re-gearing. But I've still ridden the XT in some fairly challenging single track, you just never get out of first gear. For light commuting (no highway) I absolutely love putting around on the XT. The fueling is, well, exquisite. Zero gaps or lags in the rev range. And the bike is just so amazingly approachable. I don't understand why these aren't the bikes of choice for motorcycle training courses. I really really wanted to choose the TW. It's just so damned neat. Plus it's a very kindred spirit with my Yamaha Big Bear atv--dead simple, end-of-the-world reliable, almost comically capable of climbing. I ended up letting logic win out--fuel injection is a winner. And tire selection is an absolutely important thing on a dual-sport. Finally--I wanted to be able to strap this bike to the back of my motorhome. The XT fits a carrier much better, doesn't require custom wheel chocks, and handles the elevation changes. I absolutely don't understand why most motorcycle salesmen tend to push people away from the XT--I'm a big cheerleader for them. Of course I wish it was 300cc in the same size bike. And that there was a 6th gear. But I really hope that when Yamaha decides to make this into a smaller Tenere, they don't add 4" of suspension travel and 80 lbs. That's not what this bike is.

I ended up selling my Tdub last weekend, and picked up a 2023 XT250 yesterday, So far the XT fits me better. Hit the trails right off the bat and proceeded to break her in properly going down in a mud hole and breaking off half of front brake lever. Ironically, my hand guards came in later in the day. Enjoying it so far.

Big fan of both the xt and the tw. One thing I wanted to point out. If you’re coming from smaller displacement dirt bikes. I road a yz125 for many years for example, neither one of these bikes have as much hp or torque as the yz125. So you definitely don’t need to worry about going from a 2 stroke 125cc dirt bike to a 4 stroke 200 or 250cc dual sport. Dirt bike engines are very high strung for performance. Dual sport engines are designed to last a long time.

Great information, Glad to see you have one on order finally :)

Matt, great video as always man!, keep up the quality work & very well done. The only thing I may add is the XT has a low fuel light indicator when you are low on fuel. I like the TW 200 still as you just reach down and flip the petcock to reserve and you are still good to go..... all in all, will come to lifestyle requirements and motorcycle preference, both are great motorcycles... But I have to say... I agree, there is nothing out there that comes close to the " smiles per miles ", the TW 200 is in a class of it's own

Thanks for a great introduction to the new XT250, Matt. I trust the Yamaha brand any time, anywhere, so on the subject of which one to get I'd say both. The TW200 is and always will be better in loose soil and sand, it's a given thanks to its fat tires. The XT250 would perform much better on the open range and on harder soil, it should also feel more nimble in rocky areas and when moving or dodging sideways. Its slimmer tires allow for higher speeds and better stability at higher speeds, also the fact it has a larger motor makes travel more pleasant. So which one you want for the day, well, that depends on the day.

Great video! After it's all said and done, with FI and a bigger displacement engine, I'm Still Pimping on the TW200!! Thanks for the review

Been debating dr200 vs xt vs tw for about 2 months. Enjoyed your videos along with tdubskid. Put my deposit down on the tw yesterday. I should have it in approx 3 weeks. Thanks for the entertaining and informative videos. Definitely helped me decide.

You should do more comparison videos. Great info detail that you dive into with these, I would love to see what you can do comparing all the dual sports against each other.

Wayyyyyyy back in the very early 80s we had 2 x TW200s they were used as irrigation bikes. There was a time when land would be levelled for flood irrigation to work. It was incredibly expensive, but worth it then. It’s inconceivable now. We had to monitor that and set the dams for each section of the field to get flooded. Then we also had wheelmove sprinklers. We irrigated about 1200 acres back the. With the wheel moves. Pivots were just getting popular and were very expensive. Now it’s simply the way to go. Anyways, you were always in the mud and these bikes are great in the mud. The floatation you get out of the tires helps a lot. We wore bothe those bikes out and then replaced them with 3 wheel Honda ATC 250s. Again, they did well and we replaced everything with pivots before we wore those out. They were bloody dangerous to ride though. Had one of the crew put his foot down and get caught by the wheel. Hit ripped the skin off and left a big flap over his Achilles that started just below the knee joint. His whole calf was wide open. Tore his ACL, dislocated his knee and shoulder as it ripped him right out of the seat,,,,,, ugly. Pulled the motors and made go carts,,,,,, hahaha. Safer??? A little. Before I retired the last machines in this type of use for us were a Honda Pioneer 1000 and a Pioneer 700. Pure luxury in comparison,,,,,,. Yeah,,,,, I’m old, but still want one of these TW 200s again. Currently my bike is a a trike!! Ryker Rally, 900 CC’s. We have so much wind here and it can get over 60 mph, the crosswinds are terrible. With the Ryker, at least I’m not riding leaning 30 degrees into the wind,,,,, and I have 3 quite fat contact patches to help hold the road! Times change, but the TW does not, they got it right the first time!!

I owned a 1980 and 1981 XT250, great bike then and I imagine them to be a great bike now. Great video thank you for your time. Stay safe and take care.

Good comparison. I was looking at both before I got my current bike. And would still like to own both one day.

Great comparison vid! I grew up on a 1970 Honda trail 70 & just prefer the phat tire low & slow trail bikes.

You need to do more comparison video's but just make sure to compare everything to the tw200. "Check out this new blender, but I still like my TW and its fat tires"

Great comparison review, THANKS! One thing you might add is a comment on how the very different tires affect the ride experience.

Thanks for the comparison brother. Im a new rider and I just found out about the TW. I think this will be an awesome beginner bike. I go camping a lot and there are a lot of trails and back roads. A few of the guys I go with have dual sport bikes and Ive been thinking of getting one. Thanks again

Both of them are ridiculous amounts of fun to ride and both engines are as "bullet proof" as you can get. Whenever I ride to Moab, I always see a pack of Tdub riders. Those 200s can definitely hold their own. Rode my buddy's XT250 down PCH (aka route 1) from Huntington Beach to Dana Point & back and is a great "sight seeing" bike.

I think the XT250 would have been more popular if they kept the 6 speed transmission that the XT225 had. It also gained weight looking at the specs, almost 40 lbs. XT250 291 wet, Xt225 238 dry. Add the 16 lbs for the fuel and it still comes in at 254. I am keeping my XT225 running. When I got the itch for a new bike, I went with a Suzuki DR650. Nothing new in the 250 class bikes had any improvements over the XT225 that I already have. Sure fuel injection is nice, but carbs go for years without problems. The weight gain was my real issue for a trail bike. I want less weight.

Thanks for the video. I love my TW but tough to get to local trails at the limited speed. I use the carrier rack to get to the trails in the Cascades. The Tdub is tough to give up.

New subscriber, Matt. I don't have a TW, though I am impressed. I ride a baby GS (g310gs), CRF 230, and a CRF 250. I'm also in Utah (Springville), but get down to Little Moab a few times a year (that was a great video, too). Anyway, I subscribed because I appreciate your style...you keep it classy, but you include a ton of fun and practical info. Well done brother.

Recently bought the TW200 and it’s a great bike,draws lots of attention,bikers with bigger motorcycles give me thumbs up when they see me.

I'd keep my TW-200 since trading out for the XT250 at this point would cost more money that the gains are worth. Since I am 5'10 and weigh 265 lbs, the T-Dub's wide seat makes it more comfortable for longer rides. The fat tires don't make ruts in my yard and grab sand well. I have had more fun on the T-Dub than any other motorcycle I've tried. Riding fast is not as important as just getting there and enjoying the ride as I go, so the slowness of the T-Dub is not an issue. If I need to go across the continent on long distance vacation trips with some off road riding, the BMW R1150GS ADV is the one I ride. Options are nice. The only thing I could say would beat out the T-Dub for trails is a ROKON, but those are ungodly expensive. T-Dubs are reliable and pretty inexpensive for what you get.

Great review and comparo, thanks!

Great video. Thanks for this comparison.

Very cool video! Thank you! A TW350 with rear disk brake would be a great addition to the Yamaha lineup! Carburator, of course!

I have owned both. The XT comes out on top at every level: fuel injection, larger fuel tank, digital speedometer, larger engine, 0-ring chain, same seat height, better brakes, narrow tires track better, and I am getting over 100 mpg with my XT. The TW gets about 80-85. Both are very fun to drive.

It would be cool to see videos of both bikes customized for long distance adventure, such as bigger fuel tank, tires, luggage racks.

Solid review guys. Now I want to go and test ridectge XT!

Both are excellent bikes. I decided the TW is for me. I did a lot of motorcycle research to find what would fit my riding needs so I am comfortable with that choice. My poor wife listened to my process this whole time. She is wonderful.

The 250 seems kind of like the great great grandson of the old 175 enduro that yamaha made back in the late 1970's

I love my TW200 yet I may sell it as my CRF250L Rally offers a much greater challenge. I'll probably come back to the TW side one day though... Great comparison vid none the less, Sir!!

Nice review. I had a BW200 as a child. Loved that bike!! I agree the TW is the better bike. I wish the TW had a rear disc as well as LED's.

You juuuuuuuuuuuust about got me talked into getting a tw

Great comparison of physicals. Yami makes bike for each niche of the market (mostly). TW for low, slow trails where wide tire performance will help. its not a great commuter bike as semi will practically beat you off the line and it tops out at 55 which can be down right scary in some situations (tuning/upgrades help). If you want to run rugged terrain and enjoy the scenery at a slow pace on a comfortable confidence inspiring bike TW is it. XT is a entry level enduro/adventure bike for budget/maintenance conscious riders. it's great for commuting, gravel roads, light trails but to maintain stability on the narrower tires you have to increase speed (for newer riders) which will soak up the suspension quickly so i didn't feel it was as enjoyable on rough terrain. You could definitely have a great all around build that could function for full day or multiday trips for under $7k which is awesome. In the end, its all about fit for purpose and rider preference style. This video was great for helping riders understand the differences between the two bikes.

At 73 and 275 pounds I need a strong ,but nimble bike that take me into the dirt safely, and the TW fits the bill. My enduro and trials days are over, but I still love the fun of going where my cruiser cannot and do it knowing I will make home home before my wife sends out the Mounties. TW all the way, love the Yamaha reliability and simplicity, You don't need a 450 or 500 dirt beast to enjoy the woods. The bike is light enough to get out of trouble I can put myself in.

Love the Vid man

The TW is a bike with character, local dealership were out, plenty of KLX230's, so there you go.

Living in a small town in Montana with plenty of trails so close by it's the TW for me as I dont run too much paved roads and being 60+ the days of knee scraping my VFR500 are gone , putting fire roads to fishing spots are where it's at

Nice video guys, helped me out a lot

I rented one for a day on Aruba. LOVED IT. I own an FJR1300 at home, so about the total opposite. I loved the sheer fun factor of the fat tires, and the traction was shockingly high on sand, gravel dirt AND ASPHALT. I couldn't believe how confidently I could lean that TW on the roads. I partly want one so my wife and daughter can learn to ride, I partly want one to take it to the Oregon coast sand dunes, and I might even take it to the little cart track here in town! But mostly I just want to ride out of town, find some dirt roads and get lost on one. For the entire day, it put a smile on my face. I think I even loved the carburetor more than I would FI. I thought about "do I need more power than this?" I don't think I do. The connection of those tires is really something to experience. Hands down, the HAPPIEST bike I've ever ridden.

I love my 21 Tdub, but the next bike im getting isnt the XT250, its the CRF300L. Keeping the Tdub of course.

I'm debating selling my tw for a xt. I found your friends video last night. I love my tw but since I dont own any "alpacas" and sold our cows is it still a necessity? I feel the extra speed of the xt will help me use my bike more as a commuter. Plus id love to have fuel injection.

I loved your video Matt. Very informative..Easy to understand for a rookie. I am green in the saddle as I have not ridden in 30 years. I am still on the fence about which bike would be best for a new rider?

My dad got us bikes for Christmas back in 98. I got the yamaha rt 100 and he got the TW. He rode it some, but said it didn't have the highway power he wanted. It sat in the shed for about 6 years untouched. My bike was sold and gone. I asked him once in a while if i could ride it since he never did and finally he let me. It was a fun ride. He ended up trading it for a boat motor he never got running about 10 years ago. When i go home to visit i still see it riding around.

Serow for the win!

I love my TW. I owned a XT250, it is a great bike and is way better on payment than the TW. But I sold the XT and I wish I still had it. But three bikes was a bit much for me to keep. I have a CB500X too.

I would try the TW200! I had a 1989 XT350 and loved it, but in the mountains where I would use it, its extremely rocky, and believe the bigger tires would help with that. I use a atv on the tree farm I help at, but having something like this would let me leave right from my house and ride to where we are working vs having to park my truck, get the atv (which is finicky) started, then head up.

I have a DR200 and a TW200. I got the DR200 over the XT only because the shop had a practically perfect older DR200 that they wanted to unload and out the door it was less than $2,000. The Tdub was given to me by a good friend who had left it to sit for several years outside, but it was an easy process to restore it. The difference between how the skinny tires ride vs. the fat tires of the Tdub can't really fully be explained. The DR200, like the XT250, basically rides like any other dirtbike, while the Tdub floats up and over stuff. Anytime I want to cruise further and with better suspension, I go with the DR200, but I have way more fun on the Tdub.

TW has a much better look IMO than the XT. However, the XT has a lot going for it in as much as the fuel injection and front and rear disc brakes. I was considering these two a while back but decided to go a different direction. If I were to choose between the two.....TW

Been waiting for that company to come out with a TW in a larger engine size (400 to 650) for quite some time now.... I don’t think the company understands what the fans want.... almost as bad as Jeep waiting decades to put out another truck, but even they figured it out....

Get both. :) When you account for sag on the XT seats are basically the same height. I miss both of mine dearly but gave them to a couple as gifts.

Nice job guys, good one

We bought both. If the Tdub was fuel injected....it would be harder to choose. I ride the XT and her the TW. Both are great machines. I like the better road speed of the XT to get to the trails.

And the ground clearence on the XT after you sat on it?

Nice overview of both bikes. I love my XT250.

Hey Matt, last spring I was convinced I wanted a TW. I looked but couldn't find one within 100 miles of me so I bought an Xt from a dealership owned by a friend of mine. used it to commute to work and trail ride with my wife and son all last season. loved the xt for that and I had one of the best summers I've had in a long time. that being said my incredible summer left me wanting some longer adventures. took the xt for a couple of 80 mile round trips that left my inner thighs burning from the xt's narrow waistline. I'm built a lot like you so seat height and overall durability are big on my list. I'm thinking of trying a klr or t7 to meet my needs for longer rides. for around town and short commutes i love my xt and can't see ever getting rid of it. wish I could have ridden the tw to compare.

I’ve owned both and they’re two entirely different experiences for two entirely different jobs. Of course there’s a ton of overlap of what each “can” do compared to the other. But this is like the debate of truck vs suv, etc. Comes down to your intended purpose for the bikes! The 250 is more versatile and traditional, the 200 is a great ranch bike or exploring the area after you pull it out of your pickup kind of bike.

The answer is the Honda CRF300L, you get a bigger engine which is liquid cooled and you get a six speed gearbox.

I've owned both at the same time and I still could not decide what was "better". They are both great for different reasons. If I could have the extra 50cc's and the extra gear in the TW from the XT then there would be no doubt that the TW would be better.

Nice review

Both of these bikes are an excellent value for what you are getting. The TW200 is definitely superior to the XT250 for off road riding because of its lower gears and larger mud and snow tires. However, if you like riding the roads a bit more, then the XT250 would be the superior bike. So the only question is: What will the bike be used for most of the time? They are both very sweet machines in their own way. It can be a difficult decision sometimes. My experience has been that Yamaha makes very good machines at competitive prices in every category. They are very reliable.

tw 200 love the simple fact it is a carb easy to work on and fat tires. A 350 version would be sweet

These guys are doing a great job :)

I bought a TW 200 a couple of years ago. Put on many miles including a lot of short distance commuting. I like the TW, but if I were to do it again today I would definitely buy the XT instead.

I actually own one of each. My daughter was riding the TW200. I bought the XT250 so we could ride together. Now she's got a baby on the way and her riding days are over, despite what she says. So I need to sell one. I'm selling the XT250. I like it, but there's something oddly endearing about that little fat-tire putt-putt. And I'm 6'3" tall. I don't care. I'll make the TW work. I can't bring myself to sell it. Air the tires down and just tractor around. The XT250 is a nice machine.....emphasis on "machine." The TW is like a pet. A pug, perhaps. Or a pot-belly pig. Not especially practical or useful, but cute and it tries hard to please.

Those tires on the TW make a huge difference, I’d go TW all day

I have a 2021 TW. First bike I have ever owned and basically the only bike I have ever ridden in my 51 years. This is important because all my side by side pals that I ride with are amazed at where the TW will go and MY riding skills. My “riding skills” are not high enough to be considered NOOB-WORTHY, so this shows just how easy a TW is to ride and how it can deceive others into thinking you know what you are doing. Super beginners bike.

Think i might like the xt now that I know you can get a rear rack 🤔 Great video!

I can’t find a tw200 around here. After watching this I Might go for the 250.

I want both! :)

It's the tw 200 for me...Excellent camera quality guys

I’m debating on the XT250 vs KLX300 (camo grey) for the $600 difference. I love the look, color, lines, comfort of the XT, just don’t wanna “outgrow” the power/suspension quickly... I’m 6’2” 210. Previous 2 bikes: Kaw ZZR600 street bike, Yam YFZ450 quad. I do like torque availability... So tough to decide w/o test riding!! Help! Thanks in advance guys!

WOOOAH!!! $500 for 53cc more and FUEL INJECTION!!!! WOW! Fuel injection is an EXPENSIVE upgrade! To see that it is only $500 more for the XT even if it is 53cc's more (metal) than the TW, that pretty AWESOME! BUT... B - U - T - - - Being in the 29"- inseam club keeps me hugging the TDUB. The difference in seat hight (XT 31.9" vs TW 31.1") is a .8th of an inch difference... That's only 3.18 mm of a difference! Do you know how many 10mm sockets I've lost! How often do you ever use your 3-4-5mm sockets?!?!?!? OK, well that seat hight comparison I was trying to "WIN" for the TW200 just went out the window... I was going to say, "KISS did wear some cool 8" boots on stage!" Hmmm Hmmm Hmmm... HA! Yea, right! > IT'S TDUB ALL DAY ALL NIGHT!!! < The TW200 is a moto-subculture all into itself, all by itself!

tw200 you didn't say how the tw can go very slow in the woods i dont know how the xt does but all the other bike i have tried can not go as slow and smooth

I'd take the TW200 any day. Its fat tires give it its exclusive properties to be that great little terrain-crawler, almost as a monster truck. The XT250 is just a regular commuting bike with some offroad capability, shared with several other similar bikes in that category, it's not even properly dirtbike speced or enduro capable. Still it is a nice and easy bike to have fun with, I'm comparing it with my Kawasaki KLX230 and the Honda CRF250.

The xt 250 is definitely something I’m thinking about getting . Well maybe the 200 I have to check them both out tomorrow

Great video Mr mobstreet. I think the Yamaha tw200 looks so much better then the xt250. Personally I think the xt is a bit on the ugly side. I dont like the design of the gas tank on the xt. That's what turned me off of the xt. I almost bought the Yamaha xt250 last year then I discovered the tw200. I was new to the motorcycle thing so I didn't know the who, what ,where, about motorcycle makes or models. One thing I did know is that I loved the look of the Yamaha tw200 when I saw it for the first time. I bought it in November of 2020. I Couldn't be happier with my new 2021 tw200. I recommend it a lot if it fits your needs and wants. It does for me. Keep up the great vids Mr.

Yamaha. Drop a a fuel injected engine in the tw with larger fuel tank. For Christ sake, it is 2021.

I just think the TW looks cool. Not in a hurry to get anywhere, just want to be able to get to anywhere. It’s the reliable bike no matter what

Old school here. Function and utility arcs good price point. Don’t care for tech = distractions (watch people glued to their phones) Looking at both bikes this gave me the info to make my decision.

I'm a new rider with a short inseam and I'm torn between these two. I want the t dub just for its sheer audacity to exist and be unapologetic about poorly doing everything, any and all things. I want the xt250 because it seems more off-road nimble and road practical. It's like picking a fav between your cousin Nathaniel whose reserved but got his shit together or your cousin Darrell who doesn't give a fk and likes to party

We'd love to see a TW400 or so...

I love my old fat tire TW. Still a favorite in the muck and snow.

Great side by side comp. I think the 250 would be my choice between the two, but how much more for a 400 or 650 equivalent?

There's one big difference in these though... that XT can't go some of the places the TW will. The super FAT tires make a HUGE difference in deep sand. Take the XT on the beach and it'll bog down and fall over. We ride in a lot of sand here in AZ and most skinny tires just don't work. The whole reason we're getting a pair of dubs is because of the fatties on it!

Hey Matt.... I need a mobstreet sticker! Thanks!

The xt250 is underrated. So well-built and well tuned. Compared to my kawasaki, yamaha has figured out small bike fuel injection perfectly. Perfect throttle response and smooth idle. What it lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up in build quality. Now i love my tw200, but want to add an xt to the stable (again).

Tx for honest review!

hey whats the tyre you have on the front of the TDub ? i need a new tyre for mine ,,, looks a good alrounder more off road cheers steve/Australia

I've been debating this issue just the same. I sat on a XT250 and loved it, while no TW200's were in stock. My issue was I wanted something to ride on the street and do some distance and two up and neither of these bikes really offer that. So, because of that I went with the KTM 390 Adventure and I have some 50/50 tires on order. Do, I still want these bikes, absolutely, but wanting an adventure includes moto camping beyond my county and these just don't offer that realistically. If you factor this in and I got my KTM 390 for $5,700 the XT250 isn't as great a deal. 45 HP motor liquid cooled, two up riding w/grab handles, pannier options, LED lights, slipper clutch, quick shifter, blue tooth display for navigation, traction control, anti-lock brakes and awesome styling. Did, I originally want a KTM390, NO but the package deal is just offers alot for the least amount of money. Why not to buy the TW200, its outdated, needs fuel injection, needs a sixth gear and likely they should just make it a 250 and ditch the XT all together. If I can get a TW200 second hand for a good price I will snatch one up.

Nice comparison! Would like to have both, but the XT is better in nearly every regard. I’ve owned an XT225 and an XT350. The XT350 was the best bike I’ve owned. The 250 and 200 are both underpowered. Yamaha needs a 350 in the XT. Still low seat height, light weight and can easily do highway speeds to the trails without revving out.

I'm leaning towards the XT250!

I have friends that own both, I thought I was sold on the TW, but the XT overall handles better and is just the better bike of the two. But the TW looks more fun. Either way, can’t go wrong. It’s about what puts a smile on your face when you take off on your moto.

The TW has the convenient height for a short guy like me and the fat tires gives it a rugged look. It looks much more muscular than the XT. I really dig the way it looks standing out like a beast above them all.

Thank you for making this video! Very helpful! Im going with the XT. I just sold my street bikes and dirt bikes and I just want one universal bike to ride down to the store and on the ranch, throw in the back of the truck for trips and have a good smile.😀 I think I will buy that rack for it and an LED headlight and call it good.