New To This Forum

[TheRider]

Hey All! I got this site off the http://cleanmpg.com site. I've been on there for a few weeks and decided I'd try this one too. Fantastic! I noticed there is another TW200 rider on here.

I bought this Yamaha TW200 (referred to as a "beach bike") in August 2006. It was a 2005 model holdover. I got a big discount (like $800 off the list price of an '06!). I got it for the expressed purpose of using it on my 12 mile commute to work. I'm proud to say that I've put 9,500 miles on it in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it. I've hypermiled it about 8,000 of those miles.

I have a running average of about 88mpg. The highest mpg I've ever calculated was 98.5 (last summer) and the lowest about 65 (too much trail riding!). Mud and hills really screw your mpg figures!

I've found out that, on a bike, speed is a major factor. The difference between 40mph and 50mph is about 20mpg going from mid 90mpg at 40 down to mid 70mpg at 50. If I could get myself to hold it down to 30mph, I'm sure I would exceed 100mpg.

...and I knew this. Bikes are notorious for their lack of aerodynamic efficiency. Especially "naked" ones. (...ones without a faring or windshield.)

But, besides the fantastic gas mileage, this bike can be considered a real MULE when it comes to offroading. Its too heavy to be a real contender in really rough terrain. But for soft stuff (sand / mud) and winding trails and steep hills, it rocks, even with the road sprocket set on. I've had it buried in the mud and in some pretty rough terrain. I would much rather have had one of my old dirt bikes.

As an all purpose bike, this one is truly in the middle. It lacks the power on the road but it handles great offroad because of the oversized tires, even if its a little heavy for rough terrain. I'm sure its just about the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to riding open trails without major obstacles.

I'd say its about as close to 50/50 as you can get for a dual sport.

Comments/Criticisms appreciated!

-TheRider

PS: Check out my daily riding blog at http://PocketChangeExpress.blogspot.com ! The ride in this morning was quite an adventure!