Whether you are looking for an off-road or city-friendly motorcycle, Yamaha TW200 and Suzuki DR200 are both great choices.
Both bikes are affordable and offer excellent performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s take a closer look at these two distinctive bikes.
Contents
Design and features
The Yamaha TW200 features a classic, retro-style design, with a prominent seat height of 31.1 inches.
With its wide tires, the bike offers excellent stability on both on and off-road terrains. It has a 196cc engine, which produces 13.3 horsepower and 10.1 lb-ft of torque.
The Yamaha TW200 has a 1.8-gallon fuel capacity, which allows you to travel up to 64 miles per gallon, making it ideal for city travel.
On the other hand, the Suzuki DR200 is designed to be more of an adventure bike, with more aggressive styling. It is also known for its comfortable seat, with a seat height of 33.3 inches.
The Suzuki DR200 has a liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with a displacement of 199cc. This engine produces 17.4 horsepower and 13.5 lb-ft of torque.
Despite being more powerful than Yamaha’s TW200, it offers a fuel economy of 67 miles per gallon.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Yamaha TW200 and Suzuki DR200 are both designed to handle different types of terrain.
The Yamaha TW200’s power is sufficient for off-road riding, while the Suzuki DR200’s larger engine can tackle tougher off-road challenges.
One of the standout features of Yamaha’s TW200 is its wide tires, which make it easy to maintain control and stability on soft terrains, like sand and mud.
Also, TG200 can easily ride over rocks and steep hills with the help of its low-gearing system. It also has a shorter wheelbase than its counterpart, making it easier to turn and maneuver on narrow paths.
The Suzuki DR200, on the other hand, features a lightweight design that places it ahead of its competition in speed and acceleration.
It is particularly ideal for beginners who want a bike to easily cruise on flat terrains, such as a countryside road.
Its engine performance is also incredibly smooth, with impressive torque and power that makes it easy to get over minor obstacles like rocks and small logs on dirt roads.
Safety and Comfort
In terms of safety features, both bikes have what it takes to provide a comfortable, safe riding experience.
They both have standard disk brakes, front suspension, and rear shocks, which provide excellent damping and stability on rough terrain.
Despite having different designs, Yamaha TW200 and Suzuki DR200 are both quite comfortable to ride.
The Yamaha TW200 has a low seat height and relatively narrower handlebars that make it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground.
It also has a broad seat that offers ample space and a comfortable position for long rides.
The Suzuki DR200 features a seat with a more natural posture, making it an excellent choice for more extended off-road rides.
The bike’s suspension systems are also designed to provide maximum shock absorption, making it less tiring to ride over bumpy terrains.
Price and Maintenance
Motorcycle prices vary based on several factors, but both Yamaha TW200 and Suzuki DR200 are priced under $5,000, making them affordable for most riders.
Yamaha’s TW200 is slightly cheaper, averaging $4,600. Meanwhile, the Suzuki DR200 will cost an average of $4,899.
In terms of maintenance, both bikes are relatively easy to maintain, with the Yamaha TW200 being notably more cost-efficient.
Yamaha TW200 uses a carburetor that requires infrequent maintenance and replacement. This is an advantage for riders who don’t like the extra expenses that come with more modern fuel injection systems.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki DR200 has a fuel injection system that requires more maintenance.
| Feature | Yamaha TW200 | Suzuki DR200 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 196cc, air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder | 199cc, air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder |
| Power Output | Approximately 16 horsepower | Approximately 18 horsepower |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Seat Height | 31.1 inches | 31.9 inches |
| Suspension | Telescopic front fork, adjustable rear monoshock | Telescopic front fork, adjustable rear monoshock |
| Brakes | Front disc brake, rear drum brake | Front disc brake, rear drum brake |
| Tires | Front: 130/80-18, Rear: 180/80-14 | Front: 70/100-21, Rear: 100/90-18 |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.8 gallons | 3.4 gallons |
| Weight | 278 lbs | 278 lbs |
| Off-road Focus | Suited for off-road riding with a fat tire | Suited for off-road and on-road riding |
| Additional Features | Electric start, kickstart, low seat height | Electric start, kickstart, higher ground clearance |
The Verdict
Both Yamaha TW200 and Suzuki DR200 are excellent bikes that offer unique benefits to riders. Yamaha’s TW200 is ideal for city travel and narrow paths, thanks to its low seat height and wide tires.
On the other hand, the Suzuki DR200 is best for off-road adventures, with its more powerful engine and suspension systems.
In conclusion, choosing between Yamaha’s TW200 and Suzuki DR200 comes down to personal preference and riding style.
Yamaha TW200 is an excellent choice for beginners or casual riders who need a smooth, easy-to-handle bike for cruising around the city or exploring narrow paths.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki DR200 is an excellent bike for adventure riders who want a more powerful and aggressive ride over off-road terrain.
