hey everyone, im totally new and looking for a bike to replace my car while im in college.
how do you guys feel about the dual purpose bikes? im drawn to them because i think ill have better chances of being safe on maybe some rough terrain or if the road gets a little slick. i can even take it out on grass or dirt for whatever the reason might be.
these are my 2 favorites right now:
Yamaha XT225 http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sp....aspx
Yamaha TW200 http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sp....aspx
i like the 200 bc its got those fat tires so they might grip a little better.

 

Doesn't matter which bike ya go with - neither one will deal with slick roads any better.

I'd prolly go the XT route for more options on tires and other parts (whether ya go more for the dirt or motard it for the street).

 

Disregard the error in my avatar. I'll fix it one of these days. My first motorcycle was a 1993 XT 225, and I absolutely love it. I just sold it to a friend of mine, and we're fixing it up some now ... but nearly 12 years and 17,000 miles on it, and it's still rock solid.

I used it from communting across Nashville, suburbia and occasionally on the interstae, as well as took it one some incredible camping and trailing trips. Used to run it in the snow, too ... on- and off-road. Averaged about 70 miles a gallon and never have had any major problems with it. Excellent bike for what you have in mind.

Another option is another dual-purpose I own ... 1989 Honda NX250 ... a little more street-oriented than dirt, but still trails well.

At any rate, PM me if you have any specific questions. Good luck with your search.

 

awesome. now i gotta decide between XT225 and TW200. will the fat tires on the 200 help with handling on the highway, dirt, or snow?? do both bikes ride well on the highway? the 225 is a six speed: good or bad or dont matter?

ill def Pm u bullet, thanks
anyone else have any input?

 

anybody?

 

Wider tires are more stable in a straight line and are better with heavier loads [i.e. cargo or 2-up], but reduce turn in 'ease'.

I'll give you my own example. Alabama roads are usually in bad shape, and have very few heavy turns. I also ride 2-up quite a bit. So, I put a 140/90 on my Ninja 250 [from a 130/80]. Opposite of that, the ninja racers are actually known to put thin front tires [120 or 110] on the rear of their bikes because of the incredably quick turn in it gives.

 

have you considered a drz400?

 

I have a XT225 and it is IMO a better buy, excelent off road ability as well as a pleasure on the road. Cant beat the gas mileage, and as others have mentioned, you will hvae alot more options for tires and such. the fat tire might look like it will "grip" better, but I believe that the purpose for it is more off road, keep you from sinking in sand and mud oriented. Oh, and the XT is great in the twisties, pretty much as flickable as a mountainbike. The 6th speed is good also because it gives you the ability to stay in the power band better, and allowing a really low first gear for hills and such, it just pulls.
Basically, the 200 might be better for messy off road conditions, where as the 225 is much more street worthy.
If you want a realllllly nice dual purpose that you could even use for advnture touring , look into the KLR650

Good luck!