Weldangrind's New TW200 Billy Goat

[SpudRider]

I'm very pleased you found a TW200, Weld! I look forward to learning from you, and sharing whatever information I can regarding the similarities between my Zong and your TDub.

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, I've been perusing http://tw200.forumotion.com/ and http://tw200forum.com/ . I noticed that you're a member on both sites. ...

Indeed, I am. TW200forum.com is the most active forum for the TDub motorcycle. About a year ago the TW200forum was unmoderated, and plagued with trolls. :( As a result, several other forums were started. However, once the TW200forum began to be moderated, the disappointed members returned to it. I need to once again get more active on that forum; it has a lot of great information, and many helpful members.

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

...The tire I'm looking at is the Shinko Golden Boy in 5.10 x 18. Shinko Golden Boy

I'm asking about the countershaft cover mod that you did on your Zong. I wondered if I could perform the same surgery.

The Shinko tires are manufactured in Korea. When I had the 18-inch, front wheel on my Zong, I mounted this tire in size 3.00-18. The tire is well manufactured, and represents a good value. It performs well in rocky terrain, and dry soil. However, this tire's Achilles Heel is mud. If you encounter even moderately muddy conditions, this front tire can clog immediately, and drop you in an instant, without any warning whatsoever. :( If you are going to ride in mud, you might consider mounting the Kenda, TrakMaster, size 100/100-18 tire on the TDub's front wheel. If you aren't going to ride in mud, you will undoubtedly enjoy the Shinko SR244 you are considering.

I think it's possible to perform my left crankcase cover modification on the TW200. However, most TW200 owners would disagree. The left crankcase cover on the TDub has a bearing which supports the bike's extra-long countershaft. This bearing is also lubricated by a small oil passage in the left crankcase cover. Therefore, if you section the crankcase cover, you will need to plug the oil galley leading from the front of the cover; however, I don't see any reason why a sealed bearing wouldn't perform equally well.

However, there is another, more serious factor to consider. The two, or more, bolts you use to attached the rear section of the crankcase cover must also be able to support any loads exerted upon it by the drive chain. However, the main countershaft bearing inside the engine is also helping to support these loads. Therefore, I think the crankcase cover modification is possible. Nevertheless, if the loads from the drive chain are too great, you could damage the main countershaft bearing in the engine, which would require you to split the crankcase for repairs. 8O My Zong employs a shorter, more conventional countershaft, so I didn't weaken the countershaft support when I sectioned the left crankcase cover on my Chinese clone.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, I was looking at you Zong stickies, and I'm hoping to find more info about oil filters. I'm clear on the four hole requirement, and that there is a TW200 and Zong filter, but have you found other filters as well? I couldn't find that info in the oil change tutorial.

Also, the XT350 tank conversion link is dead. Would you have any other info about it?

Any oil filter designed for the TW200, XT225, TT-R225, or TT-R230 will work, Weld. The Zongshen oil filter will also work. Most, if not all of these filters are constructed of metal mesh, and are designed to be cleaned, and reused.

I will see if I can find you a good link for the XT350 tank conversion, Weld. However, I encourage you to also consider mounting an XT225 fuel tank, as I did on my Zong. Since I published my success with the XT225 fuel tank, several TW200 owners have successfully installed this fuel tank on their Yamaha bikes.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Here's a link to the XT350, fuel tank conversion, Weld.

http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/top...__1#entry29813

Use the search terms "XT350 tank" at TW200forum.com, and you will find many other links to peruse.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Here's another interesting link on the XT350 fuel tank, Weld.

http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/top...__1#entry28100

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I think it's possible to perform my left crankcase cover modification on the TW200. However, most TW200 owners would disagree. The left crankcase cover on the TDub has a bearing which supports the bike's extra-long countershaft. This bearing is also lubricated by a small oil passage in the left crankcase cover. Therefore, if you section the crankcase cover, you will need to plug the oil galley leading from the front of the cover; however, I don't see any reason why a sealed bearing wouldn't perform equally well.

However, there is another, more serious factor to consider. The two, or more, bolts you use to attached the rear section of the crankcase cover must also be able to support any loads exerted upon it by the drive chain. However, the main countershaft bearing inside the engine is also helping to support these loads. Therefore, I think the crankcase cover modification is possible. Nevertheless, if the loads from the drive chain are too great, you could damage the main countershaft bearing in the engine, which would require you to split the crankcase for repairs. 8O My Zong employs a shorter, more conventional countershaft, so I didn't weaken the countershaft support when I sectioned the left crankcase cover on my Chinese clone.

That's enough "howevers" to make me stick with the stock setup. Thanks for explaining it to me.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Any oil filter designed for the TW200, XT225, TT-R225, or TT-R230 will work, Weld. The Zongshen oil filter will also work. Most, if not all of these filters are constructed of metal mesh, and are designed to be cleaned, and reused.

Thanks, Spud. I just wondered if there was an aftermarket brand that you have used successfully. I'm looking to minimize cost.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I will see if I can find you a good link for the XT350 tank conversion, Weld. However, I encourage you to also consider mounting an XT225 fuel tank, as I did on my Zong. Since I published my success with the XT225 fuel tank, several TW200 owners have successfully installed this fuel tank on their Yamaha bikes.

Spud

Thanks, Spud. After posting that question last night, I found an XT350 tank mod on a TW200 forum.

Also, Clarke now makes a TW200-specific tank, so if I go with a plastic unit, that's what I'd choose. YAMAHA TW200 (ALL YEARS) 2.7 GALLONS I think that 2.7 gallons would meet my needs.

[FastDoc]

Great acquisition, Weld! I'm very excited for you and SOWAG.

I had a TW that I bought to teach my ex to ride on. Great little bike and it cleaned up well.

As one of the few (only?) people here to ride a few Zongs, with and without Spudwheels, and a TW I can say that they are all equally excellent.

I was riding the Cascade Mountians yesterday, pics and ride report pending, and saw an elk hunter dragging an elk out of the mountains on a dirt oly, non DS TW. I have a pic of it, never seen one of those before.

REMEMBER anything you need, like the speedo and case cover, can be had from ZS pretty inexpensively but not without aggravation... :roll:

How does she run?

Have you considered Spudwheels?

You'd sell the XL? That's a heck of a nice bike. You prefer the 2 stroke?

Just wondering.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[FastDoc]

Check out this link to a very interesting TW...

http://kpr.craigslist.org/mcy/2677080507.html

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Thanks, Spud. I just wondered if there was an aftermarket brand that you have used successfully. I'm looking to minimize cost.

I'm using Zongshen oil filters, Weld. However, I also bought an OEM, Yamaha oil filter for a spare after I found a good deal on the internet. If you search you can find good deals on all the aftermarket oil filters, and even the Yamaha oil filters.

You only need one oil filter, since it is cleanable, and reusable. I prefer to keep a spare oil filter, so I can install a fresh oil filter, and clean the dirty one later, at my leisure.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That's enough "howevers" to make me stick with the stock setup. Thanks for explaining it to me.

I don't blame you. I think that's a wise decision. Because of the extra-long countershaft, you will need to remove the entire, left crankcase cover to replace the countershaft sprocket. Therefore, I encourage you to get a spare gasket for the left crankcase cover.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Thanks, Spud. After posting that question last night, I found an XT350 tank mod on a TW200 forum.

Also, Clarke now makes a TW200-specific tank, so if I go with a plastic unit, that's what I'd choose. YAMAHA TW200 (ALL YEARS) 2.7 GALLONS I think that 2.7 gallons would meet my needs.

Yes, I almost forgot about the 2.7-gallon, Clarke fuel tank designed for the TW200. :roll: I thought you might want a larger tank than 2.7-gallons. Some guys are still opting to modify the larger fuel tanks, even though the 2.7-gallon tank is available. If you're patient, I'm sure you can find a good deal on a used, steel, XT350 fuel tank.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I don't blame you. I think that's a wise decision. Because of the extra-long countershaft, you will need to remove the entire, left crankcase cover to replace the countershaft sprocket. Therefore, I encourage you to get a spare gasket for the left crankcase cover.

Spud

That, or I can let it leak on my shop floor, like the rest of my junk. :x

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Check out this link to a very interesting TW...

http://kpr.craigslist.org/mcy/2677080507.html

I followed that build on a TW forum; he's very creative. The tool tube is made from a stainless toilet bowl cleaner holder.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Great acquisition, Weld! I'm very excited for you and SOWAG.

I had a TW that I bought to teach my ex to ride on. Great little bike and it cleaned up well.

As one of the few (only?) people here to ride a few Zongs, with and without Spudwheels, and a TW I can say that they are all equally excellent.

I was riding the Cascade Mountians yesterday, pics and ride report pending, and saw an elk hunter dragging an elk out of the mountains on a dirt oly, non DS TW. I have a pic of it, never seen one of those before.

REMEMBER anything you need, like the speedo and case cover, can be had from ZS pretty inexpensively but not without aggravation... :roll:

How does she run?

Have you considered Spudwheels?

You'd sell the XL? That's a heck of a nice bike. You prefer the 2 stroke?

Just wondering.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

The bike you saw was likely a BW200; I think that's the engine that the Zong is patterned afterm because it lacks the long countershaft of the TW200. My buddy had one, until it was ripped off. :x

I will keep ZA in mind as a parts source. I gotta watch the budget.

The TW hasn't run yet. I hope it does.

The XL is currently for sale. Too many cons to keep it, like no title. The TW has a title, and is a much better score.