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