Vanlife with a Motorcycle - Yamaha TW200
Driving your entire life around with you can be a bit much day in and day out. You may be parked in a in a prime beach spot and want to run to the grocery store, or you may be stationed at an off grid camp site and want to explore further and lighter.
So after months of research I decided to add a Yamaha TW 200 dual sport motorcycle to my adventure family. And now, I can’t imagine not having it - with or without the van.
The Yamaha TW200
This dual sport motorcycle isn’t like any other - which is why it caught my attention. Yes it can go on and off road (street legal and dirt ready), but that’s not the reason it was designed as it is. It’s got oversized tires (a rear dirt bike tire on the front and an ATV tire on the back) with unbelievable traction, which puts this bike in its own category - an unstoppable, off trail adventure vehicle.
To classify its uniqueness, a lot of people consider the Yamaha TW200 as an agricultural bike/tractor; tried and trusted, simple and strong. So strong that its design has remained virtually unchanged since its initial launch in 1987. The only change was made in 2001, from a disc to a drum brake. Outside of that for over 30 years, the bike has remained the exact same - an indication of its trusted design, but also making parts ready available and cheap.
Looking at the legacy of TW200 adventures is beyond inspiring; from the extremes of the North Pole, to California’s open deserts, to single tracks through the Colorado Rockies. To me, it was clear, this bike was designed for adventure.
With that it also is clear of one thing, at 200cc’s of the TW200 was not built for freeway riding. But for the adventurer, what’s lost in a heavy fast freeway bike is gained for the less beaten path - a lighter bike (285 lbs) with a lower seat height making this bike extremely manageable with whatever conditions you throw at it.
TransportinG it
Unless adventure is out your backdoor with endless trails, you’ll want to figure out how to transport your motorcycle to go further, discover more and get the most out of your ride.
Since I have a built out van, and not a truck or empty van - a carrier was the only option. So after lots of research, I landed on a MotoTote Sport MTX Carrier. From what I could find, it was the most premium option ($599.99), but also strongest, easiest, and most trusted - which is critical for longevity and when you are planning to go further and further off the beaten path.
Here are the elements that made me chose the MotoTote Sport MTX:
Included Loading Ramp
Unlike other carriers, the MotoTote includes a loading ramp, that is conveniently located as a part of the carrier. Simply unlatch, attach and your good to go. For me, I thought the ramp shouldn’t just carry the bike, but make it easy to.
Zero Wobble Mount
With plenty of adventures going down battered roads, securing the rack to not wobble was a non negotiable, to keep the bike and my rig safe.
Robust Weight Limits
Overbuilt is a sign of quality so with a 600+ weight limit and plenty of known bumps and ruts to come, I felt confident in its build quality for longevity.
Up to 8.5” Tire Width Limit
With the huge back tire of the TW200, this fits the need - unlike many other carriers.
The MotoTote has worked out great for me to date. I have nothing but positive things to say about it.
If you are interested in getting a MotoTote Carrier for yourself, use this link and receive of 12% off anything site wide. You’ll be stoked too!
Summary
So, while the only thing required for any adventure is a strong will and your own two feet, I must say having a Yamaha TW200 definitely takes it to the next level. The ability to confidently trust in a motorcycle to not only run strong and long, but to grapple with some of the toughest terrain with ease for miles - means you get to see, experience and do more.
And having the bike attached to my 4x4 tiny home, I can only imagine the places the TW200 will take me, and can’t wait to share them all with you in the future.
As always, reach out with any questions you may have on the bike, carrier or more.
Much love,
Ryan