Suzuki DR200SE vs Yamaha XT225 Test and Comparison
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2018
- Which is the better trail bike? Which one shows absolute horsepower domination? Dan and I test our tiny dual sports to see which one handles the trails better. We didn't do any high speed testing this time.
Dan's UA-cam channel: / wildnv
Music credits:
Fast And Cold by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_... Ft: Fronz Arp, Mortoray - Авто та транспорт
My favorite among all the bikes I've ever owned is still my 1985 Japan-spec XT225 Serow. I've had sport bikes, standard bikes, a cruiser and other, more advanced dual purpose machines (a Yamaha DT230 Lanza and a Japan-spec Suzuki DR250S). The Serow was just more fun and was more than enough for everyday commuting duties.
The Serrow230/xt250 are legendary. Unsung heros really
I’ve owned several motorcycles. (64 years old) I’m 5’11” 175lbs. I’ve owned 4 Kawasaki LTD1100’s, a Suzuki 125 under bone scooter in the Philippines, a Kawasaki KLR650, and several misc bikes since I was 16 including dirt bikes. Over 200k riding experience. The XT225 was the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. I put 33,000 miles on it with no problems other then chain, sprockets, tires. The normal stuff. I wish I’d never sold it. Love the 6 speed trans.
What a superb, comprehensive, objective comparison. Thanks!!
I agree, very informative which answered my questions.
Subscribed PURELY due to this video with the XT 225. Realistic and full of info. Keep at it, ride often, and stay safe.
I sold my KLR650 in 2008 and bought a 1994 XT225. I have been in love with it ever since. Best "modern" small displacement dual sport out there. Yes, I liked my 1979 Honda XL250 and 1979 Yamaha DT250 better, but they are gone. And even if you find a decent one, no parts are available. But now the XT225 is getting hard to find used, and also getting hard to find some parts for. The older model Suzuki DR200 was a nice bike, the newer model not so much so. But that's the way it usually works. The newer the worse. At least it still has a carburetor. But the seat is much smaller, narrower, and 3" taller. Obviously not meant to actually sit on.
My XT has $1K worth of suspension upgrades, a Clarke 4 gallon gas tank, a kick starter, and a center stand (sadly no longer available) As trail bikes, both these bikes need better seats.
On the 2001 XT, I recommend removing the epa plug, and turning the pilot screw out to 2 1/2 -3 turns, replacing the #125 main jet with a #130 (the 1994 came with a #130, the 2001 has a #125)and converting the throttle from dual cable to single cable on models that have dual cable throttles. My 1994 has a single cable, the 2001 HAD a dual cable, but now also has a single cable. The single cable gives the throttle a significantly better feel.
Great comparison. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!
I once owned a Dr 200 gerbil & ripped on the trails it was a jap import thou I'm pretty sure it made 20 hp think bike magazine did a small piece on it.ive ridden the xt 225 & thought it footrests were quite low in rutted going but I quess it's wetter in the uk 😂
Great video guys!
Great video, man. I'm thinking of buying an old Serow 225 that my buddy is fixing up. You've convinced me.
This was a great comparison. Thank you !
Just bought a 2000 DR200 as my first bike. Only 300 miles on it because the previous owner got it as a barn find. He had it checked out by a motorcycle shop. What was need to be replaced got replaced and the carb was left at factory settings. It's so clean, it's like a brand new bike. It even has the original tires and they're not even weather checked.
I just bought a 2013 DR200SE for 1,500 with 108miles on it. Super clean too
@@tommywvk wow , good find
@@tommywvkhow's the bike now?
Still have it?
I miss my xt225 so much and this video reminds me off all the fun theu can be and are
Excellent Video comparing the two bikes. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for a very solid comparison video.
Awesome thanks dude that was a great comparison
VERY good job , Im loving my 2001 XT
Top video mate
I just bought a used 2017 RV 200 (Van Van 200) with 89 miles on it, $3100 excluding TTL. There are a bunch of these machines out there with very little mileage. I wanted the RD but they're not as plentiful, and the Van Van was close enough in my mind. I like this review but now wish I could have found/held out for the Yamaha. Thanks guys.
Great video, thanks!!
Fun vid thanks for this comparison
"Wife or 'slow old man' bike"😂 That's a fun definition! I'm neither and I love my XT250 more than any other bike I had before (I downsized from massive bikes). Great video! Enjoyed the virtual ride with you!
I was so excited to hear about the crf450l! I mean it seems to tick all the boxes. 45hp, 6th gear, u/d forks lots of suspension.
But.... It seems to fail on the delivery. It has a maintenance cycle that's really not that "dual sport"
So for now I guess we are stuck with the drz until someone makes a decent 400ish dual sport with a 6th gear.... :(
My hope is that Yamaha - since they announced dropping the wr250r - would release a wr350r with tighter suspension, bigger tank, less HP and more torque than the wr250r. That’s my dream bike. Honda wet the bed with the maintenance schedules man. No thanks.
I’m an old man and these bikes and smaller cc bikes appeal to me at my time of life
Thanks for posting the comparison video. As I was watching it, I thought...dang that looks like my "backyard". Oh wait, it is my backyard. I'm riding a 2004 DR200 that I got used but in perfect shape. So far it has dragged my 200lb rearend all over the hills around the valley and on many "find the stolen cars" rides around Dayton and Moundhouse. Great fun little bike.
Lol! I have found a few stolen cars myself on the North side of the Virginia Range here in Lockwood. Stop me if you see me on the trails.
Good comparison
Great information, thanks for the review. I had a choice between an 08 DR200 with 1800K and an 04 T225 with 1200K miles. The DR was $2200 and XT 2000. Ended up with the XT and think I got a great deal. I initially wanted something a little bigger but then you have to deal with the extra lbs. This will work for now and maybe in a few years, I will end up with something like the BMW G650GS..
I just noticed BMW has a G 300 something. Out of my budget, but definitely struck my mind!
Hilarious and honest. Excellent job!
GREAT JOB ALEX GBY
Just found your channel and really like the way you explain everything. I am 75 have ridden all my life and this would be perfect for me. The Yamaha does come up on graigs list every now and then. It would be a good choice, just have to decide if I want to keep ridding?
Fantastic riding area, I had an SP200 which to me looks just like the DR, you could throw it around very easily, fun bike.
I had a new SP125 back in the day, slow as dirt, but was fun to ride.
I'm in the old man category myself. 59 yrs old. I have a '96 KLR250, a 2000 KL 250 Super Sherpa and a '05 XT225. For trail riding in the woods I really like the XT the best.
GregDaGoblin Would love to compare the XT to the Super Sherpa. That bike should have been more popular. Kawasaki knows how to make a lot of bike for the money.
The Sherpa is a good bike. Not as tall as the KLR but a tad taller than the XT. And I like that it was air cooled and lighter than the KLR. But not nearly as light as the XT. That thing feels almost weightless lol
Old man here too, 56.
I have a 2004 XT225 that I use for trails only. I have removed the signal lights and rear pegs and added two LED headlights. I've also put a larger sproket on the back for more bottom end.
I ride with 4x4 ATVs on mountain trails so a low and slow bike is best. Lots of hills and rock.
I've got a Sherpa too, almost being an old man. How much lighter does the XT225 really feel? Is the power band the same as the Sherpa? Or should I just get an XT225 and keep both?
@@AngusNBhow does the xt225 do on Rocky terrain, gravel roads, hitting pot holes, etc. I know I drive a 07 kawasaki klx250, I could barely feel the potholes when I hit them. Is the XT225 about the same? There's alot of used XT225's in my area
The old 350 from each manufacturer is where it was at...Would really like to see both of them come back. I had the DR350se,,,30hp more than enough for fun and hillclimbs with plenty of torque. Add a pumper carb and its even more fun. Biggest thing that needs work is stock suspension..They are cheap bikes after all but it can be improved on both and to do it right will cost close to 1K. But its well worth it if you want to keep a simple, reliable well made motorcycle.
I have a 1997 dr 200. It's a great bike. Good clean comparison. I know it's slower than hanthe 225 but I love the big tank and especially 75 mpg with $4+ per gallon gas!
gf just got an xt225..can't believe how light and fun it is lol..
I have the same year and model DR. Its an amazing little bike. Hard to find OEM parts though.
Have/had both and the XT is my favorite. But I do like the DR’s look a trade bit better
I've sold every bike I've ever purchased except my XT225. Its my hands down favorite. Its like the Willy's jeep of the motorcycle world. It won't get you there fast but it will get you there.
I only just recently sold this one. I replaced it with a TTR250 which is better in some ways like more power and suspension travel, but it is heavier and taller and rougher to ride.
@@alexkram so its not better then being heavier and taller haha
Great video! I ll buy xt225 now. Yamaha holds better value over suzuki
I love them small bikes too. I have 3 of them. XT250 TW200 and CBR250R
hi there what year is yor xt250?
@@alistairroy6568 both the XT and TW are 2009’s
@@jbouchard4877 bought the xt250 serow anniversary as my first dual cracking wee bikes iam in scotland we shall see how it goes getting parts if needed is the 2009 efi ?
@@alistairroy6568 it’s a carbureted bike
Amazing footage. My 1993 dr350s set for about a year and I just finally revived it a few weeks ago, really doesn't like starting cold but I'm going to double-check the valves for the third time. A lot of people will say well you got to clean out the carb but I've already done it five times so trying to focus on other things at the moment
Ugh ...those DR 350's are heavy hard starting dogs...unload it as soon as you can. I had one for about a year left me stranded out in the woods a couple times. I sold it to my neighbor that I didn't like.
I love a good heavyweight match up!
I really like these, they’re a little bit more technical in design and have good ability but I’m just too big for a 200. It would be great on the street just putting around but I’m not getting up those hills on a 200 and even steep streets are going to be a problem with the passenger but I still really like these. I guess that’s why I always end up on something like an XL 600. I’d really like to try an XL 350 from the 80s, I think that would be kind of the big guys version of this. lol The new bikes are cool but with all the tech comes a ton of maintenance and reliability issues. If I get a 1984 Honda XL Weatherby at 2:50 350 or the 600, I can put 50 60,000 miles on that with very little maintenance, and that’s the beauty of the XL in the DR Line any XT to some extent but especially things like the TW 200 which I dream of with a 350 or 400 engine on it, but the CRS 304 50 are awesome bikes but I don’t wanna have to do maintenance every single month as opposed to once every year or two and a nice big air cooled thumper it’s just very simple and dependable and easy.
Motorcycles are usually made for people that weigh 150 pounds and to those people and for racing and very technical writing weight makes a big difference especially if you’re raising but to someone that’s 270 pounds, that bike can weigh 350 or 390 and it doesn’t make a difference and most people are really used to the weight because they’re usually choosing a bigger bike but on most duel sports don’t think weight is really that big of an issue I think that’s more of a racing or single track thing. I love riding a KL are 650 and they’re over 400 pounds I think but I guess it’s just a different kind of writing. I’ve never really had the opportunity to do a lot of technical stuff I’ve done trail riding at oh HV parks and a little in the woods but I think if I were to do it more I would definitely need something with some power to get up the rocky trails and no I love riding these they just don’t have enough power to get a big person or two people through there. :/
I appreciate the video, currently looking at both models, overpriced on marketplace. Graphic at 7:38 is very helpful.
Curious how a larger sprocket on both would affect your hill test results?
My DR20 is not more than enough for rough trail ,way under powered. It is also not a long ride bike as it vibrates like crazy on the road. It is a great bike to ride around town and the odd path and for learning.
Just bought a XT225. I was impressed it would consistently hold 75 on the highway (throttle pinned of course)
what do you weigh? is it all stock?
ronotardo I weigh 135. Lightweight
@@DR.P3RKY any negatives? Thinking about getting one
ronotardo A brighter headlight. Stock one is fine but I’ll probably put an led in
If you want a cruiser that can take some trails like a champ the Yamaha xt225 is the way to go. I’ve never had a better bike the control I have on that bike is like no other, ya there not real fast. But man I have never owned a better trail bike than the xt225 it’s good on mpg and it’s not to tall so it makes for comfortable ride and it comes in handy for tight trails and dips and my favorite part it’s lighter which makes it easier for a long lasting wheelies. There low idle bikes so there not to loud. Just make sure to replace the sprockets when the teeth get low and timing is crucial when going up sharp hills you can speed right up it or down shift and climb right up. But you will get swore from long periods of throttle work and the seat is a little uncomfortable but there is a sweet spot in positioning on the seat just don’t sit down for to long and stand up for a bit ( DO NOT LOCK YOUR LEGS WHEN STANDING UP) always keep your knees bent just slightly. I tell you that because you can feel everything you drive on and if your not careful just the slightest whole or bump at mid speed can buck you off the bike. Trust me when the back drops it drops hard😂
My xt225 burnt oil but I just kept an eye on it and it was always reliable
i have a xt 225 but im not sure if my suspension is done or it just sit close to tire is it normal ?
This is a really informative review - I just wish the bikes were both brand new. Still great though. Can I ask a question - what is the town down there in the valley at 7:17? Is it somewhere in Idaho?
Thanks, I tried to convey the stuff I would want to know about them. I'm in Reno, NV. I wish I had new bikes to compare too.
I have a 2001 Xt225 and I am an old guy . I bought it new and still enjoy it . I changed the drive sprocket to a smaller one for tighter terrain. I find the suspension pretty plush compared to our dual suspension e-bikes. I am interested in your jetting changes. We are at 2200 ft in Saskatchewan.
I'm thinking about buying one. Alot of used ones in my area. What your opinion of it on Rocky terrain, hitting pot hols, aka how is the suspension?
I drove a 07 kawasaki klx, man I could barely feel the pot holes on that thing.
@@elcheekoful some people think its too plush but at 155 lb ,5’5” I think it’s perfect. I have come to really appreciate how good this bike is. With the bike at 240 lbs and at me near 69 years young ,you just can’t find any better fit. I would agree with some that the jetting could be better for cold stars but I just run more choke for a while until it warms up. I grew up on dirt bikes and have had many. This will be my last and hopefully for another 10 years. I was just out again today…smiling!
@@Marvin-fn7ks thank you. I'm about 185 pounds. About 5,10 in height. Just looking around at different options
Nice little comparison and looks like a good trail to play around on. Not sure where you got your information from but I think the numbers were transposed; the rear suspension has 7.5 inches of travel, not 5.7
I got that rear travel from here:
www.ultimatespecs.com/motorcycles-specs/yamaha/yamaha-xt-225-serow-1996
And it's also 5.7" here:
www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xt225%2095.htm
But you are probably right, I'm finding 7.5" number in other places. It's a bit hard to measure on the actual bike so I believed the specs shown online. Thanks for the comment.
@@alexkram Yup, 7.5" on the rear. www.autoevolution.com/moto/yamaha-xt225-1999.html#aeng_yamaha-xt225-1999-223
What city is that in the final shot? It's very nice scenery wherever it is. Anyway, about the bikes. I've been seriously considering a brand new DR200S, and selling my DR650. Maybe the little 200 can't get up the big hills as easily, but I'm absolutely certain that the 200 will be much, much easier to ride on mountain trails. The 650 is great on the street and decent on fire maintenance trails, but a major handful on single track of any kind. I have an XR250R also, which is awesome on any kind of trails, but it's not street legal! Ok, well Great video, well done!
That is Reno, NV in the background. The 200 will definitely be easier on the trails than the 650 and easier than the 250 too I think because it is shorter.
Please take that horrible piece of plastic off the front rotor on the XT225. It's the ugliest part of the bike. If you have an XT225, you are cheating yourself if you do not get a Clarke 4 gallon tank. It fits perfectly, and gives you a lot more range. I have a built from the frame up XT225, and it's the best trail bike I've ever ridden. I started with 3 used bikes, and a bunch of aftermarket parts. It is registered as a 2001, because that's the frame I used. The frame is stock, as is the engine. It currently has 45,000 hard miles on it, including highway and off road. I have stock bars with 2" risers, foam grips, a crossbar and pad, carb has been upjetted and converted to a single cable, I have extra wide pegs, a kickstarter from a TTR-225, an aftermarket centerstand which has likely saved my life a few times, but is unfortunately no longer available. The exhaust is stock, but has had the baffles drilled out, something known as the Z1 mod among XT225 riders. It makes no difference in power, it just sounds more like a dirt bike. I have an Immix racing rear rack with some extensions welded onto it, so it can carry a lot. I normally just carry flat tire fixing stuff, water, and some emergency supplies while riding locally. The big addition is over $1000 worth of Works Performance suspension, which handles my 240 pounds perfectly. I have tried out several different tires, haven't found perfection yet. I run a non O ring chain, and keep 2. I swap them out, keeping one soaking in a jug of oil while the other is on the bike. I change the oil every 1000 miles. I have a ton of parts, including a near new 3,000 mile engine ready to go into it when the one in it gives up. IMO, the XT225, with some modifications, is absolutely the best trail bike ever made. That's why I'm hoarding parts. You can pick up a nice used low mileage one for $2000. If you are not heavy, you probably won't need the suspension work. Parts are everywhere. You can buy a super expensive dual sport, like the Yamaha WR250R, and it will still need modifications to make it right for you.
I agree Gerald, and thanks for the detailed comment. The XT225 is one of the best dual sports out there for tight trails, and I've ridden them all. I had the stator go out in this one right after this video was made, lol. I replaced it with a Caltric stator off ebay which lasted 5 months, now it is bad too. I bought another XT225 off craigslist and it also had a bad stator. The symptom for bad stator is the bike will run great once started but very hard to get started, especially when hot.
I am pretty sure you got some numbers mixed up regarding the power of the dr200 vs dr125. You compare what the dr125 has at crank to what the dr200 outputs at the wheel.
Dr200 has 15hp at the wheel and 20 at crank.
Dr125 has 10hp at the wheel and 12hp measured from the crank.
Si this a regular XT 225 or serrow can u tell me diffrnces
I just got an 02’ xt225 and it has a kick start, got me wondering if someone added it or if it was offered on some years?
No, they do not come with the kick start. The kits are from Yamaha, not aftermarket, though.
I second Alex
DR200 on the road is a very short ride seat is like a 2x4 chunk of wood and vibrates hard.
Im 25 and want a slow old man bike... i guess im getting old
re 2:35 mark/ comment that XT225s ran from 96 to 07... Pretty sure the XT225 came to the US in 1992, since I own one. lol Believe was sold in Europe prior to that. fyi. Nice vid. I really like mine too.
right on! they were produced from 86 to 07.
I know the XT is made and assembled in Japan.
Is it the same with the DR200?
I'm really into Yamaha and Suzuki lately.
Yes it is made in Japan at least.
Solid quality on the dr200.
Its weak point is the low performance the stock condition. It will go fast once you do a carb swap though.
The XTs front tire looks enormous. Must be the fender
So I currently own a 2006 DR200SE with about 2,070 miles on it. I bought it used for about 2500. And straight off the bat, I dunno if it's just my horrible luck my timing chain broke. That could possibly be the reason why the top end was screwed with at such low mileage? I dunno just wanted to put it out there.
Wow that is very unlucky. I hope it din't destroy the top end but it probably did.
I think it would be a bit more fair to dig into the issues with that DR.
Then you can make a proper comparison, as both of these bikes have a very similar 0-60.
The DR is just north of 13 seconds, the XT is just south of that number.
Whatever issue is plaguing this DR that made it so much slower in a straight line, would have also effected its performance in the other test you did.
You could be right about that, but normally when something isn't running right it will behave poorly in other ways, not just low power across the board. This one didn't seem to be jetted wrong, wasn't burning oil or making any strange noises. It also had much less miles on it than the XT, however I admit it had a rougher life. That XT was mint, even when I sold it last year.
The 0-60 of this DR200 was infinity.
where are you riding here?
Okay but what about between xt250, dr200se or Honda crf250?
xt250 serow for me
Suzuki
I just got a 2019 dr200
The foot positioning on the xt is not good..my only complaint bout mine..
I guess im an old man. I have no desire for more power than the XT250 has to offer. Coming from a Z125 you probably understand why the xt feels like a rocket to me
Have owned both and would imagine that the North American DR"s must be restricted. My bikes made similar power and in a straight line race, there was nothing in it.
grt
Your wrong about when the Yamaha xt225 was first made because I have a 1993 Yamaha xt225
You're right, should have said 1986 not 1996
I have the XT 225 and my manuel has the weight at 289lbs not sure where you got your numbers from but you might want to check . Like you I have the 2001. I use this bike for tight single track in the forest. Soon much fun!
Hey Pat, I got that information the same place I get all of my other information. Try googling XT225 weight.
@@alexkram Not everything on Google is accurate
Ok I just weighed my XT225 with no gas but with all other fluids and a rear rack and tank bag. 264 lbs.
@@alexkram My apologies i guess I shouldn't believe everything I read in my manuel
I learned something too, a little heavier than I thought.
Dr200s need valve adjustments as regular maintenance great bike other than that
Look at a used DR-350......perfect blend of simple and solid.
Agreed, DR350 is a great bike
Old man bikes? I bet Malcolm Smith would make us look slow mounted on either bike while we're mounted modern 450 mx bikes.😂
Way better for all around use ..the XT SMOKES THE DR
DR200SE has 20 horsepower, according to Wikipedia. It's more like 15HP.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_DR200SE
Yeah, that has been updated since the video was made. The drag race was not even close.
@@alexkram wish they still made the xt225. What a great little bike!
And the XT HP?
i have a 1993 Yamaha XT225.
Something is not right with that Dr200 in that race, mine is not that slow and mine is still bone stock
Keagan Knapp you could be right, that is the only one I've ridden.
Sorry, mine is not bone stock almost forgot I put a D&G slip-on on mine, I do not think it could make that much of a difference, unless the stock pipe is just that restrictive, but I could be wrong
yeah no, i have a dr125 with a 150cc cylinder from china. even though it has 50cc less and and almost a flat piston compared to stock, mine pulls waaay better than that dr200
u were wrong about the dr hp... it has alledgedly 20 hp
That explains why it did so well in the drag race
@@alexkram sarcasm?
Realize this is old, but posting for people like me that are just watching. The dr200 has something like 19hp and 13 ft lbs of torque. You confused them in the video.
Hi Guys. I can not to make a choise between DR200SE and XT225. I need reliable bike. Please, what can you recommend to buy for me? Thanks in advance.
Watch the video. XT225. :)
Really, you wouldn't go wrong with either bike. They are both very reliable.
Angus Black Thanks a lot for your piece of advice.
I would buy xt225 no doubts
Yamaha doesnt die
5.7? I think you mean 7.5.
DR is 18 hp not 13
allegedly 20hp! depending on year i guess... mine is 2008, feels pretty torky.
Got people out here tippy toeing on 35 inch dualbsports cause ya call shorter bikes girls bikes
I just have only one thing to say: "you ride like a lady hahaha" good video guys, congratulations it was very useful...
a dr200 has 20 hp and 13 lbs of torque not sure were u seen 13 hp
Correct 20hp at crank. The engine has decent power it is just the Carburator and some restrictions in the exhaust that make it slow. Install a PWK carb and aftermarket exhaust and the bike is a lot of fun.
No way does XT 225 make 20 HP more closer to the 17 HP side .
the xt250 is 17-18hp
@@alistairroy6568 Right My stock XR 250 only did 19 out the box.
Hi Alex U Need Better Montage To Lot Subscribers
از لهجه شما آمریکایی ها حالم بهم میخوره، چقدر چندش حرف میزنین، اه اه اه
А на русском языке нету? А то не чо не понятно...
А какие у вас вопросы? Я купил только что такой
No así no se vale hablé en español
No ves que el título y la descripción están en inglés?
Cual es mejor según ustedes
Very poor speed..
The reason the XT is considered a "wife" bike is because of seat height. Unfortunately in this weird world the "men" have the long legs and the "women" have the larger and more powerful torsos. I found it strange while in the marines the other "men" had legs up to their necks and struggled doing push-ups and pull-ups while I could do them sleeping. The "women" of this world could handle with ease anything the so-called "men" could does long as their shorter legs could reach. Since I've realized this world is backwards every day is a comedy watching lumbering she/men trying to look pretty and the scrawny he/she trying to look tuff. I've never laughed so much in my life. I thank God every morning and night for not making me one of THEM.
LOL, nothing says "stupid review" like adding a suzuki to the mix. Not many other manufacturers on the planet are more inept.
MrHeepspo say that to the drz400 and the dr650, sure they have their flaws but every bike has a flaw, still one of the most reliable bikes on the market