Anyone remember the old Yamaha Big Wheels? - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

Speedster700HP · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2005, 09:51 PM

They only made them around the mid late '80s and they were basically fat tired dirt bikes with tame 4-stroke engines. Not meant to be serious, just something to play around on. I got a fair amount of seat time on my friend's BW200 and it helped me learn 2-wheelers much more safely than any MXer would have. I must have done 15 drag races with him on a 300 yard, smooth dirt farm road with my '85 Big Red 250. We were basically dead even every time until shortly before the the end, when my 5th gear top speed was exactly the same as his 4th gear, then he shifted again and walked away. I was impressed the Big Red would even stay with the much lighter BW, although I was a slightly better rider also. We also had a ~1 mile trail loop that we turned into a race track, it was neck and neck the entire way, again the ol Big Red didn't do too badly. I'm guessing the BW200 topped out at about 60 mph at least, it wasn't slow.

After I got my ATC350X, I was dying to have a rematch and squash him, but by then he had sold it and gone to college, so I never got the chance. But it was a fun, if goofy bike Yamaha made, and it was way better than the crappy Honda Fat Cat (auto clutch....blah). Also, anyone ever ride the BW350? It should have been quick enough to take out some very sporty ATVs since it basically had a Warrior engine with a lot less weight. That one surely must have been able to hit close to high 60s mph at least.

bk8800 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2005, 01:41 AM

yea my friend friend had an old bigwheel didn't ride it tho. look's great for the trails.

reconranger · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2005, 02:29 AM

My buddy has two Big Wheels, one in great shape, and the other so-so. Tons of fun!

duneittilludie · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 12:21 AM

I have owned both the 200 and the 350 and they were both a blast to ride.My 350 had a supertrapp pipe and appropriate jetting along with a K&N air filter and it would outrun 350 x three wheelers up the dunes.I may look for another 350 that is in good shape just for the occasional ride on the dunes.

BuffaloJ · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2005, 10:57 AM

Anyone have any knowledge on repairs for these? My father has one that has a broken output shaft. I have spoke to others who say that I will need to have the case split and it will be expensive. Others say that I would be better off just replacing the engine. Does anyone know what other Yamaha motors might fit? I know that there was a TW 200, but the output shaft is longer. There were tons of 200 3 wheelers, but I think most are shaft driven. Any info would be very helpful. If you know of anyone who has a good bottom end I guess that will work also.
Thanks

Scootergptx · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2005, 02:28 PM

Thought I saw one for sale the other day on ATV Traderonline.

Viper65 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 04:09 PM

Hi there Buffalo J. In reply to your post about the Yamaha Big wheels. In yahoo groups there is a group called "Yamaha Big Wheels". You have to subscribe. There is ALOT of info on this group. I have joined it and it is a great group. To make the search a little easier. Heres the link. I hope is is ok to post the link to the group. Not trying to take away from this board just trying to help a fellow atver.

Big wheel link
I have BW 200es.. I just went on a 61 mile ride up into the mountains. It was a absolute blast. The bike did really well. They are so much fun to ride. Used 1.3 gal of gas and got 49 mpg. Kept up with the big boys also. There were about 10 atv's in total.

Try the group, they may have alot of info.,,.

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Later all
The 82 Yamaha and Kaw are up for sale. Selling those off to get a newer Polaris or Yamaha Kodiak.
HAvent make up my mind yet.

speedped79 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 11:15 AM

hey buffaloj do u live in buffalo? if so by where thats where i live? mabe go riding sometime

3wheelerdude · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 02:37 PM

Just for info, my YTM 200 is not shaft driven, so it might be a possiblility of engines for your swap.

BuffaloJ · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 03:47 PM

I live in the southern tier down by Silver Creek, in Chautauqua county. Right now both of my machines are down. I also have a 1985 Honda Odyssey 350: jetted, piped & K/N. It has a bum electric start and the pull cord tore out this summer. It is a pretty LONG job just to get to the stuff. Not hard, just time consuming