Yamaha 200 or KLT 200

[Richard Holyoak]

I lost the last one but here we go again.

Any idea what model.
Not run for 2 years
New rear tires
$400

Thanks for helping an old guy out.

Found this KLT 200 1983
$790


Which is best

[vartz04]

im pretty sure the klt has reverse...i might be wrong though.

[RubberSalt]

The KLT doesn't have reverse, It's got an EXTREMELY low first gear, TORQUEY. I've got an 1983 KLT200C, that 1 looks to be a 200a or 200b. They make a good work horse. They used the engine out of a 1978-1979 KZ200 motorcycle. Then they switched it to a CDI instead of points. A spot for a ball came standard on the KLT. You can buy an axel of a KLT200C and get a locking an dunlocking differential, makes it nice when doing yard work, it doesn't tear up the yard when it turns. It will also turn on a dime when unlocked. The gastank is prone to being damaged, not guarded well and is plastic. These also have a fuel pump. if they go dry, they can get stuck and you have to tap on them to get em pumping again. I beleive mines the stock pump honestly. I've had trouble with the head warping some, but I've ran it very hard alot. Had it a little lean for a while, warped the head. These top out at 45mph. You can push start it and pop the clutch if your battery is dead. There isn't really any performance parts for these. I imagine you could put the front forks from the klt200c for front suspension. The 200c also has a 12v plug in with a 10amp fuse wired to the battery. you know, for accesories. These have the same charging system.

I haven't played much with the yamaha, but it's a YTM200, possibly a 1983-85. The yamaha 200 isn't nearly as good for towing as the KLT, it also has no hitch and the engine is placed to far back, this makes it hard to make a sharp turn at low speeds. Instead of turning, it pushed the front wheel forward. The intake setup is nicer, the use frame as a snorkle to get the intake right under the handle bars. This lets it float easier. It should be alot more fun in the trails. You don't have a clutch, just shift. This is a nicer setup in the snow. You can also operate the front brakes from the handle bars. The yamaha is definatly easier to work on. I don't think this has eletric start, the pull starts aren't bad. They don't hurt like the honda 200m lol.

I love my KLT, it goes through anything. It's in BAD shape.

The yamaha with front suspension will be alot smoother ride. In this case, i would got for the yamaha simply because of suspension and i like to ride trails alot. And you don't have to worry about a battery. If i was doing work, I'd get the kawasaki, with or without suspension, it's a better work horse. Then add the differential.

[200XMichigan]

I would grab the Yamaha for sure. Its got nice front suspension. Kawi has none. A lot less expensive. Especially if you offer $300 and go from there. Looks really clean.

[1987350x]

The KLT doesn't have reverse, It's got an EXTREMELY low first gear, TORQUEY. I've got an 1983 KLT200C, that 1 looks to be a 200a or 200b. They make a good work horse. They used the engine out of a 1978-1979 KZ200 motorcycle. Then they switched it to a CDI instead of points. A spot for a ball came standard on the KLT. You can buy an axel of a KLT200C and get a locking an dunlocking differential, makes it nice when doing yard work, it doesn't tear up the yard when it turns. It will also turn on a dime when unlocked. The gastank is prone to being damaged, not guarded well and is plastic. These also have a fuel pump. if they go dry, they can get stuck and you have to tap on them to get em pumping again. I beleive mines the stock pump honestly. I've had trouble with the head warping some, but I've ran it very hard alot. Had it a little lean for a while, warped the head. These top out at 45mph. You can push start it and pop the clutch if your battery is dead. There isn't really any performance parts for these. I imagine you could put the front forks from the klt200c for front suspension. The 200c also has a 12v plug in with a 10amp fuse wired to the battery. you know, for accesories. These have the same charging system.

I haven't played much with the yamaha, but it's a YTM200, possibly a 1983-85. The yamaha 200 isn't nearly as good for towing as the KLT, it also has no hitch and the engine is placed to far back, this makes it hard to make a sharp turn at low speeds. Instead of turning, it pushed the front wheel forward. The intake setup is nicer, the use frame as a snorkle to get the intake right under the handle bars. This lets it float easier. It should be alot more fun in the trails. You don't have a clutch, just shift. This is a nicer setup in the snow. You can also operate the front brakes from the handle bars. The yamaha is definatly easier to work on. I don't think this has eletric start, the pull starts aren't bad. They don't hurt like the honda 200m lol.

I love my KLT, it goes through anything. It's in BAD shape.

The yamaha with front suspension will be alot smoother ride. In this case, i would got for the yamaha simply because of suspension and i like to ride trails alot. And you don't have to worry about a battery. If i was doing work, I'd get the kawasaki, with or without suspension, it's a better work horse. Then add the differential.

Good job Rubbersalt
Very thorough on the explaination

[200XMichigan]

It's really easy to add a hitch to the Yamaha. I made one for my YT175. Works good. They are light in the front end but its not bad.

[Richard Holyoak]

Thanks guys I am going to buy the Yamaha. I am looking forward to some fun in the snow before mud season.

RH