Niche:
Recreational off-road utility vehicle with unique fat tire design.
Uniqueness:
The Big Wheel BW200 was a unique offering in its time, combining ATV-like stability with motorcycle handling on challenging terrain, popularized by its distinctive wide tires.
Feature 1:
Fat tire design for superior traction and flotation on sand, mud, and snow.
Feature 2:
Robust and reliable Yamaha engine and drivetrain.
Feature 3:
Simple, durable construction focused on off-road performance.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox operation, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, shifting mechanisms.
Drivetrain:
Final drive, drive chains, sprockets, axle maintenance.
Suspension:
Front forks, rear shock absorber, swingarm, linkage service and adjustments.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, caliper service, master cylinder, brake fluid, bleeding procedures, pad replacement.
Wheels Tires:
Tire inspection, replacement, wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning (if applicable), unique Big Wheel tire service.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, battery maintenance, starter system, charging system, component testing.
Frame Bodywork:
Frame inspection, seat, fenders, handlebars, controls, general body panel removal and installation.
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, lubrication points, filter changes, spark plug service, brake adjustments, chain lubrication and adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common problems, fault finding charts for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, electrical resistance values, fluid capacities.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
66.0 mm x 57.0 mm (Approximate)
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (Typical for period)
Horsepower:
Approx. 15-18 HP (Estimated, specific figures not readily available for all model years)
Torque:
Torque curve optimized for low-end grunt, essential for off-road.
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni VM Series (Likely VM26 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Overall Length:
Approx. 75-80 inches (Varies slightly by year)
Overall Width:
Approx. 40-45 inches (Due to wide tires)
Overall Height:
Approx. 45-50 inches (Varies slightly by year)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 240-260 lbs (Varies slightly by year)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 gallons
Front Tire Size:
25 x 12.00-9 (Common size, check manual for specifics)
Rear Tire Size:
25 x 12.00-9 (Common size, check manual for specifics)
Wheel Base:
Approx. 50 inches
Oil Change Interval:
Every 1000-1500 miles or annually, or as specified in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 3000-5000 miles, or based on condition.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Regularly, especially after dusty conditions; cleaning/replacement as per manual.
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate and adjust chain every 500 miles or as needed based on play.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher motorcycle oil).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 - 1.8 Liters (check manual for exact figure).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80 or 90 hypoid gear oil.
Carburetor Cleaning:
Carburetors can become clogged with age and infrequent use, requiring regular cleaning and adjustment.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can lead to intermittent issues.
Suspension Seals:
Fork seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks.
Tire Pressure:
Proper inflation of the unique fat tires is crucial for handling and wear.
Heritage:
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality motorcycles and off-road vehicles, known for their engineering and durability.
Development:
The Big Wheel line was developed to offer enhanced off-road capability and stability, particularly in soft terrain, differentiating itself with its unique tire configuration.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Typical for Yamaha products of this era)
Market Impact:
Carved a niche for itself as a fun and capable recreational off-road machine, beloved by enthusiasts for its unique character.