A Complete Upgrade to the Cub! The Yamaha AG200, Which You Won't Have Trouble Getting Parts For [Webike My Bike Pickup]

This project features a bike that caught our editorial team's eye from the MY BIKE posts on the Webike Community. This time, we're featuring the Yamaha "AG200," owned by "SSRB."

AG200 (200cc) Owner: SSRB

The AG200 is a so-called "farm bike," developed primarily for business use on vast ranches and farms in places like Australia. Its design thoroughly pursues practicality in harsh environments, featuring a sturdy rear carrier, side stands on both sides, and a full-cover chain to prevent mud clogging.
It was previously sold officially in Japan, but is now only available as an export model. Nevertheless, it continues to be loved by core fans for its robust character and unique style.

SSRB, the owner featured here, chose the AG200 as a replacement for their Hunter Cub. For touring purposes, extending from the city into nature, they seem to be greatly attracted by the comfort provided by a 200cc class bike and its practical equipment. They are thoroughly enjoying life with the AG200 as a tough companion they can use for many years.

＜From the MY BIKE Comment＞

■Reason for Purchase, Usage, and Comparison Models

Originally rode a Hunter Cub, but switched due to lack of power, cramped feeling (couldn't grip with knees), and inability to ride on expressways (living in the city meant it was far to get to nature). Switched with some awareness of these issues. Purchased for outdoor use and overnight touring up to 200km one way.

■Pros

Above all, the rear carrier rivals that of the Cub. It's perfect for someone like me who thinks "Cubs are good, but they're just mopeds..." With the chassis of a 250cc class bike, there's no cramped feeling, and since the weight is the same as the Hunter Cub, it's a complete upgrade in my opinion. The carrier (box) is placed where the tandem seat would normally be, so the silhouette doesn't look like just a box sticking out; it feels cohesive overall, which is a plus.

It has personality and convenience with features like handguards and left/right side stands, and the full-cover chain is a lazy person's spec – just spray some oil on it and you're good. The monoshock suspension, typical of Yamaha at the time, is also neat and tidy (easy to wash the rear).

And the miracle that it's still sold new overseas today. You won't have trouble with parts for the heart of the machine, and since it's based on the XT-TW series engine, information is abundant, making it top-class in terms of maintainability for a mid-80s bike – it's divine!

■Cons

・Although understandable, it's kick-start only, so it's a bit nerve-wracking when the engine stalls at an intersection (but it's light, so it's easy to pull over safely). If you don't like this, buy the overseas model (usually blue body), which has 12V and a starter motor, so it's good.

・The genuine domestic model is 6V, which is pretty much finished (my unit has been converted to 12V).

・Being a 40-year-old bike, fuel economy is around 30-40 km/L. With a 9L tank, it's about 300km at the limit.

・The power is mediocre for a 200cc, even inferior to current bikes of the same displacement, and even Yamaha's 150cc models. It had 16ps when new, so maybe around 14ps now... In terms of power alone, it's like a heavily customized Cub that can ride on expressways; cruising speed is around 80km/h, and with luggage, the maximum might be around 90km/h...

■Advice for Future Buyers

Recommended if the appearance matches your needs and you can accept the drawbacks mentioned above! Assuming you can get a good unit, it's a bike with a simple structure that's hard to break and abundant parts (new), so you can replace worn-out parts with new ones. It's the perfect bike for someone who wants an off-road bike that stands out from the crowd.

■Future Customization Plans

Currently, it's mostly stock except for the ZETA Explorer Shield I added later (besides bags and boxes). It's a good bike with no particular areas that need modification.

Check Out AG200 User Reviews Too

If you're curious about other owners' opinions and evaluations of the AG200, check out the posts published on the Webike Community.

Check AG200 User Reviews

SSRB is enjoying their own unique motorcycle life by leveraging the individuality of the AG200.

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