Coleman B200R vs BT200X shootout

[Augiedoggie]

I thought it worthwhile to share my observations of the two Coleman minis i currently own and ride. Both were acquired by happy accident when BT200X was offered as partial trade and my forum friend @relicracing offered his B200R at a bargain price. Both bikes were acquired for the grandkids(me)
Got Both bikes as new. The BT200X was not impressive at all except to say any mini is fun to ride. Manufactured quality is average and performance and reliability are pretty damn good. Drum brake sucks. Steering is heavy and sluggish and my knees hit triple clamps when turning. Overall the bike is a pig, but it's still fun until you ask it to turn or stop. Still gets plenty of giggles when throttle is opened right up until it hits engine governor. No complaints with engine performance. Don't want it to go any faster than governed speed anyway. Safety and reliability are more important than raw bone breaking speed. I did a back to back comparison myself today with both bikes and the difference was amazing to me. The B200R bike has identical engine and drive but is night and day different bike. Hydraulic disc brake is better than shitty drum brake on BT200X and seat and footpeg position makes it much more comfortable to ride than the BT200X. B200R uses different triple clamps and has much tighter steering than the BT200X. To look at the bikes I would have expected similar handling but the B200R is far more comfortable to ride. The only complaint I had was my pants cuff could foul the engine throttle arm and cause throttle to hang. Scared the shit out of me when I thought throttle stuck. I will trim throttle arm next chance I get

 

[pomfish]

Looks as if you ride on top of seat on the 200X and ride down in seat on the 200R. Center of gravity is lower on 200R for sure.
Also probably optical illusion but 200R appears to have more rake?

Really like the built in rack on the 200R as well, whole bike is nice upgrade from the old comparable Baja's.

 

[Augiedoggie]

If I hadn't owned the 200R I would have thought the Coleman bikes were awful. The 200R is a huge improvement over the 200X model. I don't usually ride the Coleman, except to chase the kids around. The grandkids never gave any feedback because they have no baseline comparison. All good information for potential buyers of the modern minis.

 

[DaddyJohn]

I’ve had both bikes, and being a 6’ adult, I do like the X’s greater seat height and that the ergos seem more “motorcycle like”. You’re correct about the bars hitting your knees though, and found a set of cheap risers is a great solution to that issue. I used these: M MATI Handlebar Risers https://a.co/d/fAYTbgP

You’re also correct about the crappy drum brake. The R has a much superior rear disk. I also like that the R has a rack, and even though the seat height is lower and the riding position more relaxed, it is a nice cruiser and the seat is more comfortable. They can both benefit from the installation of a torque converter though.

As a matter in fact, if you can find a BT200RSV for a reasonable price, the stock TC and disk brakes front and back take the R-style bike to the next level.

 

[sparkwizard]

Is the SV the one with rear suspension?

 

[Augiedoggie]

I’ve had both bikes, and being a 6’ adult, I do like the X’s greater seat height and that the ergos seem more “motorcycle like”. You’re correct about the bars hitting your knees though, and found a set of cheap risers is a great solution to that issue. I used these: M MATI Handlebar Risers https://a.co/d/fAYTbgP

You’re also correct about the crappy drum brake. The R has a much superior rear disk. I also like that the R has a rack, and even though the seat height is lower and the riding position more relaxed, it is a nice cruiser and the seat is more comfortable. They can both benefit from the installation of a torque converter though.

As a matter in fact, if you can find a BT200RSV for a reasonable price, the stock TC and disk brakes front and back take the R-style bike to the next level.

Front and rear suspension, no matter how primitive and crude is still an improvement over rigid bike. Adding front and rear disc brakes to full suspension is a dream ride. I would gladly pop for that purchase and add a torque converter. If it had estart it would be a wet dream....

 

[DaddyJohn]

Is the SV the one with rear suspension?

Yes, it adds rear suspension too, plus front and rear disk brakes, a TC, and a regulated charging system.

I guess there is also a Coleman B200 (no “R” or other designation) that provides all that, but with a front fork and a hardtail. It’s an upgrade on the R, but interestingly, Tractor Supply has them both currently listed for the same $899.99 (yikes) price.

 

[sparkwizard]

I have sat on a few of them at Tractor Supply. The price is a little steep, but I am thinking about the one with suspension. My back doesn't tolerate bumps very well anymore. Needs mid mounted foot pegs, too.

 

[panchothedog]

I realize that this thread is about the Coleman mine bikes, but since it has somewhat morphed into a question of comfort ( for us older gents ) let me add my 2 cents worth. 5 years ago I bought the M B Trailmaster 200. It is sold by Go Power Sports. Suspension at both ends, torque converter, hydrologic disc brake, headlight and charging coil, package rack, and a great big soft saddle seat. I am 77 years old and still ride mine exclusively off road. The seating position is high and almost small motorcycle like. I know it cost more than the Coleman's, but it has everything on it as sold. Even has 2 sets of foot pegs for changing position on long rides. One Happy Camper here.

 

[sparkwizard]

I have never heard anything bad about the MB200. Never seen one in the wild, though.

 

[DaddyJohn]

My brother has a Trail Master, and he likes it quite a bit. Definitely benefits from adding a chain tensioner, as the chain can be prone to exiting the chat under spirited use. Engine is made by Jiang Dong, lol…

 

[panchothedog]

My brother has a Trail Master, and he likes it quite a bit. Definitely benefits from adding a chain tensioner, as the chain can be prone to exiting the chat under spirited use. Engine is made by Jiang Dong, lol…

A chain tensioner for sure. When it was brand new, I built the engine, replaced the 48 sprocket for a 60 ( had to modify the chain guard to fit ) and added the tensioner. I'm 5' 11" and weight 220. It has gobs of power, will easily climb any hill I'm brave enough to try, and on a smooth dirt road tops out at 44 mph. Believe me, I am not a spry individual at this stage of my life. Smoothes out rough stuff really good. No knees hitting the forks or stuck throttle cables. With nice big rubber covered for pegs front and mid ship really helps prevent leg numbness or fatigue on long rides. I rode street bikes as a teenager, and tried to keep up with my teenage sons on moto cross bikes in my 40's. This thing is as comfortable as any of them. Well thought out, in my opinion.

 

[JimN]

I contemplated buying one before I built mine, the biggest issue I have with the B200R style frame was the ground clearance. Especially the way the kickstand mounting plate sticks down. Overall, I liked the design.

 

[Augiedoggie]

I have the B200R out of winter storage and in the shop for basic service and checkup. Bike is basically new and has about an hour or less run time. Just basic checkup and check tire pressure. Last season I found hanging idle issue was caused by throttle arm catching my boot. Used dremel and abrasive cut off wheel to remove extended arm and remove interference. Simple fix.