The Yamaha TTR 230 is an excellent dirt bike from a renowned Japanese motorcycle manufacturer. But you’re probably reading this because you’re wondering whether this bike is the right fit for you and what is the stock TTR 230 top speed.
I answer these questions in detail in our article, while also giving you information on how the top speed of a TTR 230 can be improved by adjusting and upgrading the bike.
TTR 230 Top Speed: How Fast Can It Go?
The Yamaha TTR 230 is a great dirt bike for beginner to intermediate riders (so is the Yamaha TTR 110 we reviewed). The top speed of a TTR 230 is about 60 miles per hour on horizontal roads and can go up to 75 miles per hour down hills. This is very similar to the YZ 125 top speed, a “cousin” to the TTR 230, and a bit faster than the TTR 125.
How about a slightly smaller, but comparable bike, from Honda? Is the CRF125F top speed faster or slower than the TTR 230?
The top speed of TTR 230 also depends on other factors like engine and chassis parts and whether the bike is fitted with aftermarket parts.
In the next section, we will analyze each bike part contributing to the Yamaha TTR 230 top speed.
That way, you will understand what makes the bike tick and how to upgrade it if you already own a TTR 230.
What Impacts the top speed of a TTR 230
The engine is the most important part of the bike that will impact its top speed.
Engine
Yamaha TTR 230’s engine is a small, compact machine with impressive specifications and power delivery. It is versatile, low maintenance, and can be upgraded for better performance.
That said, it is not a motocross bike. The TTR 230 is designed more for the every day, beginner, and woods rider.
Engine and transmission specifications and power delivery
- Engine size and type – TTR 230 sports a 223cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC). The cylinder has a bore diameter of 70 millimeters, a total stroke of 58 millimeters, and a compression ratio of 9.5:1
- Engine power – the engine has around 17 Hp and 13.7 foot-pounds of torque, providing smooth power delivery to the back wheel
- Engine cooling – the bike’s engine is air cooled because of the small engine displacement
- Fuel delivery – a carburetor controls the fuel delivery, as the fuel is premixed with air and delivered to the cylinder chamber
- Ignition system – the bike has a CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) system, which delivers a high current to the spark plug to start and run the engine
- Transmission – the transmission comprises a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox connected with a wet, multi-plate clutch system; power to the wheel is transmitted via a chain drive
Engine upgrades to increase the TTR 230 top speed
You can do several things to upgrade or tweak the engine and increase the TTR 230 top speed.
Carburetor adjustments
The carburetor is like the beating heart of the engine. Without it running and mixing the fuel and air properly, the engine will have problems and likely won’t even run. Proper carburetor operation is essential, but it can also be tweaked and adjusted to make the engine produce more power.
Upgrading the “jets” of the carburetor can increase engine power. Jets are tiny nozzles inside the carburetor chamber, through which fuel passes and is mixed with the air. Every carburetor has two jets, the pilot jet and the main jet.
The TTR 230 has a factory pilot jet of 35 and the main jet of 125.
These numbers indicate how wide the nozzle opening is in millimeters. For example, the pilot jet has an opening of 0.035 millimeters, while the main jet’s opening is 0.125 millimeters.
If you change the stock jets to some with wider openings, for example, a 38 pilot jet and a 130 main jet, the engine can get 10-15% more power, which will also increase the bike’s top speed.
Adjusting the air/fuel screws
Adjusting the air/fuel screws and upgrading the jets will increase engine power and the TTR 230 top speed even more. Both of these screws regulate the air/fuel mixture levels inside the carburetor before that mixture is sent to the cylinder chamber for combustion.
Note that adjusting these screws requires skill and careful listening to how the engine runs at idle. They mainly affect the start and idle performance of the engine, but if tuned correctly, they can also improve the throttle response of the bike at lower speeds, which will result in faster takeoff.
Replacing the air filter
Changing the bike’s stock air filter with one that provides higher airflow can also increase the power output and therefore the TTR 230 top speed. More air means the bike can breathe freely, and the engine will produce better combustion. Fuel intake is one part of the operation, as air is also very important for it to burn properly.
Proper air filter maintenance is essential to make the most of the engine’s power. Dirt bikes are susceptible and vulnerable to dust, which clogs the airways and the filter, decreasing performance. Therefore, regular air filter cleaning and replacement are essential.
Upgrading the exhaust system
A stock exhaust provides enough power but doesn’t allow the engine to express its full potential. This is the case with almost all cars and dirt bikes, including the TTR 230.
As the engine needs more air, it also needs a more efficient way to expel that air (exhaust fumes). If not completely expelled, they might mix with the clean fuel/air intake and lower the power output.
Adding an aftermarket exhaust with a high-quality muffler will increase exhaust gas outflow, resulting in cleaner air/fuel mix combustion and increased power/torque ratio.
Who Is A Yamaha TTR 230 Meant For?
The TTR 230 is an excellent mid-range dirt bike suited mostly for beginner- and intermediate-level riders who will not be racing (much better than the Kayo dirt bike and XPro dirt bike we reviewed). It is also best for people with average height, ranging between 5′5″-5′10″, because of the TTR 230 seat height.
Adults and teenagers new to dirt bike riding will find the TTR 230 to be an excellent dirt bike to get started on. It has smooth power delivery at lower speeds and RPMs.
With the TTR 230 top speed being just over 60 miles per hour on horizontal roads, it shouldn’t be considered a race bike, but it is great for trail riding.
As far as suspension is concerned, the bike has what we consider “fair” front and rear suspension. It’ll provide decent comfort and dampening. Slimmer riders will have no problems with it, but riders heavier than 150 pounds will find the suspension start to bottom out at faster speeds.
Before you can decide whether the Yamaha TTR 230 is a good choice for you, take a look at the Honda competitor Honda CRF230F and a Kawasaki competitor KLX300.
Frequently Asked Questions About The TTR 230
Yes, the Yamaha TT-R230 is a good starter bike. It is easy to learn on, affordable, and very dependable.
Yes, a TT-R230 is a full size bike based on its 21″ front wheel and 18″ rear wheel. However, the chassis is a bit smaller than the average motocross and enduro dirt bikes.
No, the Yamaha TT-R230 is not a 2 stroke.
The age a TT-R230 is for is roughly 14 years old and up. Children younger than this who are skilled or have experience on a dirt bike can likely ride the TTR 230 as well, but for a new rider, 14 years old is a good age.
Yes, an adult can ride a Yamaha TTR230. It’s a great bike for a beginner adult rider.
Yes, the TT-R230 is a 4-stroke.
How tall you need to be to ride a TT-R230 comfortably is about 5 foot 5 inches. We estimate 5’5″ to 5’10” is a good height for the TTR 230.
The seat height of a TT-R230 is 34.3 inches.
A TT-R230 is 251lbs wet.
A TTR230 has around 17 horsepower.
Yes, the TTR 230 is a good bike, especially for woods riders and beginners.
The Yamaha TT-R230 has a kick start, but it is a backup for the electric starter.
