12/13 200 review??
- Thread starter grunkster
- Start date
hamilton
Gold Level Site Supporter
200
Well I recently picked up a 12 - 200 I was on the fence between this and the ktm. I've had alot of 200s over the years. My take on this bike, the engine has the best power of any 200 I've rode. Stock jetting is close I went one clip positon leaner on the neddle and air screw 1/4 turn out. High/low power setting very notable. Rider positon is not crammped like ktm. suspension is well blanced and works well for my weight [160] Turning/handling is very good in single track, almost to quick for me. Could use more lock to lock turning radius, only noticable when making a u turn or 90 degree turn when stopped. Weight is a little more then ktm but you won't notice when you ride it. The seat is hard as a rock but I'm starting to like it. Take the extra time to prep the bike loctite,grease, antiseize, spark plug and air boot. If you ride enduro type trails and like 200 cc bikes you will love this one.
Well I recently picked up a 12 - 200 I was on the fence between this and the ktm. I've had alot of 200s over the years. My take on this bike, the engine has the best power of any 200 I've rode. Stock jetting is close I went one clip positon leaner on the neddle and air screw 1/4 turn out. High/low power setting very notable. Rider positon is not crammped like ktm. suspension is well blanced and works well for my weight [160] Turning/handling is very good in single track, almost to quick for me. Could use more lock to lock turning radius, only noticable when making a u turn or 90 degree turn when stopped. Weight is a little more then ktm but you won't notice when you ride it. The seat is hard as a rock but I'm starting to like it. Take the extra time to prep the bike loctite,grease, antiseize, spark plug and air boot. If you ride enduro type trails and like 200 cc bikes you will love this one.
hamilton
Gold Level Site Supporter
It comes with the kokusan ignition.
jdtriplett
New member
Isn't that determined by the (clock)position in which the wire comes out of the stator cover ?
The '12 200 I rode was very nice. The first time I rode it was in grass track and warmer temps. It was a little fat stock, so I can see Hamilton leaning the clip.
The dealer let me ride it again in technical single track and had leaned the jetting out. The temps I rode in were 30F colder and he went too far jetting wise and it hurt the performance. My '09 WR165 Husky could out run it everywhere, but I'm sure correct jetting would turn the table.
The suspension didn't work well in technical, rooty, rocky stuff, but I'm 180 without gear and beyond the stock spring rates. A guy with a '12 300 told me that correct springs for your weight, transforms the suspension without a revalve.
Much nicer than a KTM 200.
The dealer let me ride it again in technical single track and had leaned the jetting out. The temps I rode in were 30F colder and he went too far jetting wise and it hurt the performance. My '09 WR165 Husky could out run it everywhere, but I'm sure correct jetting would turn the table.
The suspension didn't work well in technical, rooty, rocky stuff, but I'm 180 without gear and beyond the stock spring rates. A guy with a '12 300 told me that correct springs for your weight, transforms the suspension without a revalve.
Much nicer than a KTM 200.
GMP
Active member
Its simple, it revs and responds to the clutch quicker and has a more aggressive feel. You can also fine tune it with the spin on weights. The "3" just gives the bike a bit too much of a lazy feel, good in the real slick technical stuff but not elsewhere, especially on a 200. Also note that the '12 has a full circle 10 - 12 oz weight behind the primary pinion(from 8 oz eccentric), so the end result is not like a stock YZ. This is JMO.
The 200 might have lighter springs than the 250/300, as I'm just under 180 and the stock springs on the 250 are not bad. Only on the MX sections do think of heavier springs.
The 200 might have lighter springs than the 250/300, as I'm just under 180 and the stock springs on the 250 are not bad. Only on the MX sections do think of heavier springs.
fletchman45
New member
Jakobi
Super Moderator
I hear you Glenn. I only asked as I had to ride an old 98 RMX250 up a hill the other week and it just seemed to snap through the revs so much faster. It took much more clutch control to keep it in the lower chugging rev range where mine seemed to feel much smoother. Still torquey and would still pull a gear high. It just felt a lot tamer until I got it up in the rev range. To be honest it felt like I was cheating. 
GMP
Active member
Well like I said, its not like a YZ motocrosser, but it does snap and hit a little harder. I prefer it for racing, especially where traction is good. Adding a 14 oz weight will get you plenty of inertia without making it feel lazy. There is no right or wrong, its a preference thing based on terrain, use, and skill.
robszombie
New member
I've a '12 250 e-start. Steering lock is limited, brake pedal - I've broken 2 (might just be me though!), seat bolt does come loose & the contacts on the e-start have to be kept clean & greased. Suspension is nearly there, still a bit stiff for me (Sachs forks & shock), otherwise the engine's great, magura clutch lovely & light, front brakes are superb, it's a great bike overall, it just needs to be set up for the individual, as with most.
Regards,
Robin.
Regards,
Robin.
