200ec or 300ec for intermediate dad?

[firffighter]

I am looking for a bike that can take on many tasks.

-race cross-country/harscramble events at a beginner/intermediate level
-putt around with my young kids and wife
-reliable and cheap to maintain (average family man with not a lot of expendable income)
-tackle a variety of Northwest terrain from very steep, wet, rocky single track to more open desert type terrain.

I currently own a KDX220 with tons of mods and it is great for most of what I do, but struggles in the racing atmosphere due to outdated suspension.

I also owned 2 KTM200exc's and loved them, but I dont want to go Orange again.

I have access to a '03 200EC gasser and a '03 300EC gasser for decent prices.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

How big (tall/heavy) are you? Personally, I'd probably go with the 300 since it's better on hills. I have a 200 and a 250 and while the 200 is better on the twisties, it gets worked over on big hills which has hurt a few of my race results.

 

[firffighter]

Thanks for your reply.

I am 6' and 210lbs. I actually had no problems with the KTM200's even at my girth, but they were too pipey.

I think the 300 would lug better, and would be able to tackle the open terrain better, but the 200 would be better for throwing around in the tight stuff.

How are the GasGas as far as reliability and maintenance costs. My KDX is cheap to maintain and all I have to do is clean the air filter on regular basis and change the oil every couple of rides and she will last forever.

Are there any issues with the '03 models?

Thanks for the input, it is appreciated

 

[eff]

I have a 250, but if I was to choose between the 200 or 300, the 300 would get the nod.

Cost to own the GG is very reasonable. Replacement parts are easy to get and not over priced. The bikes are very durable to boot.

 

[iancp5]

I've ridden a 200 and it had no problem with hills carrying my 250 lbs. They were technical hills not drag strips. I was quite impressed with it. Sure it doesn't have the torque of the bigger bikes but it has enough. Also feels lighter and more relaxing when it's tricky and slippery. When the terrain opens up you obviously have to work it more.

 

[firffighter]

Have there been any major changes from '03 on?

Sounds like they are pretty reliable bikes from reading through lots of threads.

I have a dealer about an hour away, so I am not too concerned about parts.

Is it tough to find aftermarket parts since they are considered "exotic"?

 

[Skidad]

Have there been any major changes from '03 on?

I'm pretty sure they received a nice frame improvement in 05 which improved steering and perhaps some motor lightening.

07 brought a great improvement to the weak rear subframe along with a host of plastic, airbox and seat changes. Many don't seem to like the 07 seat and are looking to install the improved 08 seat.

Usual suspension tweaks every year of course and I think the rear shock changed from Ohlins to Sachs in 07.

With the resale of Gas Gas bikes so low personally I would look for an 05 or newer as these seem to have the most important improvements.

I'm sure more will chime in....and I'll go back to lurking LOL


Skidad in MA

 

[Rickster]

Go the 300 they are nimble just like the 200 but alot more power.

 

[skid jackson]

hmmm I don't know, sometimes my 06 300 can feel awfully big. I ride mostly tight technical stuff tho. Lucky if I get into 3rd gear. I got the 300 because I wanted the grunt for the end of the day when I get tired and lazy. If I was going to do it again I think I'd have to give the 200 try. That 06 200 for $2500 got my attention. If I did not have so much on my plate already I might have grabbed it. If you ride mostly technical single track, don't have the need for monster speed and aren't on huge hills all day ... I'd give the 200 a shot. If your in more open terrain, 300 is the way to go.
45 yr old c rider ... might qualify as a b ride on a good day.

 

[firffighter]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I hear things like cobby or not a clean fit and finish when referring to the GasGas. But, that is coming from the KTM crowd, and you cant trust someone who rides an Orange bike, right?

Are there any problems with poor craftsmanship on the GasGas?

 

[iancp5]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I hear things like cobby or not a clean fit and finish when referring to the GasGas. But, that is coming from the KTM crowd, and you cant trust someone who rides an Orange bike, right?

Are there any problems with poor craftsmanship on the GasGas?

Yep - in an annoying way. The big ticket items are solid. The quality elsewhere hasn't been up to KTM standards although the later ones seem better. However too early to tell. But ... KTM charge more. I wouldn't let it put you off it's more about finish than robustness. I prefer the ride of the Gassers of my vintage. But GG did daft things like fix the radiator to tank plastics to the tank with self tappers. Use a weak subframe for the rear fender so you can't use a tailpack. But in other ways; the rims are very strong, rear suspension is better, clutch is better, brakes are better etc. Most annoying feature on mine was the lack of locknuts / washers on a 300 2 stroke that vibrates. After a while you get it covered and bits stop falling off.

 

[Loosenut]

GasGas uses more off the shelf type fasteners on their MC/XC/EC/DE bikes. They require a full set of metric tools in order to work on them. Other than that, I have no problems with them.

 

[LAWMAN]

I'm on my 1st GG after numerous KTMs ( & some others). the GG does have some annoying quirks, such as the bewildering array of fastener sizes & the crummy kickstarter, but on the other hand, compared to my last KTM, an '07 300 W:

1. the gas cap doesn't dump gas in my lap while still requiring pliers to get it off;

2. the power valve pin does not need to be welded;

3. the KTM has wood screws to hold the shrouds to the tank, they strip the threads very easily;

4. the chain adjuster bolts don't try to seize up all the time;

5. the countershaft seal actually seems to hold oil in for more than an hour or so;

6. it vibrates less, tiring me out less & shaking off fewer parts;

7. the handling, suspension, gear spacing & power are better (at least for me).

 

[firffighter]

Thanks for the info guys. You are starting to convince me for sure. Now, all I have to do is play a little waiting game. We are in the middle of our home sale, and I am getting a raise in the next month or two.

 

[firffighter]

Still trying to decide. I am leaning toward the 200 because so much of my riding is in the tight stuff.

How much would I be gaining over my nicely modded KDX220?

 

[nhrider]

Define nicely modified KDX?

 

[JoshP]

You can't really compare a GasGas to a KDX unless you want to replace the suspension with some zokes. Even then the engine is still at a disadvantage. The KDX is great and I had a very nice one that had every little bell / whistle but still the GG wins hands down.

 

[nhrider]

You can't really compare a GasGas to a KDX unless you want to replace the suspension with some zokes. Even then the engine is still at a disadvantage. The KDX is great and I had a very nice one that had every little bell / whistle but still the GG wins hands down.

I agree. Stop wasting time and get a GAS GAS!

"Why ride the rest when you can ride the best? GasGas!"

 

[JoshP]

As far as needing a 200 for tight stuff. Jersey only has tight stuff (unless you go to the part of the Delaware we call South Jersey) and my 250 does what my 200 never could. In fact I don't think I would ride a 200 even if she were free. Don't get me wrong (NHRider) it's a great bike but after feeling what that 250 does it just doesn't make sense. If anything I got into more problems on hills with the 200 where my 250 makes it up anything.

 

[firffighter]

Thanks for the input guys and keep it coming.

Mine is a KDX220 with PC pipe/silencer, Boyesen reeds, airbox lid removed and RB carb/head mod.

I've had 2 KTM200 exc's before the KDX and honestly, I like the KDX better because the 220 has a ton of low end and will lug in 3rd gear all day. Then, twist the throttle and it will rip up top too.

I prefer the 200cc bikes because I can throw them around in the woods. I didnt really like the KTM's because the suspensions are tough to dial in and deflect off of everything in slow speed terrain. The snap of the KTM was nice, but the grunt of the KDX is better suited for the woods.

The KDX power characteristics, with a great handling, light weight bike, with a nice updated suspension, and reliable and cheap to maintain like the KDX is what I am looking for.

Not too much to ask is it?