I was previously riding a '05 KX 125. I had another Gasser several years back, it was a '02 EC200. I went with the 200 as the class I race is 0-200cc. Also, Ive always like the 200 displacement, to me it seems like the perfect size, amble bottom end power for grunting through tight stuff, up hills etc, but not to much that a errant twist or whiskey throttle will get you in trouble. I like to ride a bit more in the revs than some, and the 200 is better at it than say a 250 and doesnt wear me out as much with pulling to hard.
First ride was great. It basically felt like I took my old 125 and just added gobs of power and torque. Turning and changing directions all take place without thought as if the bike just goes where I think. Very much like riding on rails best as I could think to describe it, no problem following in deep ruts, and it loves to change direction, and is at home going to the inside of a corner, or sweeping the berm. I was riding it at my normal race pace basically within 30mins of riding, and on a bike that I had adjusted nothing, not even lever positions, which to me is amazing as Im normally a incredibly picky rider and dont usually like to ride up to speed unless my suspension is re-sprung and set, bars and everything are all just so. Simply put , its the most confidence inspiring bike I have tossed a leg over, and I have ridden plenty, (owned '06 CRF250, ridden '08 KTM 200, '09 KX450, '11 YZ450, '06 YZ250). The motor has surprising bottem end torque for a 200, 2nd gear can lug it all the way down to idle and just roll on the throttle and it pulls right into the rpm pretty quick. Now if you give it a quick touch of the clutch and you are instantly in the meat of the power, and it pulls into a really decent over-rev as well, doesnt sign off to early, so it doesnt mind being revved. Also the powerband is pretty electric, not major hit, but it does come to life when it transitions to mid. The suspension, even not sprung for my weight or broken in, felt very subtle and smooth soaking up small stuff nicely and also taking right to bigger stuff. I was able to pound through some large sand whoops no problem as well, both skimming them and doubling if I wanted. I think that about covers its aspects, any questions on anything specific ask away.
