What bike for me?

1

1150A

New member
Hey Guys,
New here, and from my research, it seems like Gasgas bikes would work out great for me. I'm coming from a mountain bike back ground and am looking for something reasonably light. I'm also not a very large person @ 145lbs and 5'7".

I'm still a novice to moto, but have ridden and owned bikes before. My first bike was a KDX220 which I loved. However, it felt slightly top heavy and although super reliable, it felt dated and I just wanted something new. I ended getting an awesome trade + a little cash for a 2009 Husqvarna TXC 250. With the tractability of the KDX, I felt at home on the TXC. It feels great to be a modern bike with updated suspension and coming into corners/berms felt much more natural. BUT, little did I know, the Husqvarna is and definitely feels even more heavy than the KDX 220.

Now, I want to go back to 2t for the lighter weight and cost. Buying new is not really an option for me as I'm a college student, at the same time, I'd like something newer or more modern than the KDX at least. I'm looking for something light weight and has that low end like the KDX does.

The bikes that fit my budget are:
03 Gasgas EC300
05 Gasgas EC250
07-09 KTM 200 XC XC-W
09 Husqvarna WR125

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
that's a wide range of bikes you have there.

you didn't mention the the gg200, which is generally seriously undervalued and can generally be had for less than any of these listed. i rode one for sometime, and if i was 145lbs i'd still be riding it. but at 190lbs the 300 is just right for me.. and i'm older and lazier.
 
Of the bikes you listed I don't like KTM. The 09 Husky WR125 when properly jetted is a super fun bike; I have an 08 Husky CR144 and love it. The stock Wr doesn't have a ton of low end but it is light, very smooth, and handles very well. So If you want low end pick the 250 or 300 GG. Also the GasGas bikes sit lower than the Husky's if that matters to you. I'm the same height as you and really like how the GG bikes feel.
 
You will get the most bang for your buck from a used GasGas or Husky. An EC200 GasGas is an excellent choice. It's easy to throw around like a 125 but has more mid pull so it forgives you for not being on the on the pipe all the time.

You should put your general location in your signature and members here might be able to steer you to a good deal.
 
If an 07-09 KTM is in your budget, you should be able to get a fairly new GG for the same price, due to the GG not holding it's value as well. Which is good for buyers.
 
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the replys. Sorry for such a wide arrange of bikes.

I listed the GG 250 and 300 only because those are the only used ones I can find somewhat locally. The KTMs on the other hand I can find pretty easily locally for 2800-3500. The Husky WR125 I can get for $3000 from an uncle who bought it for his son and was too scared to ride it. Of course, I'd try out the Husky if I could, but he is out of state.

I'm in California if anyone finds one for sale.
 
$3500 gets you the gasgas of your choice 2007 and older. you can find 05-07 gg for under 3k if you look. i just did.... and 04 and older for 2k or less. 08's are in the 3500 range.

where at in california? maybe someone here has one for a good price...or maybe a dealer has one on the floor....

here's one. not the best deal, but not overpriced either

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/mcy/2628368786.html
 
At your size I'd go for the GG200 for sure. More power than the KDX, and less weight than both the KDX and TXC. They also feel lighter than they actually are, this has been a GG trait for years. The 200 is not intimidating either like the bigger bikes can be in certain situations. A bike thats just a little too much will slow your advancement in skills.

Find an '07 or newer as cost permits.
 
Hey how's it going...

I ride mountain bikes quite a bit as well.

I'm about your height (5'8"), but a good 25 lbs heavier. I rode a GasGas 04 EC250 and loved it. The ergos were perfect. I loved the torque of the 250, but about 4-5 hours into the ride I got tired, and it became more power than I wanted to hold on to.

I rode a friend's 09 CR125, which is very similar (if not identical) ergo-wise to the WR125. The power was smooth and manageable, but the bike is very tall. I could get used to it, but wouldn't want to.

All that being said, I think a GasGas 200 will be my next bike. In fact, I'm pretty sure of it. :) I think a 200 would haul either one of us around just fine, with the bonus of being lighter than a 250 or 300.

Good luck.
 
I would think coming froma bicycle you would probably be more suited with a 200. It should have plenty of power and remain lightweight. I know some 200's was built on the 250-300 chassis and some was built on the 125 chassis. I am not sure of what year GG made that change though. Could someone else chime in an help with that??

-Tim
 
Your last statement "light weight and low end like the KDX" are key. That is what I have been longing for all along in a dirtbike. I've owned 3 KDX's in various states of mod with the last one fully modded with KX suspension and 2 KTM 200's as well as many other KTM's and Gasgas.

Your options can go a few different directions:

-KTM 200. Very light, great power. I owned 2 and they are very fun. The power is snappy compared to the KDX and IMO just isnt as low end oriented as a KDX220 which is darn near perfect.

-Husky 125/150. Have not ridden or owned one, but those who do are emphatic that they are a great woods weapon. I've watched footage of a WR125 climbing some of the most difficult stuff we have here in the Northwest. Super light and agile. Probably not super low end oriented, but they say it is surprisingly tractorable.

-Gasgas200. Have not ridden or owned one, but from my research seems like it is the perfect crossover between the KDX 200 and KTM 200. Might be a really good fit for what you are looking for. Updated ergos, suspension, etc. and KDX-like power delivery.

-Gasgas 250/300. Owned both. IMO the 300 has the most KDX220-like power delivery and of course you get all of the updates that the KDX does not have. A 250 or 300 can be a bit taxing in the tight woods because there is a lot of power on tap to use, but you can ride a gear high and lug all day without issue.

I feel the Gasgas is easiest to ride coming off of a KDX because there a quite a few similarities in terms of tight turning, power, etc.

Good Luck.
 
I have a mate on a 250 4t after being a mountain bike cross country and down hill go'er he reckons its the "ducks nuts"
 
Just found a great deal on an 09 Husqvarna WR125. I will be picking it up next week.

Hppefully I didn't make the wrong decision.

When the day comes and I'm ready to buy new.. GasGas will definitely be on the list. Sounds like the perfect bike for short people!
 
You'll be happy with the bike, get it jetted well, run good oil and have a blast. Nothing, absolutely nothing is more fun than a good running 125. I'd be riding one if I wasn't 215lbs..........
 
:( Back to square one. Seller sold his bike to someone locally before I could come get it.

If anyone finds a GG 200, please let me know!

From what I recall, the newer GG200 are slightly heavier than the WR125. Does it feel heavier as well?
 
Be aware that the GG200 is basically a debored and destroked 250. Same size, weight, etc. You will not be able to tell the difference unless you ride it, besides the "200" decals or course. What makes it feel different on the trail is less power and inertia.
 
I read the cases on the 200 were not the same as the 250/300 and the 200 was about 8 lbs lighter. Is this not true? :confused:
 
cases are the same. crank is different. i don't know if there's a weight difference. i do know my 07 300 feels and rolls around like it's lighter than my 00...
 
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