gas-gas ec 200 as kdx200 replacement

[marks]

Hi

My son is looking at spending about 2k doing the suspension properly (and some other bits - clutch/piston) on his 03 kdx200 but also has the opportunity to buy a 06 gas-gas ec200 and flick the kdx.

Is the gas-gas going to be a better woods bike than a kdx with properly modified suspension?

is either a clear leader in long term resale value or does it all come down to appearance and condition at sale time?

thanks

Mark

[Rupe]

I don't know what a kdx with that much on the suspension would be like. But as they are easy bikes to get rid of, you'd prob be better getting a bike that was built with the bits on already.

I mainly ride with a mate who has a stock kdx, and the ec200 handles better, and can be adjusted to suit the track much more than a kdx. It also pulls better from down low, and has much more power mid range. All in all I'd be quicker on my ec200 than a stock kdx, but not by a huge amount.

Don't listen to much when people say they are too peaky, and parts are hard to get, I've had no probs with parts.

the bike seems reliable, the only thing that pisses me off is the plastics are a bit crap. And mainly the fact that they are fixed with self tapping screws that rip out too easy.

As for resale, people seem weary of gasgas bikes as they are not so many around. But everyone loves the good old kdx and they seem to sell well.

by the way Linton at dirt action services really knows his stuff on gasgas, pm me if you need the number.

[dammad1]

You shouldnt have to spend 2k to get the suspension on the KDX sorted, new fork springs and a revalve should be well under a grand, the rear shock is really not to bad but may just need a rebuild due to its age and the KDX responds really well to an aftermarket pipe if you haven't already got one on it.

You will be amazed how well the KDXes can go when set up properly.

[marks]

thanks for the responses

I should clarify that the 2K we budgeted on includes getting the piston replaced (we suspect this one has around 100hrs on it) and getting the clutch looked at - suspect either a worn bush/bearing or grooves in the slots - it pulses noticeably on engagement.

Got 2 prices of between 1200 and 1500 rebuild both ends with new springs and valve kits (we remove the forks/shock and deliver to suspension guy and then re-install).

[dammad1]

thanks for the responses

I should clarify that the 2K we budgeted on includes getting the piston replaced (we suspect this one has around 100hrs on it) and getting the clutch looked at - suspect either a worn bush/bearing or grooves in the slots - it pulses noticeably on engagement.

Got 2 prices of between 1200 and 1500 rebuild both ends with new springs and valve kits (we remove the forks/shock and deliver to suspension guy and then re-install).

That seems a little pricey, Mark patterson in Rotorua did my forks on my old kdx with new springs, tech suspension valve kit and all new seals boots etc for just over $700 and the rear shock was about $250 for the rebuild and that was just dropping the bike off and letting him take care of it. He is also very well known and repected in the industry.

He also did my forks on my last KTM both times with excellent results.

[humai]

Got 2 prices of between 1200 and 1500 rebuild both ends with new springs and valve kits (we remove the forks/shock and deliver to suspension guy and then re-install).

I would think for a reputable suspension guy to revalve, reshim, rebuild with new springs, bushes and seals for both ends, that price range is about par for the course.

[dammad1]

I would think for a reputable suspension guy to revalve, reshim, rebuild with new springs, bushes and seals for both ends, that price range is about par for the course.

Mark patterson is extremely reputable and does alot of the top guys work, he is also mentioned in the DRD magazine quite regurally, he really knows his stuff and doesn't charge like a wounded bull.

[humai]

Mark patterson is extremely reputable and does alot of the top guys work, he is also mentioned in the DRD magazine quite regurally, he really knows his stuff and doesn't charge like a wounded bull.

I know he is - I'm the proud owner of a shock that has been serviced by him. That's not the point though...

You can't really compare a $250 "rebuild" of the shock with a complete rear shock job including new valve, shims and spring. The rear spring alone will probably run at around $150 - $250. The OP's son may be outside the optimum weight range of the stock spring rate, therefore requiring a different spring rate to stock.

I agree with you in that for a average weight guy (75 - 85KG), a new rear spring and revalving for the KDX shock is not as important as getting the front end sorted, especially the fork spring rate.

Ours is not to reason why until we know the rider's weight and riding style.

[cheese]

I've been told that if you throw a front end of a KX125 they make them magic. Maybe a KX125 frame and use your KDX motor. Or maybe that is just all gettign carried away.... LOL

[dammad1]

I know he is - I'm the proud owner of a shock that has been serviced by him. That's not the point though...

You can't really compare a $250 "rebuild" of the shock with a complete rear shock job including new valve, shims and spring. The rear spring alone will probably run at around $150 - $250. The OP's son may be outside the optimum weight range of the stock spring rate, therefore requiring a different spring rate to stock.

I agree with you in that for a average weight guy (75 - 85KG), a new rear spring and revalving for the KDX shock is not as important as getting the front end sorted, especially the fork spring rate.

Ours is not to reason why until we know the rider's weight and riding style.

Yeah thats right if you need a new rear spring that will set you back another $200, which is something I didn't need. So if the orginal price included that then its probably not to far off.

[Azzman]

I've been told that if you throw a front end of a KX125 they make them magic........ LOL

True and it gives you an usd fork which is way better in the ruts...:lol:

[F5 Dave]

I sold my KDX for a GasGas200, but it was an old model. I rode the newer ones & wasn't greatly impressed. A friend has modded his new KDX & it is pretty good I have to agree. But I'll keep the GG over it no question. Forks (esp Later Marzoc) do need a revalve to soften compression but not any expensive kit, Linton will sort it with shims very cheaply by comparison to a kit.

[dammad1]

True and it gives you an usd fork which is way better in the ruts...:lol:

Yeah that is one big problem with the KDX, the overhang is way to long.

[scott411]

you are right about the underhang, when you are racing a kdx they get in the way,

but $1200 for a suspension rebuild for them sounds over the top,

cheap fix is front for springs, about $225,

proper fix should be $800 tops,


as for the gas gas 200, very nice bike, in my opinion the best 200cc on the market, the parts problems are real as the importer is the worse for back up in the country, aussie is a good option, most comsumable parts are availble after market if your dealer has a brian, so it is not as bad as some people say,

ill put it this way tho, im racing a kdx200 in the tarawera 100 this year again,they are a very good bike, especailly for $7000 new

[dammad1]

you are right about the underhang, when you are racing a kdx they get in the way,

but $1200 for a suspension rebuild for them sounds over the top,

cheap fix is front for springs, about $225,

proper fix should be $800 tops,


as for the gas gas 200, very nice bike, in my opinion the best 200cc on the market, the parts problems are real as the importer is the worse for back up in the country, aussie is a good option, most comsumable parts are availble after market if your dealer has a brian, so it is not as bad as some people say,

ill put it this way tho, im racing a kdx200 in the tarawera 100 this year again,they are a very good bike, especailly for $7000 new

And obviously your no mug on a bike and you still choose to race them, and for $7000 grand new theres nothing else that can compete with that.

[Rupe]

as for the gas gas 200, very nice bike, in my opinion the best 200cc on the market, the parts problems are real as the importer is the worse for back up in the country, aussie is a good option, most comsumable parts are availble after market if your dealer has a brian, so it is not as bad as some people say,

A lot of the parts crossover, such as brakes, sprockets, air filters etc. Like you say you just need a dealer with a brain, or search the net.

The dealer/s I've tried in auckland have been shit, and not worth talking to. One quoted me over $700 for a piston kit!!!! The alternative is to get it from USA delivered in 5days for NZ$160. Or get it from Dirt Action Services for under $200 delivered. So far Dirt Action Services have had every little bit I've asked for in stock at a good price, no matter how unusal the part has been.

So, No I have not had a problem myself. My mate with his kdx has though!!

[raptorex]

The problem in NZ with GasGAs is that the spares are totally unsupported by the importer.They have absolutley no interest at all in providing spares or back up .There is one good thing though - a lot of gas gas parts come from other bikes.ie ec200 rod is a cr250.radiators are KTM.
Linton is really good value for parts.So is GasGas Australia.

[warewolf]

Sounds like I made a better call to go for the KTM 200EXC. Would've been happy with either, the KTM came up first once I had the cash from my old bike. Plus my KTM LBS is good and there's synergies with my 640 Adventure.

btw Linton estimated $700 to re-valve and re-spring both ends of either bike. When you start with good kit it only comes down to fine tuning the existing stuff. (At least I think that included springs, I don't need them 'cos I'm matched to KTM's OEM weights.) But add seals and bushes and that price would go up a few hundred dollars.

[marks]

Thanks guys for the feedback and info but it was all for no avail...

Glen (my older son) and I went on a wasted 1000k round trip to Hamilton yesterday to look at and hopefully buy (had folding stuff in our pockets) a 30hr ex conditition 2006 ec 200. It turned out most of those hours were serious enduro hours and there were dents on the frame, busted speedo from a tree, stuffed front wheel bearings and at least one stuffed back bearing along with damaged chain guide etc so no go ....

all was was easily fixable but it wasn't the lightly used minter we had hoped it would be.

looks like the KDX will get its suspension upgrade after all....

and I will ask a lot more questions before hopping in the car to look at a bike that looks 'as new' in tardme pictures :)

thanks again


Mark

[warewolf]

and I will ask a lot more questions before hopping in the car to look at a bike that looks 'as new' in tardme pictures :) I hate it when that happens :weep:

People are quick to use the word "mint" but it is meaningless. I've read ads where they say the vehicle is "mint" then go on to describe a rusting incomplete non-running unregistered wreck, "doer-upper's dream". Bizarre.

[Azzman]

Yea man...i have got burned like that also...and in hindsight you need to look at high res pics and get the guy to go over every little detail about the bike while on the phone...