Calling EXC200 owners for opinions

[camchain]

Thinking about options for next bike. Along lines of WR250f or EXC200. Tending towards EXC200 at present as should be cheaper to maintain (?)

Been trolling Trademe for a while, have the impression gearbox might be a bit on the fragile side (Are they a 125 gearbox?). Also a bit leary of PDS suspension. Magazine tests often seem to dislike and seem to be fussy to set up. Danger? Any thoughts/impressions appreciated...

Forgot to ask. Any idea of bottom end performance compared to 250f. (I tend to short shift in rough ground for better drive/less deflection off stuff)

My height and weight just under 6' and 80 odd kgs. Budget 6 or 7k. Experience is 9 years on dirt bikes with the odd club MX about 20 yrs ago and 1 year on the KLX as born again.

Excellent info and feedback. Thanks guys, What a great thing this forum is!

[Ktmboy]

Having owned an EXC200 I would consider your height/weight to be one of the most important factors. The exc is designed for up to the 80kg type. I rode mine at 90kg and whilst really good it did struggle on hill climb sections.

Apart from that I had no problems with either gearbox nor suspension after 180 plus hours.

[ali-s]

Hi Camchain,
Not a KTM 200 owner but I traded from a '04 KLX300 to a 2 stroke a couple of months ago (Gas Gas EC 125 to be precise) - don't regret it for one minute, the Gasser will haul me (approx 80 kgs in riding gear) absolutely anywhere all day - have a riding mate with a KTM 400 4T and we bang bars all round enduro loops - in the tight stuff the light weight of the 2T will have you grinning from ear to ear - i imagine the KTM200 is around the same weight - but can't comment on the gear box or Shock set up. One thing to bear in mind coming from the tough as a mule KLX is the maintenence on the 2T will not actually be any cheaper once you factor in 2T pre-mix, you still have to change the gear box oil fairly regularly, clean air filters + keep an eye on pistons,rings etc - OH, and be prepared for a sore ass after leaving your comfy armchair KLX seat for a new slim line enduro plank of wood :yes:

[marks]

have you considered something like this?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-147368784.htm

[ali-s]

have you considered something like this?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-147368784.htm

That looks a primo deal (depending on where the 'nearest offer' bit would end up !) - on the suspension thing (again can't compare to a KTM) but the Ohlins rear/marzzochi shiver front setup on the Gassers is bloody sweet as......

[Rupe]

That looks a primo deal (depending on where the 'nearest offer' bit would end up !) - on the suspension thing (again can't compare to a KTM) but the Ohlins rear/marzzochi shiver front setup on the Gassers is bloody sweet as......

And the engine is built the same as the 250, and 300.

Bikesport in helensville is my local gasgas dealer, but unless you like being raped in the arse deliverance style. Go to Dirt Action Services, they are cheap and helpful, totally the oposite from Bikesport really.

[camchain]

Good point on size/weight KTMboy I think I'd fit a 200 pretty well. 06 EXC on trademe at moment 'set up for 90kg rider.' Judging by silverware in box behind bike has been ridden pretty hard - and has had gearbox bearings done.

Ali S, Sorry I didn't clarify maintenance, was thinking 2t to modern 4t. Don't remind me about saying goodbye to comfy bumfondler KLX seat! Screwed up lumbar disc and crushed vertebra = constant reminder. Luckily I stand up 90% of time now

RE: GG200 on trademe

Yeah, I quite like the gassers, and have oggled this one. but resale seems sketchy and this new 06 doesn't fit current spending plan, = around 6 or $7000. Plastics also look a bit below par on GG (self tappers to attach etc?)

Test rode an XR400 at Bike Sport before buying KLX and looked at an ex isde Gasser 250. Guy Seemed pretty good but I generally prefer to avoid arse rape where possible, especially without a bit of foreplay. Where are Dirt Action Rudecopp?

Thanks again all.

[cheese]

And the engine is built the same as the 250, and 300.

Bikesport in helensville is my local gasgas dealer, but unless you like being raped in the arse deliverance style. Go to Dirt Action Services, they are cheap and helpful, totally the oposite from Bikesport really.

So can you get a 250 or 300 cylinder new piston and pop it on? I was told you can do that to teh EXC's

LOL at bikesport. I sold them a coffee machine years ago and they just took ages to pay and I had to go see tehm about 10 times to adjust the fucker!

[Rupe]

RE: GG200 on trademe

Yeah, I quite like the gassers, and have oggled this one. but resale seems sketchy and this new 06 doesn't fit current spending plan, = around 6 or $7000. Plastics also look a bit below par on GG (self tappers to attach etc?)

Test rode an XR400 at Bike Sport before buying KLX and looked at an ex isde Gasser 250. Guy Seemed pretty good but I generally prefer to avoid arse rape where possible, especially without a bit of foreplay. Where are Dirt Action Rudecopp?

Thanks again all.

Dirt Action are in Christchurch, but they have been really good to deal with. They also get most of the parts to you within a few days and cheaper than the states, inc postage.

Yeah the plastics are pretty shit, self tappers are not the best. And the messico pipe is a bit thin, apart from that they are all good (but i'd be bias).

Ktm's do have a better resale it seems though, gasser are cheaper to buy 2nd hand which was why I got one.

[andy 101]

diailing in a new exc 250 2 stroke over previous rmz 450, for cross country, why I did not do this sooner I do not know, fucking awsome, just so light and nimble though the tight bush, and so much fun, 4 strokes are going down.

[Danger]

Personally all the Gas Gas bikes I have ridden have felt like an old TT250 trailbike handling wise, but thats just me so no offence to you Gas Gas riders.
Don't be put of by the PDS shock Camchain. Don't believe the magazines they do not understand KTM suspension set up for the most part and generally they rubbish the MX models more than the off road bikes. Like a lot of bikes they can be improved upon but the forks need more work than the PDS shock for off road use. A lot of people are happy with them stock but they just don't know any better.
I will say that my KTM200EXC is the bike that I've owned the longest out of any of my bikes and has been the most reliable, easy to work on, most fun and most versatile out of any of them. And I still enjoy every ride on it.

[Rupe]

Personally all the Gas Gas bikes I have ridden have felt like an old TT250 trailbike handling wise,

Shit, I didn't know those old tt's handle mint too!

[tnarg]

I took my mates 300 gas gas for a spin and the suspension felt wierd actually the whole bike felt kinda old school and its the same year as mine, I didn't like it but everyones different eh. He's selling and going for the KTM. :2thumbsup

[camchain]

Copy that Danger. I always thought the issue was a problem getting a progressive action with the PDS and I think I read the new KTMs have the bottom shock mount moved back quite a bit? Bloke who changed from from SX to RMZ told me the PDS would blow right through the stroke and kick up going hard through whoops. (Obviously this is not definitive testing and I try to keep an open mind always)

RE forks. Yeah same again magazines testers often not happy with fork action as well. Seems damping a bit quirky? I have to confess I haven't even checked the sag on current ride but intend to sort next one properly. What would you suggest Danger and sorry to ask, but how long is a piece of string? (Rough idea on $? for a solid improvement)

Some might say it's not worth the trouble/expense of suspension sorting for a rider of average ability, but my view is the average rider would probably benefit even more than an expert.

Years ago I spent a day at the local track by myself and went through a range of suspension adjustments and was able to get a very noticable improvement especially on one particular section I was having trouble with, so I'm sold on the concept. The obvious problem sorting suspension on a dirt bike is the huge variance in terrain! A setup perfect for Riverhead will likely be too soft for the MX track at the Sandpit. Having said that I've read the odd article by Robert Taylor and the main impression is production stuff is made to a price and big improvements can be had. Anyone who has put their hand on the shock reservoir after a hard ride just knows that thing is fading and internals/oil is taking a beating!

Thanks again for the input, I'm an information pig and I love to wallow...

[Danger]

Yes straight rate springs with a too short of a needle that engages the secondary piston too late has been a problem for the SX bikes over the years. A shock that blows through its stroke to easilly will kick because that stored energy has to go somewhere. Too much HS damping also doesn't help.

As for the forks on the EXC models they tend to run too light a spring with too much reliance on the base valve (passive damping). The fork builds too much speed before the mid valve kicks in (active damping) if at all, and suddenly the air spring kicks in, you hit a tree root or sharp edge and bang you feel the shock transmission right through the bars.
They can be re worked to work well in both Woodhill, Harrisville and Riverhead. Your welcome to try my bike sometime although I have it setup a little stiffer than for most peoples use.

If you want to talk $ you are talking business and that is best done over the phone and depends on level of performance and diversaty desired.

[Reckless]

HI mate,
We just bought an 03 200exc to replace my sons CR125. I liked it so much I sold my CR250 to get one as well. Am waiting for an 08 200exc to come off lease though some of my contacts. Should have it in about 8 or so weeks when the 09 models come out.
Re suspension. Its my opinion that with any new bike, reserve a few hundred to make it how you like it. Every-ones riding is different and every bike is different. Its money well spent after Danger did my CR250 it was primo and much better from when I got it. I'm just waiting to get the 08 ktm200 so I can swap the springs over if I need to, then I'll take them both in to him to get them set up for our type of riding and our body weights. I'm 95 kg with my gear on and my son is quite a bit lighter.
Now to how the 03 rides. I think its set up for a heavy rider anyway looking at the spring so it rides not so plush as my CR after Danger finished with it. So for a heavier rider I think its fine. Heaps of power too. But in saying that its better than the CR even without anything being done to it. And after Danger has a go at it, it will be awesome!
It's a 125 size frame with pretty near as much power as my CR. A good rider would simply fly on one of these though the trails. Its a very underrated bike. Put it this way I'm so pleased with it, I'm keeping the 03 for Ben, sold my CR250 and getting an 08 200exc for me. Bloody great bike don't know why everyone is going for big engine size, I reckon this bike will outride most out there!
Re bikes on Tard me. There was an 07 Ktm200 sold recently for $6500, nice bike, good price too. But my bloody CR sold a week after it was sold rather than before so I missed out on that one. The guy on tard me with the 06 is on for 5500 start and he wants $6500-00 that's way to much. And it looks quite rough! Might pay to wait for the 09 models to come out there might be a few good buys out there with people trading up. Although I have noticed the 200's sit for a while, they don't seem to turn over fast, as most people don't realise how light they are, and good they go, and want 250's and 300's. But for my level of riding a 125 size frame and 250 horse power hits the spot nicely.

[camchain]

Excellent explanation thanks Danger. I get the feeling that tweaking the mid valve might help but not deal with the underlying spring problem = $. Crude KLX fork has similar mid-stroke step, no transition. Spring too soft as well.

Feeling a bit hesitant about ringing/bugging you for more free advice about modifying a bike I dont own yet. I think I have a rough idea on how much to factor in. That's an incredibly generous offer of a ride on yours. Trying to get around to sorting KLX for sale and avoid going on rides so may not see you!

Seems like a piece of string can be very long! found this interesting. Note full retail price (SX factory suspension) $12k:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Suspension/auction-152931633.htm

So impressed with info and feedback I'm getting thanks everyone for taking the time.

Reckless: Found an old Kiwi Rider mag 03 test. Seemed 03 got some good updates. Notable mention was exc200 getting holeshot on earlier Tarawera100. That's saying something on a big paddock like that. Years ago did an MX where 2 guys on IT200s kept jumping out 1st and second every start that day. I did my best 3rd gear start on my IT250 and finally got in behind them but couldn't keep up. I never forgot that. I'm planning on 06-07, wish I could afford a new one like yours - I'm vibing off your excitement though.
I think I saw that 07 when I started looking - yeah seemed like a real good buy especially now. Pickings have been worryingly slim since then.
Better get back to work, feeling motivated for a change. Uncle Helen's tax vultures cleaned out bank account and snatched bike purchase money - oops.

[Reckless]

oh I can far from afford a new one and am really pushing it for the 08. You see by the time I get it it will be last years model. It is leased by someone now, so its not new! Prob be 50 or so hours on it! He just gets a new bike every year and his company pays the lease. That's why I have to wait. IF and I mean IF I can score this one I have to wait till the 09's come in. Not that I mind! I'd probably always try and save a few grand and buy last years one as full retail is way to big for me. Last years model is fine for me anyway. I'm an architectural designer and do plans for people, my printer copier A3 laser Bizhub thing just blew up so that cost me a few grand to replace so I know how you feel about the bike budget disappearing!!

[camchain]

Cheers Reckless, yes at 12 odd thou for a new one it's not a lightweight purchase.

Still keen on getting some idea on what these things are light re bottom end pep. For example, tiptoeing up a greasy root infested Riverhead hill, or popping the front up over a lip at lower revs? Last time I rode a 200 2t (PE200-or175?) was many years ago and it NO bottom end.

[cheese]

Personally I think that my next bike will be the EXC 300 so I have electric start! only just turned 30 adn I'm already being an old man......

[Reckless]

NO problem with bottom end power on these. Actually have a little trouble keeping the front down when starting up a steep hill. I'm playing with the adjustable power valve now to get it how I want. So heaps of torque down low! You will think its a hare compared to the elephant the KLX300 is. Not wanting to critisize your KLX but even I noticed the difference between the CR250 and the 125 size KTM.

Cheese I'd try the 200 as well. Big CC's don't mean fast. In the short time I've been riding MX I have learnt that lesson.

[cheese]

Na I just want electric start.

[camchain]

Sounds great Reckless. Really looking forward to getting into one of these now. RE: LeckyLeg. Reckon probably doesn't add much weight to a 2t (less stuff to turn over) but when I compare the diff between CRF250X to R we're talking 14kg! (Obviously not all e start weight, but still) E button can be super handy but having to cart all that extra weight around for the 0.001% of time involved starting... Reckon the 200 would probably start with a loud belch directed at kickstart.

[Danger]

No need for electric start on a 200. Sounds like Cheese has got himself a mangina!:devil2:

[Danger]

Personally I think that my next bike will be the EXC 300 so I have electric start! only just turned 30 adn I'm already being an old man......

Hope you have your deposit down. The '08 models sold out real quick and left many people dissapointed. Although there are still a few around for the serious people but don't expect any deals.

[jimmy 2006]

:lol: cheesy mangina!

[cheese]

LOL thats not nice! cunts..... LOL

I won't be getting a new one and I won't be gettign another bike for freaking years..... The CR will be a keeper for many many years. The next bike I get will be a something 50 for Jack.

[gearte]

09 200/300exc arrive september.08 shortage was due to parts supplier to ktm not being able to supply enough components.NZ and OZ only got half there indent order.
Just a note on the 300 starter motor.They are not designed for continual use,only a aid.......

[Danger]

Yeah heard of many of the starters crapping out. Along with the 300 pipes splitting open continually lol! Very dissapointed in KTM not standing behind the pipes.