Calling EXC200 owners for opinions

[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-Mo...-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!

[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]

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.