200 EXC vs KDX200

**Devil** · 19th July 2010, 10:29

Guys, help me out here.
I'm looking to spend around the 4-4.5k mark for one of the above bikes. From what I can see I can pick either one up in that range, that's about 2004-2005 model.
What do I need to look out for here?

I see that the KTM appears to have superior suspension, but is it any less reliable?

Anything help is much appreciated. I appear to have been bitten by the dirt bug after a ride at woodhill on Sat with my TTR600, i just want something 50kg lighter!

**Reckless** · 19th July 2010, 11:08

I've had 3 x Ktm200exc's and found them excellent in the reliability stakes. The thing has never let me down and I'm still even running the original plug? Starts first kick 99% of the time, pulls like a 14 year old school boy down low and you can still whang it like a 125.

My motors have all been really strong and I've only changed pistons because I thought I should. Danger (Proride suspension) says he got 400 hours out of a piston in his 02 200exc. Its easy on gas and easy on sprockets etc. Light to pick up and skips through the trees etc

Parts prices have been quite good as well, a piston kit was $360 with all the gaskets, base, head, pin and bearings etc.
I think if you want a bike you can go fast on the Exc would be the choice over the KDX.

I'd buy the Ktm if only for the adjustable power valve if I where you, its quite simple, but a trick set up with progressive boost ports as well. You can make it deliver power just how you want with the turn of a spanner.

Now bring on the Kiwibiker Ktm hater's club!!

Oh Btw: Just for your info the 125 and 200 share the same chassis and the 250 and 300 have the larger frame which is why I went for the 200.

Have a read of this: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ghlight=Ktm200

**Crisis management** · 19th July 2010, 11:31

What Reckless said......

The KDX doesn't compare, they are a great starter bike but the KTM is a lot better bike, more suspension and power (and orange).

Flick me a PM if you want a ride on the 200EXC and we can meet at Woodhill (we can probably persuade Chris to come too...)

**Devil** · 19th July 2010, 11:39

Well looks like the EXC is the way to go.
One question though. I am a dirt novice. I dont need bags of power, but something that can be sort of flexible (that adjustable power valve sounds good).
Would you still recommend the EXC to a dirt noob?

**barty5** · 19th July 2010, 13:12

exc 200 = modern day kdx200

**krad_nz** · 19th July 2010, 13:43

If both bikes are the same price I'd go for the EXC200. More modern package for your money.
I own a KDX200 2006 and have been happy with bit, but its old tech now. Front suspension is pretty soft. However, this isn't going to be a problem for a beginner.
I haven't been on a EXC200 though.

I think for the right price a KDX200 is still a good choice for a beginner. It will probably last you a couple of years before the front end starts to slow you down.

**clint640** · 19th July 2010, 14:06

Originally Posted by Devil

Well looks like the EXC is the way to go.
One question though. I am a dirt novice. I dont need bags of power, but something that can be sort of flexible (that adjustable power valve sounds good).
Would you still recommend the EXC to a dirt noob?

A total n00b might be better off on the KDX, but anyone that has done a bit of riding of any type should get a handle on the EXC quite quickly. It's not a night & day difference at low- medium pace, the EXC is just a bit of a sharper edged version of the same weapon.

Cheers
Clint

**camchain** · 19th July 2010, 14:30

Horses for courses really. I was away from dirt bikes for 20+ years and bought a KLX300 (Couldn't be bothered with extra premix hassle), then moved to an EXC200 after a year. Simply no need for fancy stuff to start, and once riding improves, you'll really appreciate the difference moving to higher spec machine.

KTM works best ridden hard as it was designed to do. I found it a much more demanding bike to ride after the easy-peasy KLX, I'm glad I didn't start with it.

I rode a KDX not long ago and was real surprised at the difference to EXC. (To me anyway) KDX felt heavy and nowhere near as flickable or sharp handling as KTM. Plusher KDX suspension was nice over tree roots though, and also a good advantage for learning/slower riding pace. More comfy KDX seat a big plus too, because as a learner you'll be sitting down a lot (more than you should lol).

Power-wise, couldn't say much, as was riding in trees. Don't want to step on Reckless's toes but my EXC is stroppy due to worn Power Valve control arm down near governer (common wear item). Adjustment makes bugger all diff on mine, I just live with it. Better jetting made a big difference in power delivery though.

Another thing to keep in mind - while looking for mine I saw a few EXC200s with gearbox work at low-ish hours. Reckon 200 GBs might be a bit 125-ish in construction, but seem OK if not brutalised.

The average KDX might possibly have had an easier life than average EXC? Probably especially important for intro to dirt to get a mechanically good bike regardless of type. Dirt bikes need a lot of maintenance.

**Reckless** · 19th July 2010, 15:27

Look I don't want to come across being to pro Ktm, I only have them because Yamaha and the others left smokers behind.
So I will only relate our experience, not what I think, but what we actually did.

Two things I've noticed in the preceding posts
1/- Ridability for a beginner.
My son started on a Cr125, good bike but bloody awful for what we wanted in a bike, Having to constantly clutch it through the trees etc. I didn't want him on the next step up a CR250 which I had, so I got him an 03 Ktm200. Once I had read up about it we took it out and dialed the power valve back until he felt it was right for him. A full turn and a bit back actually, it was as flat as a turd but it meant he could concentrate on his riding not fighting the bike. He now is using std settings (full power) and we can turn it up a bit more for more snappy response. And I could change it in about 30secs when I wanted to ride it!
After riding a 125 size bike with good low down torque my Cr lasted about 6 months and I bought an 03 200 exc as well, then upgraded to an 08. Which will do me until direct injection or whatever comes along, I could train for another year or five and not be able to out ride this bike.
Btw the 08 on has a softer power delivery than the earlier years which are more 2stroky on power. The 08 year on climb better and tractor better. They are as close as a smoker might get, but still not as good as a four stroke.
Well if it helps at all that's our story on rideability, you make the decision.

2/-Suspension
No matter what you buy KDX or KTM set aside enough money to get the suspension set for your weight and/or valved for your preference. The difference is huge imho.

Last word! Dunno how long you have been on road bikes Devil but I just spent 3 years unlearning every damn road bike instinct built up of 30 years! I thought it would be an advantage but I found it a very big draw back, I so wish I had ridden MX first!

Have fun out there no matter what you get!!

**Expert** · 19th July 2010, 18:34

It's unfair on the kwacker to compare them.

Exc, blisteringly good bike.

**mattnzl** · 19th July 2010, 18:35

I rode a mates (98 or 99) 200exc when I was looking to get back into riding. My previous bike was an 80's XR 200, and the KTM freaked me out a bit and I thought it would be too much for me to handle. I understand newer exc's are a bit more linear power delivery.
So bought an old KDX200 as a starter bike. However, now I have had a few months on the KDX I'd like to try the KTM again & I'm sure it wouldn't seem nearly so hard to handle.

I don't regret buying the KDX, but it was a cheapy $1400 bike that I won't feel too burned if I trash it a bit while learning! (hence my add looking for a new pipe... ahem!).

Keeping an eye out for an upgrade bike now, but still having heaps of fun on the KDX. Did the Bay Honda ride last weekend & it was brilliant & I don't yet find the kdx to be lacking too much even with a nackered pipe.

**Rupe** · 19th July 2010, 18:38

Originally Posted by Devil

Guys, help me out here.
I'm looking to spend around the 4-4.5k mark for one of the above bikes. From what I can see I can pick either one up in that range, that's about 2004-2005 model.
What do I need to look out for here?

I see that the KTM appears to have superior suspension, but is it any less reliable?

Anything help is much appreciated. I appear to have been bitten by the dirt bug after a ride at woodhill on Sat with my TTR600, i just want something 50kg lighter!

Ridden both (kdx a fair bit) and they are both fine for a learner.

ktm might cost a bit more on parts to a kdx, but both won't cost much to run per year.

I find kdx's too big and clumsy for what they are, get the ktm it's a much better updated effort at the same sort/style of bike.

**tommorth** · 19th July 2010, 22:53

Have owned both and agree with most of whats said here, the kdx power is softer than the ktm but it is a far less precise machine , would be a much better bike for following the kids around on though.

i've seen top end kits for the 200 for around 200bucks on trademe so parts arnt really that expensive.

**camchain** · 20th July 2010, 20:19

You're alright Reckless, no harm in being enthusiastic about a great bike. No right answers, just different ways at looking at things. That's why KB is good.

My 2c on parts, I've found prices to be mostly cheaper than last bike. Chain guide bits were like half the price. That nifty little CNC'ed plug on the end of muffler I thought might be about $30 or $40 was only $15. On the other hand, rear guard much dearer being one piece with number side panels. Sexy looking, but stupid when you smash 'em.