07 KTM 200 xcw vs 2011 gasgas 200 six days
 

I have read the other current 200 threads.

I had a KTM 300mxc and recently sold and got a 2011 GasGas ec300 race model. Love the GG ergos.
I also have a 2007 KTM 200 XC-W. I bought this bike with a blown motor(no oil in fuel) and rebuilt it using some of the shops recommended on KTMtalk. It's got the head modded by cycleplayground(squish set to 1.1mm), FMF gnarly and Q stealth silencer. AND I've spent some time on the jetting(currently loving the kawi needle). I think this bike(engine) rips from the bottom to the top. If I could change anything it would be to soften the bottom/first 1/8th a little(maybe throttle cam) to make it a little easier in the technical stuff.

Anyways I've been contemplating selling this KTM and getting a 2011 GasGas 200, but I'm concerned about the GG engine and if I can get it to run like my current KTM 200.(IE with head mod and some jetting work)

There is no reason you shouldn't be able to get the GG to run like the KTM. There may be some power characteristics that would be different due to ignition and pipe differences, but I'm certain you can make the same horsepower numbers. Back in '99 I got the first EC 200 anybody had ever seen in this area. My shop has a dyno and we compared my GG to a KTM 200. We were 4 HP short at that time, (29 to 33hp at the wheel). After head (squish), pipe, ignition timing, we had 35 HP. It was a rocket. In fact, the shop had a GG 250 at the time which had not yet been sold. The shop owner tested that '99 EC 250 on the same dyno and got 37HP. My 200 after mods was only two horsepower short. I know the 250's are much better than what they were back then, and I assume the 200 is too. I think I'd jump on it and have fun with the mods. For sure the '11 GG has a superior chassis/suspension setup than an '07 KTM.

I would think that any difference in the power between the two or possible short comings of the power of the GG 200 would be offset by the superior handling of the GG over the KTM.

I have a buddy with a 2007 KTM 200 that has had the suspension revalved by a prominent unnamed suspension shop here in the southeast and was not
pleased at all with the stock or reworked suspension. He won't even ride it because it handles like crap, his words. I made the mistake of letting him ride my 06 GG 250 and it showed him what a good handling bike was. I believe the difference is the KTM is a smaller chassis than the 250 GG (and subsequently, the 200GG) and the KTM tends to wander and not seem planted like a slightly heavier bike. I had an 03 200exc and never liked the
handling for it nervousness over rough ground.

I think the GG motor can be every bit as impressive as your KTM but with better handling traits.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

the problem in my opinion is that the EC200 Gasser has the same frame and suspension like the EC300.
The KTM has the frame from the EXC125 and this makes it much more fun than the bigger ones.

For begginers and smaller framed people I think all the bike makers are off the mark. A competent woods bike(good handling and suspension) with a seat height under 35 inches and wheelbase under 55 inches weighing under 215 pounds would appeal to most offroad riders at some point in their riding careers. All the bikes that fit those criteria are either under sprung, over weight, under powered, or too race oriented. Who wouldn't want a play bike with a 34 inch seat height, 55 inch wheelbase, 10-11 inches of suspension, torquey bullet proof motor, and weight under 200 pounds?

KTM Freeride 350. It is on it's way. It's sort of what the Pampera should have been. It's only $10,000! :eek:

the ktm 200 does this, very good beginner bike, I have an autoclutch and trials tire on mine, my wife loves it

it feels like a toy compared to a gasgas, the gasgas frame is significantly bigger, the 2006-2007 ktm 200's will turn under a gasgas, but they do not have high speed stability

I have never seen or ridden any KTM that could turn under a GG, period. Just sayin':cool: Well, maybe an 80cc KTM....

I'm going to get a Ossa Explorer for my play bike when they make it to the USA. 33" seat height, 164 lbs, 280 cc 2-stroke, with FI. I would think it will be a good turning bike. I know the GG bikes are. The KTM's .....not so much at least the two my son had and a 300 I had a brief ride on.

In defense of the KTM, a KTM will only work for it's own rider. That sounds funny, but you absolutely must have the sag set correctly, and I mean dead on, or else the bike won't turn. Each person is a different weight, so unless your riding buddy that has a KTM that works for him weighs exactly what you do, wears the same gear, carries the same amount of tools, and fills his drink system exactly the same, you will not like his KTM.