05 EC 200-first ride!
 

First ride on my new to me 2005 EC 200 DE. I only rode it for about an hour and a half but the bike is awesome!

At first I was a little worried about buying it but not anymore!

First thing that scared me was the sound. My friend has an YZ400 and the way that the sounds carries is nothing like the GG. No more worries.

Second thing was keeping the bike going in the slow stuff. No worries! Very easy too ride and didn’t foul a plug.

Things that need to be replaced/fixed:
-Levers –the guy cut the balls off the ends to fit in the hand guards which made it hard to grip in the wet conditions.
-sprockets and chain
-Rear brake lever rubbing on the clutch cover. The lever doesn’t look bent and I’m not sure how thick that cover is.

Other than those 3 things the bike is great! Can’t wait to ride it this weekend!

Glad you like it.

Me too!

The bike can dice through the trees and has the legs to run when the trail opens up. Feels very light and narrow. Love how the tank is low in the frame. I had a CRF250x and the GG feels 100x more manageable on the trail! The GG reminds me of my old KLX300. The KLX was great through the trees and it didn't feel as heavy as the CRF. Not sure this is making sense...guess I need to go out and ride it again. :D

For the levers try plastidip,, for like 5 bucks a can(homedepot/lowes) you can coat the levers like the good pliers come. Makes them much nicer,,
Steve

I cut the ball off my clutch lever for room also, and use friction tape. I like the way it sticks to my glove, makes it easy to be on the clutch when getting knocked around on a technical climb.

How does it compare to the KTM 200 engine-wise? I've heard that the GG200 lacks torque down low.

Rick

Not sure. Never ridden a KTM. Check the KTM web forum.

I had an 03 ktm 200 that I could never figure out how to ride adn also test rode an 05 GG200 extensively in hte fall of 05. For me the GG was superior. Handled much better and power delivery was totally sweet for the woods. I did not remember any issues about torque. The 03 ktm was too abrupt, very racey did not handle for crap.

KTM vs.Gasser
 

Im a long way from anything but a every day consumer and my un-educated opnion should be taken at that, I can say that i got off a 200 exc and onto a 200ec of the same year(01) and its light years ahead of the KTM what little lower grunt you leave on the table youll gain ten fold in the ride"ITS JUST A FASTER BIKE. Im not monkey butted dragging ass tired after a 40 to 50 mile ride in Michigans tight single track. Don:

nhrider. Will you post your 200 jetting specs. That way we can link the newb's in the right direction when their looking for help.