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-   -   Year to year changes - my next bike (http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23902)

sled_fiend 09-18-2018 10:29 PM

Year to year changes - my next bike
 
I need some advice. I have a 2005 DE200 which I've rebuilt and turned over to my wife and I've been riding my backup bike (88 KTM 250). I've had fun with the old left hand kick KTM but I'm kind of over tinkering with it and am ready for a newer bike. I'm a trail rider and not a particularly fast one so I'm not looking for the fastest bike but rather the one that handles great and is light and nimble feeling. I really like riding technical trails and have some interest in hare scrambles or amatuer enduro but nothing real competitive.

I love that DE200 so I'm basically wanting to get a newer version of it. I've tried to find a run down of the changes and updates through the years to the Gas Gas EC but I haven't really found much. Here's what I have found:

2007 - body work update not sure about performance upgrades
2010 - another styling change, frame, suspension and engine updates but not really sure how all this translates on the trail
2011 -six days edition available (2010 also) not sure what difference is
2012 - maybe a year to avoid due to reliability problems?
2013 - first year for e start
2015&17 - new suspension, no 200 available
2018 - all new, no 200

I actually think the new 200 EC Ranger would be perfect for me I just have a hard tIme justifying that much of my family budget for a new bike when I can get something really nice for half price.

My question for you all is, which year EC200 should I try to find?

I appreciate any input and experience.

Thanks

Jakobi 09-18-2018 11:48 PM

If you liked the geometry and handling of the old chassis a 2007-2011 model would be the go! and could be had for next to nothing out of the pocket too.

2012 had plastic subframes and a few odd bits. I'd probably skip.

2013 is a solid chassis, sharing a lot of parts with the 2014-17 models.

2018-19 are verrry nice.

That's from someone who has put 300+hrs on a 2010 model, 200+hrs on a 2013, and just taken owner ship of a 2018, yet to put any hrs on it; all 250cc though.

The chassis feel different between them all. Have pro's and con's. Depends a lot on personal preference. One thing for sure though, the newer ones are much nicer to work on.

Anders 09-19-2018 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sled_fiend (Post 185832)
Here's what I have found:

2007 - body work update not sure about performance upgrades
2010 - another styling change, frame, suspension and engine updates but not really sure how all this translates on the trail
2011 -six days edition available (2010 also) not sure what difference is
2012 - maybe a year to avoid due to reliability problems?
2013 - first year for e start
2015&17 - new suspension, no 200 available
2018 - all new, no 200


My question for you all is, which year EC200 should I try to find?

Thanks

I don't know about the US, but here in Europe there was 200cc in at least 14 and 15. I have a 2015 EC200 and my previous bike was a 06 EC200. I prefer the 15. So my advice would be to search for a 11 model if you really like the old, smaller chassis and a 13-15 (or 17) if you'd like a somewhat bigger, more modern chassis.

GasGas 09-19-2018 06:37 AM

I would look for a really clean 2011. That was the most advanced and most reliable bike of that generation. I put 350 plus hours on mine. Sherco also makes great 2 strokes and I would consider a 2015 and up in a Sherco. I have over 300 hours on the Sherco's and they are great bikes. They are a very easy transition from a GasGas and although don't come in a 200, the dual map makes the 300 pretty soft. I called it the 200 button. It works that well. Great when you tire out. But in the end there is nothing as nice as a new bike! I have just purchased a new 300 GasGas. You shoudln't rule out a 300, especially if you ride hilly terrain. The lug factor makes easy work of hill climbs. It sounds like you have the experience to ride one and they can also be tamed with jetting changes.

sled_fiend 09-19-2018 10:04 AM

So 2011 is the best of the "old generation" (200x-2011) and 2013 starts the "new generation". How is the riding characteristics different of the 2013+ from the 2011 and older?

Also, what is the difference between the six days edition and the normal EC?

The only 300 I've ridden I'd a 2007? KTM and I did like the power and tractability so I'm not necessarily ruling out an EC300 I just have this notion that the 200 will feel lighter but maybe that's just perception. 300s do seem to be easier to find also.

Danj56 09-19-2018 11:36 AM

Six days comes with Ohlins rear shock and Marzocchi forks and a couple of extras, larger rear brake reservoir. Motor and frame are the same. EC comes with Sach suspension in 2011

Neil E. 09-19-2018 12:20 PM

2011 was the first year for estart. After reading this forum I was sold on GG because many riders were very happy with their older machines. I like the fact that the older GG (up to 2011) is slightly more compact than other makes.

I was originally thinking about a KDX 220 as a good woods machine. The GG 250 is the closest in performance with some extra torque and better suspension.

A 2011 with a KYB fork swap would be ideal for woods riding. I would stay clear of the 2012 models. 2013 to 2017 maybe fine. A 2018 and newer 250 with some changes to soften the power would be close in feel to a 200.

I'd say the choice is 2011 (or 2018).

(F5) 09-19-2018 02:01 PM

It's funny, I almost wrote, my 02 200 was perfect for me. Not too big or heavy, easy to start. I wanted for nothing more. My mates rode my bike and went off and bought GG. I rode a mates not too old 07 300.
I didn't want to give it back. I could see no disadvantages. I had to buy one.

GasGas 09-19-2018 05:46 PM

All 3 displacements are great bikes IMO. They all do things slightly different, but the 300 requires the least amount of work.

(F5) 09-19-2018 08:13 PM

Yes it suits my flaling-legs-startled-look style.


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