2008 200EC Cycle News review
 

Check out Cycle News' 2008 200EC review in their "on-line" edition, page 74/75.

http://www.cyclenews.com/testride/latestissue.html

(This article will only be available until March 18th)

Fine test. Will do a lot of good for Gasser in the US

Not bad. Did it have the correct (200 specific) pipe? That was a big difference in the UK test of the '07. Will there be a 200 specific FMF pipe as well? Also, someone should have installed the rear fender support/grab handle. Its neccessary for lifting the rear of bike in the woods without wrecking the fender or seat.

I noticed that the 08 300 I sat on the other day came with an FMF Gnarly, not the new GG SST. What gives? The Gnarly I had on my 99 sucked compared to the Doma or a Messico or especially compared to the oem 06 I have on the 02. Seems like a diservice to not put the beefy factory pipes on the new bikes. Just my .02

Paul B

They kind of went easy on the lack of low end compared to the KTM but that's what Billy Burns said as well on his 200 he's riding in the nationals. He mentioned Spain sent over a different cylinder, head and reed assy I think in an effort to improve the low end. Otherwise a nice little writeup and I liked what they say about the suspension feel. I thought the 08 seats were supposed to be allot better?


Skidad in MA

The FMF pipes were supposed to be designed like a Doma or GG pipe, but heavy like a Gnarly. Maybe its stamped Gnarly because its thicker. No way to tell unless its off the bike in your hands. A clone of the GG pipe would be fine with me.

Skidad, seats are a subjective thing. I don't think the '07 is any worse than an early PDS KTM, depends what your used to. The '08 edges are a little more round and its a bit wider, not sure about the foam. I'll take any advantage I can get for the old tailbone, otherwise I wouldn't even think about it.

The CycleNews test bike was most likely a 2007 200EC with 08 graphics only.

The two bikes are the same other then fork valving, which is improved for 08, sealed crank bearings, new seat design, which is much softer and rounder, and Bold New Graphics.