200EC - Adult Beginner Bike?

[tommie d]

I too would like to join the 200 club. I am not a beginner. but at 46, 5'9", 190# I think this would be the perfect bike for me. I would like to do a few enduros and hare scrambles in the 200 C and/or C 45+ class next year. This year I need to get back in shape, find a bike and fit it to my needs, then practice, practice, practice.

Now for my questions: Do they even make a 200 for 2010? Gas Gas USA and the Gas Gas factory in Spain does not show one for 2010 but some of the dealers web sites do. Dreaming about a brand new bike but most likely just dreaming.
So on to a little older bike. What years should I stay away from? so to speak,
I'm thinking more like I should look for a 07-09. Can anyone tell me when big changes were made to the 200 ? from say 2004 to 2009.

Thanks!

[kim]

The EC200 would suit 80%+ of riders as the perfect bike. Just get it, if you need more power one day you can sell it for the same money.
I'll bet you a nice cold beer that you will not regret buying the EC200

Cheers
kim

[stainlesscycle]

Originally Posted by tommie d

,
I'm thinking more like I should look for a 07-09. Can anyone tell me when big changes were made to the 200 ? from say 2004 to 2009.

Thanks!

to the best of my knowledge, the big changes were in 07 with subframe/seat/plastics/rake. the motor has stayed the same since it's inception, aside from head change in 2001.

[jyellard]

My .02. I've been riding since I was 20, I'm now 31. I've never taken the opportunity to ride as often as many people on here, with school, career, and then children committments. 1-2 times per year I might race a harescramlbe in the C class. I'm trying to say that you can take my advice as advice from a relative beginner who has been riding for a while.

I started on a '97 Honda CR250, then went to an 01' WR150f, and now on a 2007 EC300. The CR hit way too hard for a beginner in the woods. I've never ridden the GG 200, but I suspect that it is relatively pipey and doesn't have much bottom end.

I suggest going with the GG300 or a 250f. The 300 will have more power than you will need, but you can put the dual ignition in "rain" mode and you'll have no troubles. The bottom end and relatively low hit makes the bike very easy to ride. A 250f is also easy to ride w/ manageable power, but doesn't have the extra power of the 300 when you want to spice things up.

[kcampbe]

Thanks all!

Here's the ad text of the EC200 I've been looking at.

For Sale: 2004 EC 200:
Rekluse Auto clutch (still have stock parts to convert back if not wanted)
Marzocchi Shiver forks
Ohlins Rear shock
Over sized IMS tank (also have stock tank)
Iron Man sproket
FMF Pipe and silencer
Bark busters
PG gripz graphics
guts seat
2 spare air filters
Scotts steering stabilizer tower.

Asking price is less than $2k. Pix look good.

I figure if it's not enough power I can hand it off to my 16 year old and step up after I get more seat time.

Yea or Nay?

[stainlesscycle]

i saw that one - looks decent, and lotsa extras already put into it... and if you don't like the rekluse you can always sell it... don't forget you're gonna end up with cash into revalving depending on how it was setup.

if you're looking cheap - there's a 03 ec250 in iowa for $1200....not a 200, but dirt cheap at that price.

[mwike]

I just got a EC200 and took it our yesterday for a ride. I'm 39, grew up on dirtbikes & just recently got back into dirtbiking. My last dirtbike was a KTM 200EXC about 5 years ago. I'm certainly no expert rider - I just ride for the fun of it.

Anyway, after one ride, the Gasser seems to be easier to ride than the KTM. The hit on this bike is much tamer thus making the bike easier to ride. I was much less tired after riding the Gasser. I hope this helps a little.

[tommie d]

Originally Posted by mwike

I just got a EC200 and took it our yesterday for a ride. I'm 39, grew up on dirtbikes & just recently got back into dirtbiking. My last dirtbike was a KTM 200EXC about 5 years ago. I'm certainly no expert rider - I just ride for the fun of it.

Anyway, after one ride, the Gasser seems to be easier to ride than the KTM. The hit on this bike is much tamer thus making the bike easier to ride. I was much less tired after riding the Gasser. I hope this helps a little.

What year is your 200? I'm looking at a 07, well just waiting on the taxman so I can go buy it.

[mwike]

Originally Posted by tommie d

What year is your 200? I'm looking at a 07, well just waiting on the taxman so I can go buy it.

It's an 04.

[Radbuster]

I want one too!