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General Discussions & Announcements General Announcements, General Questions, e.g. What bike do I buy?, etc.


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Old 10-02-2006, 10:47 AM
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Default Part 2: My next bike will be a ...

A while back, I posted a thread about buying a 4T bike for dual-sporting. Well, I have decided that there's no 4T in my future plans. I love the simplicity of 2T bikes with their low cost, ease of maintenance, and being great singletrack bikes.

For dual-sporting/commuting short distances to work, my current 2001 bike will fit the bill perfectly... it's street legal, reliable, and carrying a bit of premix oil in a bottle is no big deal.

So I have a new dilema for my next bike... will it be a 200 or 300?
Here are some of the thoughts running around my brain:

Option 1) A DE or EC200 would be a blast to ride on tight singletrack. Unfortunately, it does not appear that GasGas will not offer a 200 bike in 2007. Is this true? If yes, then I would have to find either a 2006 or older GG model... or switch to the dark side and buy a pumpkin bike.

Option 2) If I buy a 200, I could also convert my 250 into a 300 which improves dual-sporting and gives me the best of both worlds... a big bike and little bike. Since I plan to redo the topend this winter, now may be a great time to convert my bike into a 300.

Option 3) Scrap the 200 idea and just buy a new 300. Keep my 250 "as-is" and enjoy either a 2006 or 2007 300 bike as my primary ride. A 2006 model would allow for more part swapping if needed in emergencies. However, the 2007's does offer some new advantages... stronger subframe, air filter attachment, seat attachment. However, I really dislike the 2007 graphics (a minor thing).

Option 4) With either the 200 or 300, do I buy another DE or try something new like an EC? An EC sounds nice with the heavier flywheel and better power output for lights. Of course, the DE's are nice with their racier feel and ability to tailor the flywheel weight to suit your needs.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Anyone want to corrupt my mind and offer any suggestions.


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Old 10-02-2006, 01:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattR View Post
For dual-sporting/commuting short distances to work, my current 2001 bike will fit the bill perfectly... it's street legal, reliable, and carrying a bit of premix oil in a bottle is no big deal.
Except some people might be wondering what funky cologne you are wearing.
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Old 10-02-2006, 01:32 PM
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If you are considering a 200, you should look at (and preferably test ride) a 125. They are amazing in the woods, and are actually fairly economical to own (they are easy on brakes, tires, chains, etc). GasGas does make a good 125. Regarding EC vs DE, riding in the woods is about smoothness and using momentum, quick revving is of little use.
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Old 10-02-2006, 01:34 PM
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The 200 is still offered.
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Old 10-02-2006, 07:28 PM
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The 250 is hard to beat, you really can't go wrong. Does everything pretty well. Whatever I get I have to keep for a few years, so the 250 is a safe bet. 300s can tire you out faster as they have more instant pull off the bottom, although I havn't tried a new one in the "rain" position. They do vibrate a little more though.

The GG 125 is rare but an excellent 125 when set up right. Very durable. There is a huge difference in weight feel between the 125 and the 200.
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Old 10-02-2006, 08:32 PM
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The GG 125 is rare but an excellent 125 when set up right. Very durable. There is a huge difference in weight feel between the 125 and the 200.
Does the 200 use the same chassis as the 125? I thought it was but maybe I'm mistaken.

Is the weight difference you mention due to the extra engine inertia?
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Old 10-02-2006, 08:34 PM
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The 200 is still offered.
Thanks, that is good to know. At least I can stay with GG's in case I go the 200 route.
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Old 10-02-2006, 09:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattR View Post
Does the 200 use the same chassis as the 125? I thought it was but maybe I'm mistaken.

Is the weight difference you mention due to the extra engine inertia?
As far as I know, the 125 has a 125 specific frame and motor. The 125 is quite a bit lighter, and feels even lighter with the reduced spinning crank and gear mass. As a rider that loves everything from a 125 to a big block 4T, I can tell you that the 125's are very underrated.
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Old 10-03-2006, 04:09 AM
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So I got into a huge argument about KTM EXC's vs. the FSE for nothing.

OK, I think you're somewhat crazy, as I am sold on a 4T for Dual Sport use, but you have a plan and want some input. Regarding the big bike little bike theory, my friend has a 200XC and a 300DE. He convinced his wife to let him keep the 200, he was going to ride it in the tight stuff. Now it sits most of the time, he has been corrupted by the 300's nice power. The difference in handling nimbleness in the tight stuff to him is negated by the torque of the 300.

Can you ride other peoples bikes? That is the best way to solidify what you like and don't like.
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Old 10-03-2006, 04:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawkeye View Post
So I got into a huge argument about KTM EXC's vs. the FSE for nothing.
Nope, the KTM 525EXC would make a great dual-sporter. I just took a hard look at my true needs and I would end up dual-sporting much less. I want my next bike to be my primary ride... and I love 2T bikes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawkeye View Post
he has been corrupted by the 300's nice power. The difference in handling nimbleness in the tight stuff to him is negated by the torque of the 300.
That is my biggest fear with the 200. I'm afraid the power characteristics will be poor versus any nimbleness that I may get. Most likely, I will go with Option #3 since a 300 has been a dream of mine since I've been on GG's.

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Originally Posted by Hawkeye View Post
Can you ride other peoples bikes? That is the best way to solidify what you like and don't like.
I only know of one person with a KTM 200EXC and he lives about 5 hours north. Perhaps if I do a trail ride up that way, I can beg him to ride it. No one has a 300 around me. So in both cases, I have to mainly rely on other riders feedback. The dealers suck around me so that option is out too. Unless, BMG gets their new, improved dealer network rolled-out in the coming months.
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