EC200 vs KTM200 vs Husky150

[firffighter]

My son is currently riding a KDX200. He loves the bike, but is progressing quickly and is ready for an updated package.

I would like to keep him on a smaller cc bike since he is only 135 lbs.

I have owned a couple of KTM200's and thought they were very fun bikes and he would do well on one I believe.

Anyone ride both the Gasgas200 and the KTM200?

Anyone tried the Husky 144 or 150?

[stainlesscycle]

i've ridden both ktm200 and gg 200.

i never could come to terms with pds.

i always felt the frame and subframe on ktm200 felt too 'toy like' but i'm a lot bigger than 135lbs.

the ktm200 felt lighter when pushing it around, but they felt the same weight when riding.

all the ktm200's i rode had a more significant hit, and were more aggreessive/violent - but both gg and ktm can be tuned to be any way you like.

the gg200 is more smooth in the power delivery, and feels bigger all over to me. the ktm felt taller. i hate ktm200's stock bars.

you can probably find a nice gg200 for less than a nice ktm200........

[noobi]

I'm about 140lbs and 5' 8''
I too have ridden the ktm 200 and the gg 200.
I was looking into both bikes, rode both, and got the gasgas.
I also found the ktm did have a significantly harder hit in power delivery, gets more intense the newer the model.
My 200 comes with the 2k3 stator, which is a lot of flywheel, meaning it revs up pretty slowly, putting the 2k2 or 2k1 on really makes the bike more free revving.
I also didn't like the ktm frame, it always felt really fat down at the pegs, and thin at the seat.
Suspension setting stock will depend on year, and what components the bike came with that year.

The pre 07 gg frame/subframe does feel quite a lot bigger than the 07+ bikes. Not a bad thing, just preference, my 07 felt like a mini bike straight after riding an 05.

[john01]

I haven't been on a KTM or GG 200 but I do have a 08 Husky 144. I really love the power on my 144 now. In stock 125 trim it had a soft bottom, big hit, and lots of top end. Now it's very smooth and will crawl around in second gear at a walking pace. Love the bike. I hear the new 150's are like that. All that being said my next bike will be a 2012 GG 200. My 2010 GG300 ergo's just feel like the bike was made for me. We have had a couple of KTM's (not 200's) and they just don't fit me. I felt like was sitting way up on top them just along for the ride. The GG bikes at least mine feels natural which makes me feel good and confident knowing what the bike is doing. BTW the GasGas bikes ain't bad on the eyes either.

[firffighter]

It sounds like the Gasgas has a softer hit than the KTM and that is what I would be looking for for my son. Something that is similar to the KDX motorwise. The KDX motor is fantastic, but it is dated ergos, suspension, etc.

Having owned a couple of KTM200's in the past, I agree that they can have a pretty big hit. I added a FWW on them to help and adjusted PV to calm it a bit as well.

The KTM is super light feeling and it sounds like the Gasgas is a heavier bike.

A gasgas 200 is also a rare sighting around here as well, but KTM 200's are abundant. I found an '03 Gasgas EC200 semi-local, but I am thinking I want a newer model with the new chassis (05' on up).

The Husky intrigues me. Super light, but I dont want a bike that he has to be always on the pipe. Sounds like the 144/150 might be the ticket.

[Mo.man]

I ride a 07 GG200, I am 5'7 180 lbs all geared up. I race harescrambles quite a bit and when there's not much traction my GG goes up hills much easier than orange because you don't have to be on the pipe to have good power. At the starting line I'm not any faster into the woods but it's right along side them.

[stainlesscycle]

Originally Posted by firffighter

but I am thinking I want a newer model with the new chassis (05' on up).

newer chassis is 07 and up...

[jeffs2200]

My wife rides an 09 KTM 200. It is the perfect bike for her. It has tons of lowend power and very little hit. The 200 got a smaller (36 mm) carb in 07 and it made the power delivery much more mellow. You can adjust the powervalve from mild to wild as well.

I would like to get her a 2012 GG200 with estart if they build it. I think on the plus side the GasGas is a smaller bike and sits lower so it would fit her well. However it would weigh a bit more than the KTM so it may be harder for her to handle in tricky spots or to pick up.

I have ridden a Husky 144 and I hated it. It had no lowend power compared to the 200 and felt much more like a 125.

If you can find an 09 or newer KTM 200 for a decent price it would be your best bet. The suspension on the 09 and up is fantastic. I am not sure where you are but a buddy of mine just bought a 2012 KTM 250xc and will be selling his 09 200xc. He is located in San Antonio.

[gasser]

Originally Posted by stainlesscycle

newer chassis is 07 and up...

There was a significant change to the frame in 05 then in 07 the sub frame was changed and in 2010 the frame was completely changed.

[stainlesscycle]

05-09 frame is the same? same geometry everywhere? i know the steering geometry changed in 05 - was there any other changes? 05-09 only change being subframe in 07? '10 became microfusion frame.