2003 EC200 or 2004 EC250?

[ColtonW]

Hey guys! I found 2 EC's on Craigslist, one a 2003 EC200 w/ Ohlin front forks and bark busters for 1800 and one a 2004 EC250 w/ rad guards and supports and bark busters for 2000 (orig. owner) and I was wondering which you guys thought would be better for an all around bike? I ride trails, but I ride nice open fields and back roads aswell.. which bike do you guys think?

Also, I was wondering what the heck is the difference between the two bikes minus 50cc's? I have been looking and I havn't been able to find any answers.. at all?

Thanks Guys!

[roostafish]

Both are great bikes. I'd get the one in the best shape. I think you'd be satisfied with either one honestly. I've had a 200, a 250, and now a 300. Liked them all. Personally, I'd go for the Ohlins fork if the bike is in good shape. My 300 has the Ohlins fork, and it has been my favorite bike suspension wise, you can cram into or over anything and the bike does everything right. You wouldn't be disappointed. So again, all things being equal in condition, I'd go for the 200 with the Ohlins.

[ColtonW]

Thanks bud! Another quesiton: What is the main difference between the two minus the obvious CC's? Handling, power locations (top vs. bottom like?) ect.?

[GasGas]

The 250 would just have a little more zip. The 200 is pretty docile in my opinion. The Ohlins forks are very nice. That would be a hard choice for me. I really like the power of the 250, but those forks are sweet.

[Berkyboy]

The '04 stock gas tank, with it's "latching" gas cap, was a little odd to work with.

[Dave]

The 250 and 300 make roughly the same peak horsepower. The 300 comes on sooner and can be a handful in tight woods, especially if you're a bit tired. That said, the 300 will tractor your butt out of the worst of conditions.

Ohlins forks are very well made, but require some special tools for maintenance and aren't very common. Marzocchi forks, standard on the US 2004s, are decent and pretty easy to work on.

Berkyboy mentioned the rather small gas cap and opening on the '04s. Refueling can be a bit of a pain, although not all '04s have the small cap.

As roostafish said "I'd get the one in the best shape."

[SpeedyManiac]

The 250 will make more bottom end. GG 200s can run with 250s in the open, but it requires more clutch work to keep them on the pipe. I love 200s for singletrack, but hate them on hill climbs.

[roostafish]

I think I should clarify after looking at the follow up question. Besides the engine and the extra 50cc, there is no difference in the chassis. The 200 resides in the exact same chassis as it's bigger siblings, even the pipe is the same if that's not wierd enough for you. At least mine was back in '99.

[GasGasSouthWest]

Colton,
The 200 is great for singletrack, it feels lighter and more flickable.
It is lacking bottom end however that the 250 has. FMF makes a pipe
for the 200 that is very quiet and boosts the lower end if you decide on
that one. Condition is of prime importance, how many hours? How well
maintained and how hard it was rode. They are both great bikes. The
200 has an electric feeling motor, very smooth even powerband.

Tom

[Rick]

I agree with Tom on the 200 bring a great single track bike. The 200's motor is very smooth, and it does have a fair amount of bottom end for being a small bore. Clean jetting and gearing will make a big difference!