First Bike? 200 ec?

[ypm25]

Hi I'm new to the forum and the offroad scene in the UK, having ridden a friends old CRM250 in a couple of Enduro practice days this year I'm now after my own bike.

Two bikes i'm keen on but not ridden are the KTM 200 exc and GasGas EC 200. Having read some reviews and comparisons between the two I quite like the GasGas.

I have about ?1500 to spend and want it road legal too, that leaves me looking at older bikes between about 01-06.

My question before I go and look at a few bikes is, are there any years to avoid and anything I should be looking for when looking at one too buy?

Also what is the general opinion of 01-06 200 ec for Practice events and some green laning.

Thanks!

[Caravan Monster]

An EC 200 is very ideal for enduro use and will make a passable green laner with it's six speed gearbox, although it will be no where near as quiet, vibration free and pleasant to ride as a CRM250 on the tarmac. The KTM 200 is a favourite club level enduro bike in the uk for good reason but is different to the gas gas in that the motor is quite peaky (like a 125) and the handling of KTMs in general is faster steering but less stable. The KTM200 may turn out less than ideal for green laning.

Some of the earlier EC models had a gearbox problem, I can't remember exactly which years, but am fairly confident it was sorted in something like '03. 10+ year old second hand enduro bikes 99% of the time are going to need a good amount time and money spent on them.

[paulos]

I've recently bought an 05 ec200 and absolutely love it. I gave a mate a ride on it and he went out and bought a 2011 model. They're that good!!

[sweeper]

Id stay away from KTM if you can.
They don't like abuse.

[ypm25]

Thanks guys I'l get searching.

[Brian VT]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and recommend that you consider a 300. I feel they are much easier to ride.
A 200 likes to be ridden on the pipe. If you bobble on a tough hill climb you'd better get down into the appropriate gear fast and/or have very good clutch skills.
A 300 can be ridden a gear high and can lug you out of trouble. Yes, it can launch you into hyperspace if you want it to but if you jet it a bit rich and ride it a gear high, it is like a "3-stroke".
This was the advice I got 8 years ago and I've been enjoying my '03 EC300 since. I will replace it with a newer version of same when the time comes.
Just my $.02
Best of luck to you.
P.S., When buying a used bike I want to be sure the swingarm bolt will be removable. If it's been neglected it can be a nightmare project to deal with.
Too many owners neglect this part of maintenance.

[ypm25]

I did buy a KTM but you lot turned out to be right about them. So I now have a tidy 06 ec200

I'v a few bits to fix/tidy up on the gasgas but a quick blast around the road its allot of fun, cant wait to ride it. I have a few questions in the right places elsewhere on the forum.

cheers!

[liv2day]

Originally Posted by ypm25

I did buy a KTM but you lot turned out to be right about them. So I now have a tidy 06 ec200

That's awesome - congrats! What converted me to the 200 was riding my friend's KTM 200 - I really liked the different feel compared to the KTM 300 I used to have. The only thing that bugged me was the front end; it had the same issues as my 300...just not planted.

One of the guys on here mentioned the GG200 and I went up to take a look at one some time ago. All it took was one quick rip on that bike and I was sold; purchased it on the spot and can't tell you how glad I am I went with GG instead of KTM. It's just a much better bike for me personally.

Definitely post up a ride report after you get her sorted and have some time in the saddle

[2004ec200]

Congrats on your new to you EC200. I've been very happy with mine. The front wheel just sticks to the ground (cornering). Only had it wash out once but most all the knobs on the tire were gone. I might get some grief for saying this but I think a KDX200 has better lugging abilities and can loft the front wheel from very low rpms (I've had two of them) vs the ec200, although with a little clutch work the EC200 can do very well at low rpm's. The EC is all around much better though than a KDX. I've only rode two KTM's, a 07' 250 4-stroke and a '99 300 two stroke. I don't like either. Gas Gas makes a reliable bike that does most everything very well. Good luck with your new ride.

Cheers

[firffighter]

Gearing and the 2k2 will change the ec200 and make it more snappy and loft the front end at will.