99 EC200 for my dad

[sled_fiend]

My dad is looking for a bike right now, he's looking for something that is light and handles well. He was stuck on getting four stroke because he didn't want to mix his gas. He bought a 98 YZ400 but he doesn't really like it. I found a 99 EC200 and he's seriously considering it now after I preached to him on how much I love my 05 DE200.

My question is this, is the 99 EC200 going to very similar to my 05 DE200? What will the differences be (chassis/engine)? By differences I mean in riding impression not necesarily in technical aspects.

He's looking for something that will have smooth power delivery and be light weight.

Thanks for any input.

[widebear]

That bike should fit the bill nicely. It will have less snap than your DE due to the heavier EC ign rotar and of course the conventional zokes are light years behind in perf but depending on his speed they may be more than adequate.

[jhendr3702]

i had one of those yz400's.... I did not like it much either.
My 01 300 imo is light years ahead of the yz and my 00 250 with conventional zokes is also... As an older guy, 46, the 300 fits my riding style perfect.
the 250 that my son rides is spooky fast and a lot of fun..
I was looking for a 200 when I found the 300 and I never found one close.
they are a blast to ride..

[roostafish]

I'd say the biggest difference between that '99 and your '05 is those forks. Unless he's a hard charging rider, he should't really notice the difference. Those forks were actually highly lauded back in the mid '90s. Oh how far we've come. They work okay, but do flex, and are not highly adjustable, they tend to foul themselves and leak if you don't change the fluid frequently, but for mild woods riding, they actually soak up bumps admirably.

Your dad should really like the bike.

[sled_fiend]

Excellent! That's what I was hoping to hear. He's not an aggressive rider and the last dirt bike he owned was a 1980 CR125R Elsinore, so I think he'll really enjoy the 200, especially compared to that tempermental beast of a 4 stroke called a YZ! (he was ready to leave that YZ in the woods with a for sale sign on it when it wasn't starting for him in the woods on Saturday)

I talked to him today and he said he was going to look at it tomorrow night. The guy is asking $1650, which I didn't think was too bad. I hope he gets it.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[sled_fiend]

He got it! Picked it up for $1550. I think I'm more excited for him to ride it than he is! Hopefully I'll get a ride report from him this weekend.