07 KTM 200 xcw vs 2011 gasgas 200 six days

[john01]

Their ergos are also an aquired taste IMHO. I believe you on the KTM set up deal but what happens to the handling on a KTM when you start with 3 gallons of fuel and get down to a gallon or less? Biggest other problem I had with my son's KTM's was the lack of traction when you got up on the tank and headshake when you slid back. I like less fiinky bikes and thats why I'd pick the 200 GG over the 200 KTM and I haven't ridden either.

[gasser]

Originally Posted by roostafish

KTM Freeride 350. It is on it's way. It's sort of what the Pampera should have been. It's only $10,000!

The Freeride 350 is very close (slightly longer, heavier, and higher than 55/215/35) but it's cost will keep it from reaching XR/KDX status. GasGas could make a similar bike 10-15 pounds lighter with a much shorter seat height if they used their 4stroke side valve engine and it would cost a whole lot less.

Now to shift gears and jump in on the ktm/GG 200 debate. I just don't understand why some people think the ktm is much smaller than a GG200. The height, weight, and lengths are almost identical. The wheelbase is only one quarter of an inch longer - that is about one third of a chain link so a ktm with a slightly worn chain is longer. We all know they are taller and if you can believe the dry weight specification the new gassers are also lighter.

[shark4465]

i had ktm 200's love the motor just can't get them handle great pick up my gasgas 300 this weekend

[GMP]

One thing to consider is that although the KTM is based on the 125 not the 250, the GG250(pre '12 anyway) is smaller than a KTM250, so the difference is not that great. Its more of a perception issue based on specs that hurts the GG200, where people think they should just buy the 250 if there is no small bore size/weight advantage.

[roverhybrids]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm familiar with the GasGas bikes as I have a 2011 300 already.

I understand the GG 200 shares the same chassis as the 300.

My concern lies with selling the KTM 200. I love the way the motor runs now that I've dialed it in. I had a a chance to sell it for top dollar and turned it down cause I just rode it the day before!

Had someone look at it on Sunday and I was scared they were going to buy it.

Now have someone(supposedly) coming on thursday from 3 hours away. If he does come I don't think there is any way he wouldn't buy it.

So what it really comes down to for me is if I can get the GG 200 to run like my KTM 200. I don't know why I/one couldn't............

[stainlesscycle]

Originally Posted by roverhybrids

So what it really comes down to for me is if I can get the GG 200 to run like my KTM 200. I don't know why I/one couldn't............

the short answer is yes. early cdi, 2k2 ignition, push your timing just a tiny bit advanced, jetting and maybe a gearing change.

i've ridden both back to back. the biggest problem i had with the ktm is the toylike feel, and unstable rear end. the ktm motor is snappy, and my gg200 was just as snappy. butthe gg chassis gives you the handling. it does feel heavier though, because it is..

[gasser]

Originally Posted by stainlesscycle

the short answer is yes. early cdi, 2k2 ignition, push your timing just a tiny bit advanced, jetting and maybe a gearing change.

i've ridden both back to back. the biggest problem i had with the ktm is the toylike feel, and unstable rear end. the ktm motor is snappy, and my gg200 was just as snappy. butthe gg chassis gives you the handling. it does feel heavier though, because it is..

The new gasser 200s are reported to be 207 pounds where as the 2004 200 gasser weighed 222 pounds (both dry weights). The new KTM 200 is 214 pounds without gas so that puts it very close to the gasser (suspension fluids, tranny oil, and water would weigh roughly 7 pounds). The gassers are getting lighter while the KTMs are getting heavier (at least the ones that are switching to linkage).

[john01]

I read the 200 GG bikes were only a few pounds lighter than the 250/300's . I hope your figures are correct; sounds awesome if true. Either way I don't see why a 200 GG could't run with a 200 KTM.

[Skidad]

Don't overthink it and just do it. It's only a motorcycle and if it doesn't work out to your liking go get another used KTM 200 which are easily available. Also the KTM 08 and up chassis is better than your 07 anyway and especially the 09 and up suspension. Big difference actually.

There was a guy here Billy Burns who was a GG sponsored 200 rider for a few years. GG factory even made him a special 200 for the Six Days and he rode all the National and NETRA enduros on the GG 200. He eventually went Orange riding their 200 and later 250. His honest view is the KTM 200 motor was better with broader power and lowend and the GG chassis/suspension is better. Reading between the lines for a bunch of years and lots of posts this seems to be the non biased consensus. Shoot me if you want. Face it the 200 KTM has the ability to be tuned so many ways with all the pipes available, different ignitions, CDI's, flywheels, adjustable PV etc and a HUGE knowledge base. Without direct evidence I also seriously doubt the GG would win the weight contest but really who cares with it's great chassis, turning and stability the KTM can only dream about. If/when KTM puts the 200 motor into their new linked chassis that will be interesting. GG motor can be made to sing but it might take more work to get it the way you like it. 1st stop head squish and go from there. Also, some guys have had good luck putting a 36mm carb on the 200 to improve low end response.

[roverhybrids]

Well the KTM found a new owner today....