I want a new bike in 2010

[MattR]

I'm looking to get a new bike next year. I really enjoyed my 2007 EC250, but just looking for a change. I have the desire to go back to a smaller engine size (200cc or less).

As you might recall, I had a 2004 KTM 200EXC in between owning my two GasGas 250's. I feel that I'm a faster rider on the 200. Smaller bikes make you stay focused more, busy with the gear box, and carry your speed through corners. Plus, I love to hear the motors sing in the middle-to-top range.

Well, I have been looking at my options and have narrowed them down to the following. I have to admit the new GG 250 4T looks interesting but I'm definitely a 2T guy.

In no specific order (all 2010 models):

Husky WR125: Really nice package but the lack of larger gas tank really sucks. This is about the only downside for me. As far as 125s go, this one is hard to beat.

Yamaha YZ125: I would set it up for woods and get 18" rear wheel. Strong aftermarket so setting it up for longer rides (big tank) would be easy. Lack of lighting coil is a downside though... along with the 19" wheel.

KTM 150XC: Still too early to tell. If it is a "fast" 125 than it would be fun... if it is a "slow" 200 than I will pass. I've read the steering stops engage too early. Not sure if you could grind them down a bit. KTM quality is nice, but I have a major issue with their philosophy on gas caps and countersprocket seals.

KTM 200XC-W: I wished that 200XC was available for 2010 but it isn't. I like the XC-spec suspension and gearing better. Along with my gas cap and countersprocket seal complaints, I'm not sure if I would be happy with this bike. The other complaint that I had with my '04 200EXc was that it was very twitchy/unstable. A steering damper was needed. No issue with power or suspension since I had it set up well.

GasGas EC200: To be honest, I never gave the little 200 much thought previously. I initially dismissed it when I bought my '04 200EXC. My view back then was why put a 200cc engine in the 250/300 chassis. Now, I think it may be a good idea. The 250/300 bikes are perfect handling-wise, so a smoother power that can scream in the upper range may be a nice fit. I would definitely want the 2K-2 ignition. It is already pre-wired for lighting and has 18" rear wheel. Plus, I love the GasGas brand.

Right now, the GasGas EC200 is winning. The Husky has me really interested, but the small gas tank sucks.

I know posting here can be slightly biased. However, I know many of you will give me honest feedback. We are a unique family here and I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. Plus, I know most of you have backgrounds with these other brands and could shed some experience on my dilema.

Almost forgot... my wife says this one needs to stay for a few years. So, I need to get it right this time.

Thanks!

[roostafish]

What a fun discussion this could turn out to be.... For me, I'd throw in a couple more options.

Husky WR 125.... With a 150 kit. There are dozens of them running around here in Oregon. Our best Husky dealer could never satisfy the demand for WR 250s, so after trading other dealers and exhausting his options to try to get more WR 250's, he started putting 150 kits in WR 125's. The people around here who ride them, love them. Some have abandoned KTM 200's for these Husky"150's"....

Gas Gas 125: I was just drooling over a new Gas Gas 125 at Gran Prix Cycle. I think it's a cool bike, and I'll bet it could also be made into a 144/150. This size is very intruiging to me. I once rode a friends YZ 167. I was riding a GG 200 at the time, and I was duly impressed with the Yam. A hefty price tag to upsize to 167 though, so it's not something I'd truly consider.

In the end, the only loser in that bunch is the KTM 200 (in my not so humble opinion). I hate that bike. It sucks, it's twitchy, it's unridable. Why do I like the KTM 125? I have no idea, but I do... Same chassis, different bike.

[rpduc]

You probably already posted up there, but if not hit up the boys at Cafe Husky or Thumper Talk on the WR 125.

I'd kinda like to try a "tiddler" like the Brits call them, so I've been lurking on the 125 threads and the guys that have the WRs love 'em.

[fury1]

one quick note on the husky wr125,the factory offers a larger tank as an option for 2010,but it doesnt fit the older models,I would like to try out a 2010 WR125 for next season

I had a few gasgas 200s and liked them maybe a little more than my 300,they just force you to ride a little more aggressive and as a racer you need that to stay competetive,my 300 really makes things easy,too easy and many times I would find myself just sitting down riding takingthings easy instead of up on the pegs.

that said I went to a TXC250 from husky this season and love the power and the bike keeps you honest like a 125 would,sure it has more power everywhere than a 125,but you do need to pay attention

[GMP]

You could also find a 200 motor from a part out and drop it in your '07 frame to see if you really like it. 125s are cool but I don't think I'd want one for my only bike, If I could add one sure though. I doubt I'll be able to get something in the near future considering my Ducati purchase, plus my '07 had over a year off and works good for me. A 250F is almost a sure thing for me next though. I just get along with them, and felt almost as comfy and fast on the Yamaha after a few miles as my GG.

[blitz11]

The upside about Husky is their price. A somewhat local dealer (http://www.heinenmotorsports.com/) has these prices:

2009 WR 125....Retail $5999....Sale $4499.99
2009 WR 250....Retail $6799....Sale $4899.99
2009 WR 300....Retail $6999....Sale $4799.99
2009 TC 450....Retail $7399....Sale $4999.99
2009 TC 510....Retail $7699....Sale $5399.99
2009 TXC450....Retail $7699....Sale $5399.99
2009 TXC510....Retail $7999....Sale $5899.99
2009 TE 310....Retail $7999....Sale $5999.99
2009 TE 450....Retail $8299....Sale $5999.99
2009 TE 510....Retail $8599....Sale $6699.99
2009 SM 510....Retail $8699....Sale $6699.99
2009 SM 610....Retail $8499....Sale $6299.99

$4800 for a WR300 is a pretty damn good deal. Crazy good.

Good luck with your choice. Congrats on the missus who supports your habit.

blitz

[nhrider]

I also want a new bike!

Question. Are the GasGas 200's being imported? Not much mark up on those.

Gulp: KTM 150XC

[MattR]

Thanks for the feedback.

Husky WR125:
All of the riders that I read about on Cafe Husky and TT love the Husky CR/WR125. Some had teething issues with the new 2009 version (powervalve and pipe). Those issues should be worked out for 2010. Like fury1 mentioned, I heard rumors of a larger tank from Husky. P3 made a carbon fiber tank for some '09 riders and it was stupid expensive. Plus, they made it compatible for the 250F bikes... so you have it sitting higher instead of down low close to the engine. The stock tank barely holds 2 gallons which is not enough from my trail riding. So hopefully a large tank in the 3 gallon range is available from Husky (I would even settle for 2.5 gallons). Like it was mentioned, you can get these for a nice price too. I know that I didn't mention the GasGas EC125... first I don't think they are importing them, but I would lean towards the Husky WR125 just from other rider's positive feedback.

GasGas EC200:
Glenn, dropping a 200 engine into my bike could be an option. However, I would rather upgrade fully and just commit to a new bike. I know my riding style fits a smaller bore bike better than my current 250. So I'm not too worried. Another advantage with the GasGas is some of my aftermarket mods may swap over from my 250. I'm not sure on the radiator guards though. At least my skid plate, TM chain guide, steering damper with fastway mount, PV cover, etc.. This adds up quickly so it would be nice not to repurchase these for a different brand bike.

Yamaha YZ125:
I have a friend who rides one of these. It runs very well, but to be honest, it would take more money to get it set up properly like I want it (similar to his). This makes the Yamaha fall to third on my list.

KTM 150XC or 200XC-W:
The KTM's are currently last on my list and their current prices (especially the 150XC) are steep. I added them into the mix to give them a fair consideration but it is still unlikely that they will find their way into my garage.

With that all said... I'm looking at either the Husky WR125 or GasGas EC200 as my most likely candidates. I still got more researching/soul-searching to do. Plus, the rest of this year to drive myself crazy.

Please keep the comments flowing. I would like to hear more ride reports on the GasGas EC200's. Thanks!

[skid jackson]

I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm looking at another bike also. most likely a small bore, my 300 has more juice than I need

I was leaning towards an 09 ktm 200 xc w when I stumbled on a nice husky deal. I got an 08 husky cr 125 (the mx'er) that I picked up for very short money as a hold over this spring. I'm still trying to figure out the whole 125 thing .... my one major gripe about huskies is ...... they are way to freekin tall!!! You need at least a 32" in seam for one of these puppies!!! the bike itself is very well put together and in the hands of a real 125 rider is probably a very sweet ride. I got it out on a real mx track recently and .... I got the impression that if I knew more about mx you could really rip with it. I've ridden a few harescrambles and the height was a bit of an issue in some areas.

at the last harescramble I saw an 07 ec 200. I went and threw a leg over it. It was the exact opposite of the husky. I could flat foot it, crawl right up on the tank felt like a nice small tight bike you could really throw around.

I've been wondering about a 250f also. I really think I'm more of a 4t rider. I'd take a hard look at the husky 250f if they weren't so damn tall!!!! The gasser 250f sounds interesting ... but I hate buying something without any real ride time. I only have about 4 miles of 250f riding under my belt.

Then there is that new berg 390 .... I rode a friends 04 ktm 400 for a short spell this summer and I though it was a very nice ride. thats what got me wondering about 4t's again .... bet that berg 390 is lighter better version of the ktm 400 ... too bad about the price!!

I was hoping the 125 would rock my world and I could make it my only bike. My current line of thinking is to keep the husky and maybe set it up as an mx'er. I may actually get it figured out ... for the time being get something else for the trail. My something else for the trail list is
ec 200
ktm 200
250f of some sort
berg 390 .... long shot

I was thinking a 2010 ec would be the way to go but now I'm kind of leaning to maybe a little used 08 or 09 might make a bit more economic sense. I would really like some seat time on a 250f set up for the woods. a nicely priced new ktm 200 might sway me too ...

[stainlesscycle]

i'm looking for something new also. that's a great price on the wr250 - i know now is buy time.....seat height on husky's have been my issue also.. i'm sure there's lowering links available. the wr300 is probably just plain old too much bike for me.. never owned a brand new bike.... have certainly spent enough on them to buy a new one, but always end up picking up the $2k special every other year,,.. never could wrap my mind around losing so much cash on the resell to justify a brand new one. you can keep it long enough to get your money's worth, and then you really take a huge hit on resale... i ride enough (several hundred dirt miles a week, 10 months out of the year at least.. to justify a new bike - probably rack up more dirt miles than streetbike miles at this point...) just thinking out loud i guess. trying to talk myself into it..

i know i'm definitely not interested in a ktm200 - my brother has one, and there's nothing smooth about it at all..