Finally got my new ride

[Jetster220]

Just picked up my new '12 XC 200 this weekend and took it out for the first ride. Totally awesome, even without setting anything up yet, its the best handling bike Ive ever ridden, cant wait to get it dialed.

[Jakobi]

Congratulations chief!

[Rick]

Jetster,

Can you provide a ride report?

What was your last bike before getting on the 200?

I would like to hear more about the 12 200.....

Why did you choose the 200 over the 250, 300cc models?

I have one of the first 200's ever brought into the USA back in 99, # 6 in fact, I really like the 200 but am concidering of adding a YZ125 to my stable. I have been a die hard 200 guy for a long time.

Thanks for your input.

[john01]

Big congrats! I've always wanted to ride a 200 GG; enjoy. Oh...I look forward to your ride report too.

[jdtriplett]

Sorry but i need some Google+ instruction! how come I can't see your post ??

[Jetster220]

I was previously riding a '05 KX 125. I had another Gasser several years back, it was a '02 EC200. I went with the 200 as the class I race is 0-200cc. Also, Ive always like the 200 displacement, to me it seems like the perfect size, amble bottom end power for grunting through tight stuff, up hills etc, but not to much that a errant twist or whiskey throttle will get you in trouble. I like to ride a bit more in the revs than some, and the 200 is better at it than say a 250 and doesnt wear me out as much with pulling to hard.

First ride was great. It basically felt like I took my old 125 and just added gobs of power and torque. Turning and changing directions all take place without thought as if the bike just goes where I think. Very much like riding on rails best as I could think to describe it, no problem following in deep ruts, and it loves to change direction, and is at home going to the inside of a corner, or sweeping the berm. I was riding it at my normal race pace basically within 30mins of riding, and on a bike that I had adjusted nothing, not even lever positions, which to me is amazing as Im normally a incredibly picky rider and dont usually like to ride up to speed unless my suspension is re-sprung and set, bars and everything are all just so. Simply put , its the most confidence inspiring bike I have tossed a leg over, and I have ridden plenty, (owned '06 CRF250, ridden '08 KTM 200, '09 KX450, '11 YZ450, '06 YZ250). The motor has surprising bottem end torque for a 200, 2nd gear can lug it all the way down to idle and just roll on the throttle and it pulls right into the rpm pretty quick. Now if you give it a quick touch of the clutch and you are instantly in the meat of the power, and it pulls into a really decent over-rev as well, doesnt sign off to early, so it doesnt mind being revved. Also the powerband is pretty electric, not major hit, but it does come to life when it transitions to mid. The suspension, even not sprung for my weight or broken in, felt very subtle and smooth soaking up small stuff nicely and also taking right to bigger stuff. I was able to pound through some large sand whoops no problem as well, both skimming them and doubling if I wanted. I think that about covers its aspects, any questions on anything specific ask away.

[jpelaston]

I know a guy from Mulberry, FL

[Rick]

Nice write up.....some of your details about the motor are very much like my 200,. Motor wise, how much different from your 02 200?

There seems to be very little change in the motor from 99 to 2012 so it would be cool if you define the difference.

Frame and suspension are a given, gotta be very10 times better?

Thanks for the report.....your bike looks great.

[Jetster220]

From what I remember of my old '02, it is very similar. I think the main difference would be that it has improved bottom end, and midrange pull over the '02 I had.

[roostafish]

Originally Posted by Rick

Nice write up.....some of your details about the motor are very much like my 200,. Motor wise, how much different from your 02 200?

There seems to be very little change in the motor from 99 to 2012 so it would be cool if you define the difference.

Frame and suspension are a given, gotta be very10 times better?

Thanks for the report.....your bike looks great.

Rick, think of it this way. Every year, the bikes get a percentage better. No definite percentage, but certainly better. Even if they only improved 1 percent every year, the '13 would be 14% better than yours. If that equates to 14% faster then over a 100 mile enduro or cross country race, you'll be done 42 minutes faster.

Want a new bike yet?