ktm faster, oh dear

[rupecopp]

I own a 02 ec200, and I swapped bikes with a guy on a trailride today. he had a ktm200 exc and I was suprised to find it quite a bit faster

I feel more comfatable on mine, and feel the suspension was better (for me) but wouldn't mine some more power.

Both bikes are stock, my sprokets are 14t - 48t, his are 13t - 48t, which would make it feel quicker reving, but it had more power everywhere.

Is this normal, or should I start looking as to where mine might have a problem????

[eff]

I'm wondering if you want faster or quicker?

I'd say your gearing is way off. Having a 14/48 is like 13/44. I'd recommend switching to 13/52, but that will be a drastic change for you. Maybe start with 13/50. You should notice your bike is quicker right away, but you will lose some top-end speed.

[fury1]

what year ktm? the older ones FEEL faster because they act like a light switch,either front end up or spinnig the wheel,Im betting if you put a clock on your lap times around a loop,you would be faster on the gasgas and less tired from holding on!

FWIW I raced an 03 gasser 125 in 2005 and the bike on paper was the worst motor out of any 125 made that year,didnt slow me down a bit nor get me stuck anywhere,won the "B" Bantam class that year and got promoted to "A",Im on a 300 now,but I am thining of downsizing to a 200,less weight at the end of a 100 mile enduro would keep me fresher and allow me to push the pace for the entire event

[2 strokes 4 life]

I think fury is right. My friend has a 1998 KTM MXC200 and it felt faster than my stock EC250. But the power was very narrow and un controlable. When it came to ridding anywhere i was faster. My friend on his RM125 was also faster but his bike felt soft compared to the KTM. Its all about how you put it down.

For some more power the 13:52 would be a good idea. I think you could handle the change. Also the LTR powervalve cover is supposed to be a life saver for the little 200 for more bottom end.

[Loosenut]

The KTM200s make more power hand down! However, power dominance doesn't win off-road races. You can get more or different power by doing the things people have been telling you.

First you gotta ask yourself where you are most comfortable on the bike. By this I mean trail type ans conditions. Then ask where you are the least comfortable and followed by where you can improve with more power.

Do you find yourself wishing for more low-end, mid-range, top-end or a combo? Jetting has a big effect on the power and how it's produced. It takes testing on your bike to figure out how it will react. Gearing is also important and even more so on smaller bore bikes as they have less torque to overcome poor gearing.

[PEB]

As someone mentioned the gearing makes a big difference. Get the 13t sproket I don't see how a 14 would fit anyways must be almost zero room between the chain and the clutch slave. However if you wanted to smoke him all day long drag racing I could sell you an engine or enough parts to turn your 200 to a 300. For less than a grand you would never loose a drag race to that dude again.

Paul B

[ramcclure200]

A while back one of my riding buds bought an 1999 MXC200 and we rode approx. 2hrs in the trails (Florida stuff Tight and sandy ) and then we hit the MX Track for the rest of the day and during the day we switched bikes a bunch and the conclusion was hands down GasGas.
The KTM hit hard which felt fast but it was difficult to control I like a bike that goes where you point it and not a bike that just goes.
After numerous drag races on fire roads and holeshots at the MX track I lost once and that was because I cogged 3rd instead of 2nd.
I noticed as the day went on I had to keep prying him off my bike.
At the end we both agreed it is easier to ride the Gasser faster, longer and also at that point he deeply regretted buying orange.
My gearing is 13 / 48 stock what came on my bike and it seems to work fine and has a top speed of 60mph flat out.

I'd recommend switching to 13/52

,
Curious what will be the effect with 13 / 52 gearing and would it change the top speed? if so more or less speed?

Ron

[PEB]

The bike will get on the pipe way quicker with the 13/52, on a 300 i found find it almost unuseable, but maybe it would be allright on a 200. Less top speed for sure.

[ramcclure200]

I think before I play with the gearing i'm going to get the squish job from RB first, because I can't afford to give up on the straights what I gained in the tights.
Also I still have some jetting issues to get right still.

Ron

[2 strokes 4 life]

If you can afford it do the RB carb mods as well. Should cure any problems with power after that.