Gas Gas 200/ General 200 info

[Rick]

Originally Posted by GMP

I say keep it on a 125 platform, and model it after the 165 Husky everyone raves about. Actually, Boni built Brian Hasslan"s GG152 a few years back and he raved about that as well. Biggest problem with big bore 125s is exhaust bridge failure but not an issue when engineered from the start for that displacement.

Agree the 200 on a 250 platform is smooth but for sales people will see a sleeved down big bike and pass even if the specs do not support this decision.


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That thing just sounds tough!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIjaa2uChWs

[hamilton]

Originally Posted by Clay

If the 250 is light I would prefer it be a real 200cc motorcycle based on the 250 platform. If not, then it would be a 160 to 170cc motorcycle. So, yes, there will most likely be some sort of 150 to 200cc unit from Sherco.

There are alot of 125/150 choices in different brands, but only two choices in the 200cc. That's why I went with the GG, with a light weight rider and correct jetting 200cc power is hard to beat.

[firffighter]

I have avoided bringing this up over the past several months because I didn't want to get flamed, but since Clay has brought it up I will chime in.

After buying and riding what many consider woods bike Nirvana (Gasgas 250 and 300), I thought I would stay with that format forever. But, a ride with fellow Gasgas member Farmerj, I began to contemplate a move. Farmer was interested in my Gasgas 300 and we met and did a ride in our local trail system. Farmer brought is KDX200 and we switch for a bit to give him a feel for the Gasgas. Getting back on the KDX200 immediately got me to thinking of making a change.

Fast forward to this past fall and I purchased a KTM200. It is a '98, but had 1500 original miles and was in pristine condition. Many talk about the KTM200 hit, and althought this bike stock has a hit, it didn't take much to make it into an amazing motor. I adjusted the PV, added a JD jet kit and installed a Rekluse Z-start Pro. I have to say that this now is the sweetest motor I've ever ridden in the woods.

I am faster, less tired and more aggessive than ever. I weigh 225 and it has hauled me (lugging) up and over the nastiest hills we have here in Oregon/Washington. It climbs just as well as my Gasser 300. It put all of the ponies to the ground in a easy and manageable fashion and corners well beyond a 250/300. Yes, my KTM has $1000 worth of suspension work, but I didn't have to pay for it and it works amazing in the woods.

We also have a EC200 in our garage (my son's bike), and the comparson with the KTM is close. The motors are similar, but the big difference is in the weight. The KTM feels a ton lighter, ever though they are probably close.

I would not hesitate for a second to own a another EC200, but the KTM works so well.

If any of you have ever considered making the move to a 200, do it! You wont regret it. Dont forget that this cc was the platform for tons of woods riders for many years before the 250/300 became popular. Go back to the 80's and the woods was full of Yamaha IT's, Kawi KDX's. Move forward to the 90's and you still had Yamaha WR's and KDX's.

Dick Burleson and Shane Watts swear by the smaller bike as well and someone once said it is way more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. It's also been said many times that you dont really need any more that 35 hp in the woods.

All fun things to consider.

Love live the 200!

[nambo-trev]

Great post! Do you weigh 225 without gear?

[firffighter]

Yes. I ride some very steep nasty stuff as well and have no problems whatsoever. The Rekluse does help for sure, but the KTM has a ton of grunt.

[nambo-trev]

That's great, my buddy just bought a ktm 200 and thought I'd be too big for it. Should be interesting to try!

[bowhunter007]

A regular riding pal of mine has a KDX 200. We've traded bikes a few times. At first, I was pleasantly surprised at the "docile & easy-to-ride feel". Wick the throttle, and it tears through the woods with my fully geared 250# rear, just fine. I haven't ridden a KTM 200, but I'm sure it would produce similar results...at least the ability to carry me around. I guess the real question is...Do I really need a 200 in the stable? I would certainly add one, but really like either of my 250s. I gifted my 300 away because I enjoyed the 250s so much more. Maybe owning a 200 would prompt a similar issue...Maybe not.

[Danj56]

I've pretty much always rode 200's , KTM, KDX and Gas Gas, they are just fun bikes to ride. One of my buddies is a top A Senior rider on a stock KDX, it's all he'll ride, although I'd like to get him on my Gas Gas, I think he'd like it.

[GMP]

One thing not mentioned about the orange 200 is vibration. The one I owned and others I've ridden we're terrible! It was so bad it tended to make me not rev the bike. The GG and Kaw are not like this.


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[ACR Tom]

I just sold my KDX 220 completely worked over . My 2005 gasgas 200 is my faverite enduro bike of all time , at 54 and having had lots of bikes that is a big statement . I added a recluse n a few other things like WER suspension n stablizer but this bike is just plian fun ! I am looking forward to testing out the bikes at Mattos when Clay comes up this summer .