200 riders, how big/heavy are you?

[GasGas]

Maybe I'm getting old, but I find it's hard to out run Motorola. I rode with some guys from NJ a few years ago down in New Mexico. They didn't paint a very pretty picture for riding opportunities in NJ. Legal one's anyways.

[firffighter]

That could be a KTM to GG thing, as KTM200s are a bit nervous

I completely agree. That is why I think the Gasgas 200 is a better platform IMO. Even though the KTM200 is lighter, there are some inherent issues with that. Number 1 being they deflect.

Example, you are riding 2nd-3rd gear and hit a rock garden. On the KTM200, I would deflect off the rocks and it would be hard to keep a line (stabilizer and suspension tuned). Even the KDX would hold a line better and my KTM and Gasgas 250's and 300's even better.

This is where the Gasgas might have it nailed with a mellow motor and in a 250 package.

I guess it comes down to this. If you are not racing, then for the most part, I would venture that most of us would be very close in speed whether we were on a 125,200,250,300, or? That is my experience at least. I am not any faster on my Gasgas 300 than I was on my KDX's, KTM200's or even WR250f. And yes, I do an occassional enduro and harescramble.

If that is the case, then it comes down to which bike is most fun to ride. And, it has been said that it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

[GMP]

We have some good events that used to be even better, and a few MX tracks, but other than that its what you make of it. You just have to be smart about it and you'll be OK. Some good intel helps too. This state totally sucks for most recreation except the typical canned sports programs. Totally overrun by liberals, greenies, and a DEP run a muck. Despite this, NJ still produces some fast guys, and on a Sunday morning there are a lot of bikes in the back of pickups. The woods up north by me are very tough, rocky, and not a big public traffic area. I ride right from my house.

[GasGas]

Got to like riding from your door step. I have a short test loop across the street from my house that I have to go through my neighbors to access, so it's my own little private course. Or I can ride the tarmac for 2minutes and ride for hours. At least long enough to empty the tank anyways. We can cross most highways if we have an off road plate , insurance and a drivers license. But I just run the road plate as it makes it easier to connect trails at times. Or one can opt to run no plate and ride were ever they want, but that's getting frowned upon here more and more. We figure it's time to play nice and keep some trails open for the kids.

[MattR]

Originally Posted by GMP

...or go through my nephew's old GG125 for a small bore fix, that I would eventually pass on to my kids. That would be a lot cheaper.

Unless you are itching for a brand new bike, I would recommend freshening up the GG125. For less than a grand, you could redo the suspension front and rear for your weight/riding style, put in a new top end, and maybe some RB Design mods like squish band or carb divider. For a small investment, this would allow you to see if a smaller bore bike fits your riding style. It would also show if the lack of torque would be an issue for your terrain. If so, then a 144 kit or 200 may be the next logical step. Or if you definitely hate it, then the 250 is your fallback.

In my opinion, you don't know what you are missing until you take the leap and just try it out. Since you have access to a 125, you are in a great position to try it out for a year.

EDIT:
Or you can pick up a used 200 like this one to test the waters. Resale could be similar since it is an older year and depreciated a lot already.
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10380

[john01]

Firffighter great post and since I have to wait til Jan I may as well wait a little longer and get the 200. I've been wanting to try one looks like I'll get my chance then.

[GMP]

I know for sure I do not want a small bore as my only bike. Too many hills here. It would be an addition that I would pass on to my older son when he is ready. The 250 is very versatile, and I can ride it anywhere, so the money goes there. I can just go over the 125 and try it out for awhile any time I want.

GasGas,

I would be more than happy to follow some reasonable rules on legal trails, especially for the kids benefit. That has not been an option here for as long as I can remember.

[dirthead]

I was playing around with the idea of getting a 200, but it seems it would be a bad idea. In the summer, I ride a lot at altitude, 9,000-10,500 ft. It sounds like the bike just won't have enough in it to climb our mountains. Agree, disagree?

Thanks for any input. (I'm only 5'8" and 170 lbs).

Jim

[GMP]

If I rode at altitude I'd get a 300 for sure. The extra juice makes up for the loss. Just don't need it for tight stuff near sea level.

[lankydoug]

I'm 6'5" tall and 210lbs. If I had the skill to ride my 200 on the pipe all the time it would probably go anywhere. I have to admit that I added a 12oz flywheel weight and set it up mild for my 16 year old son to learn on (he's 6'6" and still growing fast). I really believe that a head mod to optimize the squish is really important and would really help my 200s midrange but since I want it mild for my son I ride my Husky WR250 that has gobs of midrange power and actually forgives my lack of skill but won't forgive a beginners whisky throttle. I really would like to own a 125 but like you I'm concerned that it wouldn't cut it with a 210lb rider at 8,000 ft.