01 200EXC vs 03 450EXC

[The Tortoise]

Just helping a friend out. Most know I drive a 01 300 EXC with a Revloc, etc. Love the bike.

My buddy wants a bike. Should he spend around 4k on a used 01 200EXc or 8K on a new 03 450EXC.

The used bike will not loose as much value when he resells it. The 200 is lighter for the tight wood trails we ride and the 100 mile enduros too. However the 200 will need more slipping of clutch on hills.

The 450 (I have tried one already) is nice. Great for climbing. Weighs about 40lbs more though. I believe 246 vs 208lbs. Nice power (not like the putt putt 400).

So I am looking for opinions for him. Weight vs E button and melower ride. The 450 does feel nice. The 200 feels whippy.

Opions please

The "I have a question" tortoise

 

[Fred T]

And he can't get an 03 200? The 03's are real nice - better forks, much better shock. Both the 450 and 200 have many improvments over a 2001. Plus they are new and wont require any fixing during the riding season! :)

 

[motomickey]

Your profile says that you are from Ca-if that is true, He might want to consider the greensticker. Though it is possible for the 200 to get one, it isn't legal by the book and could be revoked. The 450 is legal.

Something else to muddy the waters.

 

[The Tortoise]

The idea is that buying a used bike for a bit or sticking his financial neck out for a 03 450. He likes both. Feels better to pay top dollar for 450 with Green Sticker. 200 would be fine and lite. All 2 strokes are Red in our State.

Thanks for responses. I was looking for handling answers more.

doug

 

[CPT Jack]

Doug, I've got a green sticker 2 stroke. 2001 GasGas XC250. A lot of the euro-bikes had green sticker vin's (I think up to 2002). I bet you could find one for $3500. Nice bike's too. High quality even if they're not "new". There's a lot of folks out there that'll completely smoke us w/ 10 year old bikes. I'd say save the cash & get a quality used bike. Especially if he's new 'cause the plastics won't stay shiny for long.

 

[enmerdeur]

Split it down the middle and get the 300. Best of both worlds.

 

[Fred T]

Originally posted by The Tortoise
The idea is that buying a used bike for a bit or sticking his financial neck out for a 03 450. He likes both. Feels better to pay top dollar for 450 with Green Sticker. 200 would be fine and lite. All 2 strokes are Red in our State.

Thanks for responses. I was looking for handling answers more.

doug

 

Then he should get the 450, it's green sticker, has the latest updates, great handling and suspension and is a great bike. He'll be happy for as long as he has to make payments! 

 

contact:   www.lansingcycle.com  for a quote

 

[Kerry Shane]

Depending on your friends weight and hgt etc. he may have to throw some money at suspension even on a new one. A 2000-2002: 200would need some work anyway in my opinion which is a great plus. I haven't found the 200 engine lacking unless I compare it to the 520 that I also ride. The light weight sure has a positive side to this issue.