1999 and 2000 KTM 125 and 200 EXC differences?

[KawiRider]

How are these models the 1999 and 2000 125 KTM EXC different? Also, how are the 1999 and 2000 200 KTM EXC different? Are there big differences? Which would you recommend? I am 5'8, 150 pounds, a fast rider. Now I ride a YZ 125, which I don't like because it is for the motocross track. I want a good, fast bike, with good woods suspension. Any replies are very appreciative.
-Thanks

 

[marcusgunby]

The main difference came in the forks-my 99 125sx came with 50mm WPs whereas the 00 has the 43mm upsidedowns.Alot of people rave about the 50mm WPs but i hated them.If they are really that good as a woods fork the 99 may be a better bike than the 00.

 

[KawiRider]

So a 1999 is better?

Marcusgunby,
First off, thank you for your reply. So, your saying that the 1999 Susension, on either the 125 or 200 EXC would have better suspension than the 2000 bikes for the woods? How about the engine? Are they equally as fast? Hope to hear everyones replies.
-Thanks

 

[Reon]

KawiRider,

Marcusgunby is only referring to to the 125sx. The '99 200exc has 45mm Conventional Marzocchi forks and the '00 200exc has WP USD forks. I dont know about the 125sx motor but the 200exc is the same for the two years. If I'm not mistaken the PDS shock has been updated every year.

The SX suspension is set up for mx and the exc for off-road. They all still require setup for each individual though.

The 200 motor has more low down torque compared to a 125 and they lug nicely for a 200.

Marcus, hope you dont mind me butting in :D

 

[KawiRider]

Thanks Reon for the reply. I saw that you have a 1999 200 EXC. How is it? Do you like the suspension and motor? I am going to upgrade to the 200 because it is made for the woods.
-Thanks

 

[thermal]

Don't jump so quickly to the 200. The 125 exc is a woods bike. Same frame and supension as the 200. The 200 has more torque and will pull rudded hills better. But the 200 motor is more like a 250 than a 125. If you like 125's - rev high and shift alot - the 125 exc is a great bike. I think the 125 hits harder, revs higher and is more fun to ride. It depends on your style and what you like. The 125 can go as fast as a 200 but you have to shift more and keep the rpm's correct. It's more work but that is what I like. The more I have to shift and concentrate on gearing is what makes it fun for me. I love 125's and the ktm's - especially the 2002 model has lots of power.

 

[KawiRider]

Thanks for the reply thermal. That is now a new reason why I want to go to the 200. I don't want to shift a lot anymore. I know on a 125, I can go faster than most A-250 riders. It just gets to be annoying for me everytime because I have to shift about a thousand times a minute while the 250 riders don't have to shift at all. I am thinking that since I am a good 125 rider, I might be able to go faster on the 200 because of the more speed, better woods suspension, then my previous bike, the YZ 125. I just want to be able to have more speed, low end torque, and have that wide ratio transmission that is great in the woods. Hopefully the 200 feels like that. I got to ride my friends 2001 KTM 200 EXC, and I thought it was great. Althought I couldn't reach it's max speed, because it wasn't my bike, I don't know of all of its capabilities. The reason why I can't buy a new bike like a 2001 or 2001 KTM is because I just turned 16 and money is hard to come by when you have to buy new parts when things break. That is why I am concerned about the 1999 and 2000 models. So now that I have decided on the 200, which would you recommend, the 1999 or 2000 model? I have found a good deal on a 2000 KTM 200 for $2400. Do you think that it is beat and needs mechanical work? Thanks again for all of your replies.

 

[marcusgunby]

Sorry didnt realise the exc had different suspension-ignore my post-thanks Reon.:)

 

[thermal]

I think you need to inspect the bike and determine what shape it is in.
Check the following:
Chain - look at manual and measure distance betwwen links for check
Sprockets - are the teeth hooked
Tires - are they wore
Wheel bearings - check for any play
I think someone else needs to tell you in detail how to determine if the bike was upkept well becase I don't know much. But I would think that the chain, sprockets and tires would give you a good indication of the shape of the rest of the bike. That's sound like a great price on a 2000 200.

 

[KawiRider]

Thermal,
I will see and ask my friends if they know. As for the sprockets, chain, and tires, they are all brand new :silly: So I will need to check for other things such as the compression, etc. Again, thanks for the help.

 

[ktmracer]

another small difference is the connection between the expansion chamber and cylinder. the 99's pipe has one very thin o-ring, but the 00' uses two large o-rings which seal ALOT better. my 99 would have spooge running all down the back side of the pipe, but my 00' has never had that problem. not that big of a deal to most people but i am kind of a neat freak. also the triple clamps on the 00 have two bar position settings.

will