From XR200 to WHAT?

[FireLily]

Hi, I'm a new member. Just joined on my birthday.
I've been riding my XR200 (01) for a year, and my boy friend
says I need a new bike to step up.
I'm 5' 2, so I know my next bike's suspension needs to be modified.
XR200 falls short in power and suspension in some of the situations we get into.
What bike do you suggest?

 

[Michelle]

Welcome aboard & happy birthday.
Do you want 2 or 4 stroke? What sort of terrain do you ride? Trails? MX? A mixture?

Whatever you do, don't get a TTR225 - from all accounts overweight, underpowered? pigs - I've never ridden nor seen one, but that's been the view I've gotten from all the people who have had them.

I'm 5'3" & ride a KDX200, which suits me for my style of riding & terrain (sand) - I'm working on adjusting it for clay/mud. We've put in longer dogbones which has dropped it by 20mm, which is usually fine. Due to lack of fitness/upper body strength, I do suffer a bit dropping it (mainly in the mud/clay), especially when hungry & tired.

The GG's can also be lowered easily using the same method as the KDX, but it really depends on whether you want a 2 or 4 stroke. There are also many KTM female riders here, so they'll be recommending them. You'll have a tough decision, but try to ride as many bikes as you can & all of them (I think) are able to be lowered - either by a suspension guru or yourself (depending on the bike - hope that makes sense). Take your time deciding and when you have, go for it ;)
Michelle

 

[CJ Rider]

FireLily- Since you are already in northern California, you should think about heading to Reno to ride at Moon Rocks with us over President's Day weekend. It's a Spodefest. There's gonna ba a fair number of DRN women there and tons of different bikes to try. I ride a GG Pampera 250 and you would be welcome to try that. You wouldn't have to lower that at all. I know there's gonna be at least a few KTMs there for sure and I'm hoping that FC22 is able to bring that BBR special. I hope somebody brings a KDX so I could try it too ( but I plan to snag Michelle's for a bit of a try in a couple months anyhow ;) ) Michelle is right on when she says just to try out a bunch of bikes before you make a decision. We'd love for you to come ride with us at the Spodefest in Reno!

 

[LoriKTM]

Welcome, Firelily!

How long have you been riding, in total? You say you're boyfriend says you need to step up to a better bike, but how do YOU feel about it? He can recommend it, but you should not feel forced into moving up until you're ready. That aside, Michelle has some great suggestions. Evaluate the riding that you do (trails, MX, etc), then determine whether you think a 2 stroke or 4 stroke bike will be best suited for your riding style. I started on an XR200, and then got a KDX200 (and had it lowered), rode the KDX for 5 years and then got a KTM. I haven't ridden a Gas Gas Pampera (250 or 280), but it also sounds like an ideal next step-- plus you probably won't have to lower the suspension.
If you've only been riding a year, I wouldn't necessarily recommend a KTM as your next bike--it can be a handful at times. Take a look around. Bum rides off of friend's bikes, to see what you like. In the meantime, enjoy the XR for what it is. They are reliable bikes, and you should be able to get good resale out of it.

 

[gospeedracer]

Welcome aboard FireLily!

I second CJ's suggestion about trying to make it out to the ride in Reno in February (see the Places to Ride Forum). There will be plenty of bikes to test out there which may help you determine what you feel comfortable on. I don't know if there will be a KDX to try out though and that would be my recommendation if you're looking towards a 2-stroke.

 

[firecracker22]

I went from a XR 200 to a KTM 200 after one year (one full year riding full time, not counting time spent putting around on friend’s bikes for a couple of years before that) riding the XR. Let me tell you, while I don’t regret my decision and I love my bike, it was a BIG adjustment. You know how you can ride the XR pinned WFO all the time? Not on the KTM. And how you have to grab the XR brakes as hard as you can? That’ll get you in trouble on the KTM. All the things like clutch use, throttle control and braking technique that you don’t have to watch out for on the XR is imperative on the KTM. They are great bikes and will do anything and go anywhere—I like mine on both the MX track and on the trails—but it’s a step. See if you can borrow one and decide. I will be in Reno with mine as well as a BBR conversion, you can try both just for comparison. I’m not trying to tell you the KTM is a bad choice—it’s a great bike. But my first couple of rides were pretty rough for me, pretty amusing for my friends. About the time I started feeling like I was comfortable on my bike (narrow bars and a softer shock spring really helped) I got hurt so I am just now getting back on the bike after surgery and rehab and all that fun stuff.

 

[Fe_princess]

I second Lori in that YOU feel ready to step up. How many times have you been riding in the last year? If you feel like you have more to get out of the 200 stick with it. Trying to get on a harder/faster bike is just going to slow down your learning curve.
Where do you go riding? I live in San Francisco and ride all around here. Where do you live? You must ride hills if you live North. I'm planning on being in Reno if my top-end makes it back in time to be reinstalled by sfo.
Let me know where you go? What kind of bike does your boyfriend have?

 

[Karna&Justin]

Firelily,

Happy late B-Day (mine was just 2 days prior to yours so I know
what you are going through:confused: ) I too, started on an
XR200R and "moved up" to a KDX200. I had the suspension redone
and lowered it 1" and have absolutely no complaints at this point in
the game. The power is smooth very smooth, especially coming
off of the XR and moving to a 2 stroke. I plan on riding the KDX for
some time and eventually inheriting my husband's KTM 200 (which
we have yet to purchase).
It depends on what type of terrain that you ride and how YOU feel
about the XR to determine your decision...just as the previous posts
have mentioned. Where in NorCal do you ride? I, too ride in NorCal...if
we ever ride in the same areas, I would be happy to let you give my
KDX a test run! Just let me know!

Karna

 

[FireLily]

Wow, this is a great forum!
Thank you all for the good info and suggestions!

Well, I started riding a dirt bike in Sep. '00. I never really rode a bike before that. The first bike was XR100R and then TTR225.
I got my XR200R in Jan. '01.
I go riding with my boyfriend (KLX300 and KTM300EXC) and his 13-year-old son (KDX220). We usually go on trails and hills (Northern California) at least twice a month all year around. Last summer we had four days of riding in Central Oregon. We rode really hard, and I enjoyed it very much.

Princess, I live in Pleasant Hill (East Bay) , so we go to Carnegie (Livermore) often. We also go up to the north for weekend trip. I ride green and blue trails usually and sometimes go on black trails.

I thought it was me, but when we got a new FMF pipe and reworked the air box, I realized that the bike had untapped power.

The riding in Reno sounds really fun. Can you tell me what it's like out there?
Do people camp out or stay in hotels? I need some information, PLEASE!

 

[CJ Rider]

OK, let see if I can get this link thing to work for this: Link to Places to ride/Organized Rides
Then, find the thread that FC22 started about "Reno trip again next year?" and read all the info. 'Looks like most folks are staying in various hotels since it is still winter and all. The riding is desert trails, lots of big whoops, some really fun washout gullies full of sand, and apparently some interesting hillclimbs (you'll have to ask FC22 and bbbom about the hillclimbs). Yer welcome to PM me if ya need more info on it. 'Hope to see you there. :)

 

[slideways11]

Hi FireLily, I switched from an xr200 to a yz125 in October and I love it but it's been a battle to get used to it. I'm still 4 seconds a lap slower on the track than I was on my xr just because I'm trying not to let the yz get away from me. Like FC22 said there are a lot of important skills I didn't need on the xr that I'm having to learn now. I love the lightness of the yz, it's great in the corners and the suspension is amazing. I wish I could go to one of these organized rides to see what all the other chicas are riding but it's so far away. Liz

 

[firecracker22]

OK, I’m going to offer this as an option just so everybody can shout me down again. A lowered (longer dogbones, cut down seat foam, softer springs) 125 is a heck of a lot of fun to ride. If you’re ready for a bigger bike and willing to look at two-strokes, keep it as an option. They can be tamed down with a flywheel weight and are very light and easy to start. In some ways they are easier to ride than the KTM200 which has a pretty good midrange punch to it. If you have lots of money, the absolute coolest bike I have ever ridden was a RM 167. Hated the bike, loved the motor. The RPM bore/stroker kit is smoooooooth but powerful—you can lug it down like a four-stroke and then scream it like a two stroke but it won’t pull your arms out. It’s a pretty expensive kit though. When my KTM is ready to retire, I will either buy a CR 125 and do that to it or a CRF 250 if they’re out.

 

[Pegasus]

Hi FireLily....
Here's my two cents !
After not having riden since a teen .. in 98 I bought an XR200..Great "first" bike.Being tall for me I had it lowered . I took that thing everywhere.
However lowered, it had little ground clearence..big problem on narrow rocky sidehill singletrack .But until I began riding high mountain trail ,it served me well.Over and through the woods like a champ.

I was fortunate to be able to move into a Honda BBR 220..Its awesome ! However like the ladies say there are many other great options out there, and more coming.

Just dont be in to big a hurry to off your XR..unless its a weight thing..My XR was kinda heavy but I got stronger and didnt drop it as much in time :-) I learned a lot on it and it was a good confidence and skill builder.
Definetely ride other bikes when you can..it will help you decide when the time comes.


FC....What BBR conversion are you taking to Reno?

 

[firecracker22]

I'll bring a aluminum frame CR 80/TT-R 150

 

[Fe_princess]

Up North...

Hey Firelily! Happy belated.
Where up north do you mean?
Stoneyford? Middlecreek?
Do you ever go into the foothill near Auburn, or Foresthill?

 

[Trialwench]

FF- Definitely try out a Gas Gas 280/250 (www.gasgas.com) they are the easiest to ride trail bike out there. I predominatly compete at the National Level of Observed Trials, so that's where my main interests lie; however, I am a motorcycle nut. I love trail riding too and racing Enduros'.

I have a full-size 1999 Gas Gas EC200 Enduro bike and a 2002 Gas Gas Pampera 280. I'm 5'4" - the EC has been lowered a little, but not firmly touching the ground as been no big deal. It has a very powerful 200 engine and we've modified it to make the hit more linear and gave it more bottom end. It weighs about 40lbs more than the pampera when they're gased up.

The P280 has a trials based engine (trials engines have LOTS of bottom end - torquey power. Seat height is 34" and it has very good, suspension on it, but less travel than the EC. The bike is EFFORTLESS to ride, it pulls down low and is literally a cross between a john deer tractor and a mtn. goat. The bike will go anywhere you point it, over the roughest terrain you can imagine. The bike takes little ENERGY from the rider.

Ok, I've predominately raced the EC200 in Enduro's and hare scrambles. To date, I've ridden one enduro on the P280. I'm riding another enduro this sunday in SC. Guess what bike I've chosen to ride? The P280! It's just gonna be easier on me for the 70 mile race. I have very good riding skills and move my body alot and regardless of what "little me" does, I always feel like the EC200 is jerking my arms/shoulders. And I ride standing up, using my legs not my arms. SO, I'm gonna ride the bike that is going to take less energy from my body and this means I will be able to go faster and longer and not feel like a wet dish towel.

yes, i do sell Gas Gas trials bikes and pamperas. So take what you hear from me and combine with what you hear from others. I'm selling alot of these P280's to guys now, who have ridden mine or others and found out from themselves it was easier than riding there big KTM's or whatever. And these are really good riders. So, I'm glad to see that happening, cause I didn't want the public to think it was a "women's bike". The bike has a wide range of appeal to various riders of all skill levels.

Plus, it's really fun to pass alot of other racers on a smaller bike. They think "what was that thing?" and then the next thought was "was that a girl?"

 

[FireLily]

Princess, we were in Middle Creek (mainly Penny Pine) last weekend. I love the trails crossing those little creeks in woods and the beautiful view.
I have been to Stonyford and Auburn area. But it was about a year ago when I just started learning how to ride, so I can't remember the trails.
By the way, I was very impressed about your riding story in Baja. I hope I can do the same one day.

 

[DirtFamily]

TrialWench

I'm looking for a skid plate for a 2002 Pampera 280......do you know who might make one? I've tried elineaccessories, flatlandracing, utahsportcycle and tuckerrocky....
Thanks!
Katie

 

[FireLily]

Until I posted this topic, I didn't know there was a bike called Pampera. I didn't even know GasGas.
I am going to research about Pampera on Internet, but I will be happy to get any information from you.

 

[CJ Rider]

Katie- You have a Pampera too?! Would you want to ride up at Berthoud this weekend?

 

[DirtFamily]

CJ - I decided on a Pampera, but haven't bought one yet...hopefully within a month....the dealer I'm working with got one in this week, but I haven't seen it yet....I would LOVE to meet you out at Berthoud this weekend tho!?

Maybe we can get Rodzilla up there too....he has magazines for us and we have a pipe for him...:)

Katie

 

[CJ Rider]

That's cool! Rod was just online a minute ago and said that his best friend is moving to NJ due to this yucky economy. He's pretty bummed so riding should cheer him up a bit. How's Berthoud on Saturday at around, say, 10:30 AM sound?

 

[gospeedracer]

Mmmmm, the more I hear about the Pampera the more I like! Hey CJ, you mind if I take yours for a spin in Reno? :)
They're not as expensive as I thought for some reason.
I've gotta hurry up and get TTRGuy a KTM520, then it won't look so bad if I get another bike! ;)
Was last year or this year the first year for the GG Pampera?
Does anyone know how close their claimed 198lbs is? (I assume that's dry)
I'm surprised that it only has a 1.8 gallon tank though. :think

 

[DirtFamily]

CJ - I saw Rod on here too...just sent him an email! Kewl beans! Saturday around 10:30 AM it is! and Thank you!!
Katie

 

[DirtFamily]

PS - Beware....I used to ride a KLX250, CR250, and YZ250, but I've been out of it for about a year...:( :eek: :ugg: :)