New bike...ktm200exc or wr250f????

[alanreeves]

Having a little trouble making up my mind which bike to go for once the KX is sold.
Choice at the moment lies between KTM200EXC and WR250f, and mabee the gas gas ec200, the bike will be used for Enduro and hare and hounds events and some trail riding. by a clubman level rider, me :)
Would like to here comments from people who own either of these two bikes or have ridden them re power, suspension, things that have gone wrong etc.

 

[HiG4s]

I prefer a 250 exc over the 200, haven't ridden the others. I had a chance to ride both a 200 and 250 Gas Gas two weeks ago when I took my son to the practice track, but it was only a week after I had a bad crash and I was just too sore to even try.

 

[alanreeves]

I am only 145lbs (ish) so IMO dont really need the extra power of the 250 but would appreciate the 15-20lbs weight difference.
This is just an opinion as I don't have any experience of either bikes so let me know if you think otherwise.

 

[Oldenduroguy]

I've owned a KTM 200 EXC for 2 years and liked it a lot. Lots of poswer and light weight too. I can't think of a better all around bike...Ron

 

[Monkey Butt]

I've owned a 200exc for 1 1/2 years now and haven't had any problems with it. It is a great bike and can be made to do what ever you want it to do with the proper set up. I would think it would be perfect for a guy your size. I'm a 170# B class harescrambler and it has all of the power that I need.

Neal

 

[MN KDXer]

If you are approx 145#, then you're probably not too tall either. In which case, I would suggest to steer away from the WR, for two reasons- It is heavier than the 200EXC and you need a fairly tall inseam to kick the 250 F 4stkers to life. Plus, the 200EXC is a MUCH more dependable starter. The silly 4 strk noise is personal preference thing; some like it, I hate it.

Note about the GG200 and 250, is that they are both about the same weight. The EXC is lighter than the GG200/250, but not a whole bunch.

Depending on where you ride, you might also want to consider a 125 motobike. They are even lighter than a 200EXC and have some real potential after you set them up.

 

[MX GZR]

Before you buy KTM check out the price of replacement parts. They are VERY high compared to the big four and are hard to get. I had good luck with Mikes Cycle but not enough to justify the price KTM wants. I know the KTM guys will blast me for this, but the parts do NOT last long enough to justify the price. Been there done that-got a cheep T shirt for the hassle!:ugg:

 

[Boozer]

i don't care what the euro riders say, the Japanese bikes are still the king of reliability. Yamaha is no exception.
I think that for enduro work, the KTM 200 would be a better bike than the KTM 250. Shane Watts, enduro ace, agrees also.

 

[bud]

I'd go for the ktm too. More usable power, lighter weight, better handling, plenty reliable. If it was me and I weighed 50 pounds less (145), I'd probably still go for the 250exc if I was set on ktm because of the extra bottom end power.

 

[BikeDstroyer]

The real question here is do you want to thump or ping?? I had a KTM 200 for 2 years and decided I wanted to thump and bought a WR250F. The KTM will work and go anywhere and is a blast to ride. The 250F will require you to learn about 4-strokes. Weight is heavier and the starting can be cumbersome for some, but it is also a blast to ride. Both are great bikes, will go anywhere you want them too, and are fun to ride.

 

[HiG4s]

I've owned every major brand and never had and serious problems with any of them. I ride a Husqvarna now, and it is very impressive quality fit and finish wise. But then my son's YZ85 has fantastic forks, miniture versions of the YZ125.
At 145 a 125 might be a thought and Husqvarna still makes an enduro wr125 2-stroke. And I believe the price is only $5100 new. About the same as a Jap 125 MX bike. Summit Husqvarna was selling leftover 2001s for $1000 off. Give them a call and see what they have left.
http://www.summitcycles.com/index.html
For a good enough price you could afford to have it shipped where ever. Well maybe not to England.

But check the Husky dealers there, they might have some leftover bikes cheap.

 

[alanreeves]

I've got a KX125 now and it doesn't have enough power. If I gear it for top end then it's too sluggish, and when it's stock gearing I reach top speed too much and always looking for 7th gear. Suppose close ratio box doen't help but definately want a 200 or 250.

 

[SCUM13]

new bike KTM200

i recently signed up for the KTM200 and i can say that it is the most fun ive had on a dirt bike ...ever! yeah they are a little more expensive, but you get all the goods right out of the bag.....my vote is for the KTM200.......

 

[alanreeves]

KTM and Gas Gas 200's (mabee 250 if I choose gg) think this now is what my choice is down to, don't fancy the thumper any more. I like to ping:)
Believe the KTM is quicker with the Gas Gas handling better, any thoughts?
Also heard somewhere that the gg 250 isn't any heavier than the 200, can this be true??
Anyone in the U.K know where I might get a test ride of either of these bikes?