New Guy

I am new to the forum and want to introduce myself. My name is Wayne Meuir and I live in Lavon, Texas which is about 30 miles northeast of Dallas. I am 62 and retired. I have ridden bikes of one sort or another all my life, but in the last 15 years or so, only street bikes. I am a 2-stroke fanatic and currently own a 72 Kaw H2 triple, and 75 Kaw H1 triple, a 77 Kaw KH400 triple, a 76 Suz GT750, two 65 Suz X6 hustlers, and an 84 Yam RZ350, plus one 4-stroke, a '02 Kaw Concours sport touring bike.
When I was young, I lived on a dirt bike, but never raced except enduros. Mostly just trail riding on an 63 Ducati 250 single and then in '68 I bought a Ossa 230 Pioneer.
I may be a little too old for dirt riding again, but plan on giving it a shot. I have decided that the KDX 200/220 will serve me well since I will be doing mostly just mild trail riding with my son and grandson.
Question I have for you guys is that since this bike was made for so many years, are there any certain years that are better than others or should I just get the newest one I can find at a good price? I am watching Craigslist for one to come up reasonably close. I guess what I am asking is that if an older one from the late 90's comes up and is in good condition, is that reasonable or should I hold out for something newer from say, 2003-2006.
Several people have recommended I go to a late model 4-stroke becasue they are easier to ride, but as far as I am concerned, 4-strokes suck.

Thanks,

Wayne

J, thanks, that is good info. Gland to know that year model makes little difference. What makes the 200 hit harder, does it just have more radical port timing? Does the low end suffer dramatically? Reason I ask, I see very few 220's for sale, probably about one for every ten 200's, and the 200's are not all that plentiful. I am not really needing the bike to be super fast, but low end grunt would be good.

Wayne

I am going to look at a couple of 200's that a local guy has. He and his dad bought the bikes late last year. His dad has a bad crash first time out and broke both wrists so the bikes are now for sale.

His dad's bike is a 2005 for $2500:
FMF Gnarly Torque Pipe, FMF Turbine Core Silencer, Trail Tech Computer and a few other odds and ends add ons, supposedly low hour in cherry condition.

His bike is a 2001 for $1500 hours on engine are unknown:
New chain and sprockets, new front wheel bearings, FMF Gnarly torque pipe, new stainless spokes on rear wheel, new air filter. Looks good in the picture, supposedly runs great, and has no know problems except one fork seal leaking.

Opinions based on what I just wrote?

Wayne

J, that's what I wanted to hear. I ain't made of money and the '05 sounds like it is really nice, but if the other one runs and looks good and well, I may try to deal on it.

Wayne