Which bike for GNCC/HS 200,250,400,520...

[kenkfish]

I currently have the 02sx250 and the 01sx520. I would like to start racing HS or some GNCC events. I will probably sell the 520. I would like to know which KTM you guys suggest. I am over 6' and 190lbs., vet b. Will the 200exc be enough, will the 400exc turn as well, or should I run the sx250 in the woods? I want to stay with the KTM so both of my bikes are similar, besides the 02 sx250 is unbelievable(for mx type of riding).

 

[yota]

I have an 02 sx 125 which I am setting up for woods (Jeremy has my suspension right now) but I assume you have pretty tight woods in your area and EXC gearing might be the way to go. If you want to use your SX in the woods you will need a revalve. I also have a 200 and it is a great bike but at 190 lbs, it might be a little small. Does your 190# include riding gear? When I sent my stuff to Jeremy last week I weighed my self with and without gear to give him accurate info for the revalve and I was amazed to find out that my riding gear(including full camelbak) was 25 lbs! Just my Tech 8's weighed 10 lbs. IF you try your 250SX you might want to consider a flywheel weight.

 

[kenkfish]

Yota, I am 190 without gear. Also, I wanted to keep the sx250 for moto. I wanted to get rid of the 520 and replace it with the best woods bike possible. I tried a 12 oz. flywheel weight on the 250 but the bike was too much "moto" for the woods. I was leaning toward the 200.250 or 400 exc. I figure that handling and turning are the most important factors for tighter off road stuff. The 520 that I have now has the awesome motor but the tranny is wrong(4 speed) and it is tougher to negotiate technical stuff. I will be sending my 250 suspension to MXTech for a revalve. It will be a moto set up, but if it is alot plusher, maybe I will try it in the woods.

 

[BenjaminPQ]

Seeing that your from the East, a EXC is a must, and I would stick with a 200 or 400. The 520 will be too much bike, I promise you that.

If you are a 2 stroke guy a 200 would be great if you are comfortable on it, keep in mind it's the size of a 125, some people love that some don't, but it has more then enough power. A 250EXC would be great too but you wouldn't be able to toss it around as easy as the 200 and the power would be more, which in my mind is bad in the tight stuff. I have not rode a 400 but I know people that have and say it's have the best power for woods, SMOOTH. It's fairly light, magic button, and I'm sure it would be great in the sloppy stuff as most thumpers are.

So my pick would go like this:
400EXC
200EXC/250EXC (depending on the size of bike you want)

The only thing that would be better is a 250 RFS, I'm still waiting for that.

Trust me though, you don't want too much power, don't even think about a 300 or 380. My 300MXC, in my opinion, is just too much in the woods, you just don't need that much power. I rode a 300EXC and it was much better then mine but still over kill, they tune those EXC just perfect for the woods.

Just remember it's not moto cross, you need a bike that has smooth power and with suspension that will smooth out trail junk ;)

 

[yota]

I think you're too big to be happy with the 200. The 300 EXC would be great if you fit into an age class or want to do the open class. The 250 EXC would also be good but kind of redundant with your other 250. If you are only going to do off road with the new bike I would definately recommend the wide ratio gearbox and all the other goodies which come on an EXC model KTM. I also had a YZ 250F an its a blast but a WR 250 F would probably be better for woods. If you can wait till next year, the rumor is that KTM is going to have a new 450 4 stroke.

 

[tm-enduro]

If you already have a sx250, another 250 seems to be in order. The exc250 is arguably the best off-road bike made and it shares many parts with your sx. Depending upon your pocket book, you may choose to buy a second sx250 and convert it for woods use. Softer suspension settings, a taller softer seat, the KTM optional large black sx tank, and porting work would make the sx a whole new beast and 98% of the parts would be interchangible with your other bike. With a bit more money (I don't know how much) you could put on the complete exc ignition and lights.

 

[ktmark]

I just broke in my 02' 300 mxc & i highly recommend it(or exc) for GNCC type racing(what i do). Its much different than any other year 300, ive rode most all,the cylinder is all new as of 01'. Smooth, powerfull & easy to go fast on . I'm 6',175 ,the 200 cramps me too much. The 300 ergos would make it easy for you to swap between your bikes. The 250exc is good too or a 400exc if you must have a 4-stk. I now believe the 300 fits right between those two..............decisions

 

[ktm033]

rode an '01 200 exc last year in d 14 HS; switched to an '02 400 MXC for '02. Have rode it a little since picking it up and am very happy with it. The 200 was a great bike but love the way the 400 makes power all over, very, very nice. Can't wait til April!

 

[Bud-Man]

Ken,
I think the smartest thing would be to get a bike that is as similar to your MX bike as possible. Otherwise you will fight the unfamiliar feel of the other bike when you make the switch. I struggle every time I switch between my 400sx and 125SX. Plus, I don't know how you will like the larger EXC/MXC layout after riding the slimmer SX stuff. As stated before, another 250SX with the oversize SX tank, softer seat, revalved suspension and ported cylinder (smoother delivery) would be ideal. How about a used '01 or even a used '02? Unfortunately this does negate one benefit of a second bike......something different :D !

 

[Greg]

I'm 6'3 and 200lbs, ride vet b in harescrambles. I cannot imagine a bike for me better than my 300mxc to race h/s. It has incredible low end so you don't get worn out in the rough stuff. Forget gear selection stick it in 3rd or even 4th and ride an entire lap. You got grass section straight away power to take anything short of a 520. This year is my first racing season on the 300. Last year I rode 14 races on a highly modified Kdx 200. No way I'm going back to a small bore. When you are over 6' and around 200lbs, I figure a 300 feels to me like a 200 feels to a 5'8 165lbs rider. Go with a 250 or 300 exc or mxc, you'll love it! I've got 5 races on my 300 and am tickled to death. Going to ride an enduro on it in 3 weeks. I'll be interested in how it fares with the MXC close ratio transmission.

 

[4banger]

I have ridden them all and they are all very good bikes. If you are used to riding the 250, then the 250 or 300 would be the best, due to your familiarity with the chasis, motor and handling. The exc is the best choice, IMO, unless you really like the close ratio mx style tranny.

 

[FOO-FOO BIKE]

Get the biggest ,baddest, thing out there. That way I can pass you after 2hrs and win.I ride a 200 vet. B

 

[KTMdude911]

I think you should get a 300.The 200 would be good but with the weight the 200 suspension wouldnt be the best.The 300 has been one of the best selling KTMs i would reccomend it.One reason i wouldnt use the 250sx like yota said is the gearing.I have ridden a sx ad in the woods exspecially tight it really isnt the best either way i would get an exc of some kind.

 

[HiG4s]

I believe with his last win Shane Watts has won a GNCC on every size KTM/MXC they make. Get whatever feels best and you are most comfortable with and you can get the best deal on. They are all good bikes as are the Husqvarna and Gas Gas machines.
If I had the money right now to buy, I would be torn between the KTM and Husky 250 2-stroke and the 400/450 4-stroke enduro machines. I like the wide ratio trans.

 

[Greg]

Originally posted by FOO-FOO BIKE
Get the biggest ,baddest, thing out there. That way I can pass you after 2hrs and win.I ride a 200 vet. B

I ride Vet B in the Midsouth Winter Series and it's interesting to note the top five points positions are held by: 520ktm, 250yam, 250suz, 300ktm(me), and 250yam. I think the 200 ktm is a great bike, but for a 190Lbs+ rider used to riding a 250 it won't be as effective as a 250, 400, or 300. As an added note the #1 pro rider in the MSWS is about 160lbs with gear on. Won last year on a 250 suzuki and is dominating this year on a ktm 400.

 

[kenkfish]

Greg, your opinion holds truth. I just finished a couple of hours on the 200. Great bike, size and handling were great. Motor was also good, but at my weight I had to ride it very aggressive. I think I might feel better on the new 250e or 400.

 

[FOO-FOO BIKE]

Het guys I was just adding a little fun to the conversation.I'm not as tall as you but we weigh the same. I had a 250 exc (great bike), a 300 exc (lots of motor), and now a 200 mxc. I'm definately faster on the 200, because in a long race it doesn't wear me out as fast as the others . But you havr to realize it is a 200,it does'nt have the cut and thrust motor like a bigger bike has. Momentum is your best friend , and it's easy to keep because of it's light weigh and smooth power delivery. YOU HAVE TO RIDE IT LIKE A 125 ON STEROIDS, NOT A WORN OUT 250. If you get a 200 I should warn you ,don't be surprized if your riding buddies don't start calling it , and I quote ,"wifes bike", "girly bike" and of-course "FOO-FOO BIKE". Don't fret, you'll get over it when you pass them on the last lap,again, and again, and again. Hey Dozer I know you're reading this.(he's probably still hiding behind his 300). getting beat buy a "girls bike" takes it's toll ya. ack to the orginal question, get what you think you'll like, but bigger isn't always better. sometimes...

 

[dozer]

I can't waite until I see you at the start of the next HS and hope that we line up behind the foo foo wife's bike class. No more slamming the door shut at the end of race because the bike stalled trying to avoid taking out some young 125 rider. In fact I bet there is some winter hs coming up at Elson St. We'll have to have Mgorman keep us posted. 300's love to eat frozen foo foo bikes for breakfast in the winter :p .

 

[FOO-FOO BIKE]

Hey, I think I struck a nerve. Must be a big nerve. You know , like big bores. BIIGG...and slooowww...

 

[dozer]

We shall see Mr. Foo Foo rider:)

 

[FOO-FOO BIKE]

OK...