I want a new bike in 2010

[MattR]

I'm looking to get a new bike next year. I really enjoyed my 2007 EC250, but just looking for a change. I have the desire to go back to a smaller engine size (200cc or less).

As you might recall, I had a 2004 KTM 200EXC in between owning my two GasGas 250's. I feel that I'm a faster rider on the 200. Smaller bikes make you stay focused more, busy with the gear box, and carry your speed through corners. Plus, I love to hear the motors sing in the middle-to-top range.

Well, I have been looking at my options and have narrowed them down to the following. I have to admit the new GG 250 4T looks interesting but I'm definitely a 2T guy.

In no specific order (all 2010 models):

Husky WR125: Really nice package but the lack of larger gas tank really sucks. This is about the only downside for me. As far as 125s go, this one is hard to beat.

Yamaha YZ125: I would set it up for woods and get 18" rear wheel. Strong aftermarket so setting it up for longer rides (big tank) would be easy. Lack of lighting coil is a downside though... along with the 19" wheel.

KTM 150XC: Still too early to tell. If it is a "fast" 125 than it would be fun... if it is a "slow" 200 than I will pass. I've read the steering stops engage too early. Not sure if you could grind them down a bit. KTM quality is nice, but I have a major issue with their philosophy on gas caps and countersprocket seals.

KTM 200XC-W: I wished that 200XC was available for 2010 but it isn't. I like the XC-spec suspension and gearing better. Along with my gas cap and countersprocket seal complaints, I'm not sure if I would be happy with this bike. The other complaint that I had with my '04 200EXc was that it was very twitchy/unstable. A steering damper was needed. No issue with power or suspension since I had it set up well.

GasGas EC200: To be honest, I never gave the little 200 much thought previously. I initially dismissed it when I bought my '04 200EXC. My view back then was why put a 200cc engine in the 250/300 chassis. Now, I think it may be a good idea. The 250/300 bikes are perfect handling-wise, so a smoother power that can scream in the upper range may be a nice fit. I would definitely want the 2K-2 ignition. It is already pre-wired for lighting and has 18" rear wheel. Plus, I love the GasGas brand.

Right now, the GasGas EC200 is winning. The Husky has me really interested, but the small gas tank sucks.

I know posting here can be slightly biased. However, I know many of you will give me honest feedback. We are a unique family here and I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. Plus, I know most of you have backgrounds with these other brands and could shed some experience on my dilema.

Almost forgot... my wife says this one needs to stay for a few years. So, I need to get it right this time.

Thanks!

[roostafish]

What a fun discussion this could turn out to be.... For me, I'd throw in a couple more options.

Husky WR 125.... With a 150 kit. There are dozens of them running around here in Oregon. Our best Husky dealer could never satisfy the demand for WR 250s, so after trading other dealers and exhausting his options to try to get more WR 250's, he started putting 150 kits in WR 125's. The people around here who ride them, love them. Some have abandoned KTM 200's for these Husky"150's"....

Gas Gas 125: I was just drooling over a new Gas Gas 125 at Gran Prix Cycle. I think it's a cool bike, and I'll bet it could also be made into a 144/150. This size is very intruiging to me. I once rode a friends YZ 167. I was riding a GG 200 at the time, and I was duly impressed with the Yam. A hefty price tag to upsize to 167 though, so it's not something I'd truly consider.

In the end, the only loser in that bunch is the KTM 200 (in my not so humble opinion). I hate that bike. It sucks, it's twitchy, it's unridable. Why do I like the KTM 125? I have no idea, but I do... Same chassis, different bike.

[rpduc]

You probably already posted up there, but if not hit up the boys at Cafe Husky or Thumper Talk on the WR 125.

I'd kinda like to try a "tiddler" like the Brits call them, so I've been lurking on the 125 threads and the guys that have the WRs love 'em.

[fury1]

one quick note on the husky wr125,the factory offers a larger tank as an option for 2010,but it doesnt fit the older models,I would like to try out a 2010 WR125 for next season

I had a few gasgas 200s and liked them maybe a little more than my 300,they just force you to ride a little more aggressive and as a racer you need that to stay competetive,my 300 really makes things easy,too easy and many times I would find myself just sitting down riding takingthings easy instead of up on the pegs.

that said I went to a TXC250 from husky this season and love the power and the bike keeps you honest like a 125 would,sure it has more power everywhere than a 125,but you do need to pay attention

[GMP]

You could also find a 200 motor from a part out and drop it in your '07 frame to see if you really like it. 125s are cool but I don't think I'd want one for my only bike, If I could add one sure though. I doubt I'll be able to get something in the near future considering my Ducati purchase, plus my '07 had over a year off and works good for me. A 250F is almost a sure thing for me next though. I just get along with them, and felt almost as comfy and fast on the Yamaha after a few miles as my GG.

[blitz11]

The upside about Husky is their price. A somewhat local dealer (http://www.heinenmotorsports.com/) has these prices:

2009 WR 125....Retail $5999....Sale $4499.99
2009 WR 250....Retail $6799....Sale $4899.99
2009 WR 300....Retail $6999....Sale $4799.99
2009 TC 450....Retail $7399....Sale $4999.99
2009 TC 510....Retail $7699....Sale $5399.99
2009 TXC450....Retail $7699....Sale $5399.99
2009 TXC510....Retail $7999....Sale $5899.99
2009 TE 310....Retail $7999....Sale $5999.99
2009 TE 450....Retail $8299....Sale $5999.99
2009 TE 510....Retail $8599....Sale $6699.99
2009 SM 510....Retail $8699....Sale $6699.99
2009 SM 610....Retail $8499....Sale $6299.99

$4800 for a WR300 is a pretty damn good deal. Crazy good.

Good luck with your choice. Congrats on the missus who supports your habit.

blitz

[GMP]

You know, I was out today riding the nastiest stuff I could find near my house, some stuff I havn't been on in awhile. I almost forgot what an awesome technical trail bike this thing is. It would be hard to beat. A 250F might have a slight advantage if the trail is faster AND slick, but in the gnarly stuff, the instant snap to wheelie up and over a slimy ledge and then toss the bike sideways to avoid the next big rock is the strength of the GG 250 2-stroke.

[Skidad]

Kind of an interesting thread over on KTM Talk started by Javier of Trail Trick Suspension. He is at the moment one of the top KTM suspension guys but is also now doing alot of work with the Gas Gas bikes and suspension. He currently has a GG 200 (and a 300) and in this thread does some comparison of the KTM and GG 200 bikes. Both have been modded but the KTM a good bit more so he's gonna work a bit more on the GG which he like better because of the smaller and lower chassis. KTM motor is a bit stronger. It's a good read but his english (Trail Tricks) is a bit rough so be aware.

http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=362999

I think a GG 250F will be a really wonderful bike (when the heck when will we see a test?) but so is the Yamaha 250F for probably allot less and awesome suspension. Just gotta want to be a bit different and willing to pony up the $$ to go GG and deal with the resale thing.

Lots of KTM bashers here from the GG faithfull that's for sure. Worse here than over there it seems to me. Gets old. Their little 200 is a dam good and fun bike. Motor can be tuned many different ways from mild to wild (although the 03 was a bit nasty) and the 07-10 chassis and especially the 08 and on are really good. Same goes for their 250F IMO. Super fun bike, especially with a 280/290 kit. It is kind of boring to be in the giant sea of orange though I totally agree even thought I own both brands...but my KTM is a 97 with linkage, conventional forks and butterscotch orange color. Nothing like the newer bikes at all and I like that!

390 Berg is sweet for sure...and still to heavy IMO...and the gas tank situation still sucks for more capacity unless you want a ginormus tank. FI works really well and I'd take it over a big GG thumper. Also $$$ factor.

[roostafish]

The cost of a Husqvarna makes them worth a look for sure.
I wonder if the rear wheel hits the fender when it bottoms?? If not, there may be subframe mods, or lowering linkage. I have recently ridden an '08 Husky WR 125. I did notice it was taller than my Gasser, but it didn't really bother me, you're not supposed to touch the ground anyway are you?

What did bother me was the absolutely atrocious suspension! Yuk, didn't soak up little stuff, then blew through the travel on big stuff. I didn't like the boingers.
What I did like was the ability to just let it sing. That bike was easy to keep in the meat of the power, just twist and let it sing.

[GMP]

The problem with lowering links is they can alter the progression curve. Perhaps the thing to do is add a spacer to shorten the shock a bit, and balance the fork accordingly.

Its funny how the stock Husky 4-stroke suspension is quite good and the 2-strokes quite bad. I mean a stock WR250 is almost unridable here, where the TE450 is great on rocky trails, just too big for the tight stuff.