Comparison - KDX220r vs EC200

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kcampbe
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Comparison - KDX220r vs EC200

Post by kcampbe »

Hi!

You've all been helpful in my welcome message where I've been hunting a KDX220r.

I've found one in my local area that I'm going to look at. It's a 2003 in beautiful condition with a rekluse clutch.

I've also found a 2004 GasGas EC200 in beautiful condition also with a rekluse clutch. They're about the same price at just under $2k.

I hope to ride them fairly soon, but I was wondering if any of you out there have had experience with both bikes and have any input.

I've read great things about both but was looking for some real world input.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin
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Post by KarlP »

A buddy of mine has a GG200, I'm not sure of the year but it is not old.
We've swapped rides a couple of times.

The GG has a modern chassis and suspension. The motor is more like a large bore 125.
The GG guy liked my motor better, I liked his chassis better.
Since then I put my motor in a CR frame and the chassis "advantage" dissapeared. My motor still has an advantage, to me.

It really depends what you are going to want to do with the bike. If you want to trail ride in comfort all day long, the KDX is fine.
If you might want to go racing (HS or Enduro) the GG would be the way to go. It won't be as relaxing to just plunk around on, though.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
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Post by Julien D »

I haven't had the chance to ride a GasGas 200, but I have been looking into them for a long time. What Karl says pretty much nails it IMO. The GasGas is gonna have the edge in power and handling. The KDX is going to be more reliable and easier to get parts for. A KDX200 is gonna be a better match for the gasgas, the 220 might feel a little (a lot) flat on top in comparison. The chassis on the gasgas is obviously going to be better suited to racing than the KDX.
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Post by Green Hornet »

Rekluse DOES NOT make an Auto for the KDX.. Maybe an EFM???
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kcampbe
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Post by kcampbe »

Thanks for the feedback on the GG.

Green Hornet - checked the Rekluse website and you're right.

I'll check with the owner on the auto clutch.

I'm not into racing (too old for that). I assume the KDX can stand up to some light jumping? (I've seen youtube videos, but who knows).

Man - I thought this would be an easier decision but the lack of KDX 220's out there makes you think... Alot of KTM 250EXCs, but sounds like they can be expensive to maintain..

Thanks again all of these choices make me appreciate your feedback even more!

Kevin
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Post by Varmint »

Just curious... why are you narrowing your search by just 220s?
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Julien D
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Post by Julien D »

I second Varmint's question. I'd be looking for a KDX200 personally.

And yeah, trail jumping with a KDX is fine. Hitting that double or triple at the MX track might not be a good idea though. There are plenty of mods and conversion for the KDX to grow with you though. MX front end, pipe, reeds, head and carb mods, etc etc etc.
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Post by Brian »

Why wouldn't you want a KDX220? Shoot, I have two of them. :mrgreen:

I've never ridden the KDX 200 But I have a RB modified (head, carb), rev pipe equiped 220 and a stock 220 (with woods pipe). The modified 220 really kicks butt. It has a lilttle less power than my KX 250 but way more than my son's RM 125 and it's very easy to ride nearly everywhere (except full on MX).
KX 250, KDX 220, KDX 220, KDX 200, CR 80

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Post by Julien D »

But I have a RB modified (head, carb), rev pipe equiped 220 .
Sweet! You almost have a 200!

:butthead:


That's totally in good humor, btw. No offense intended or implied.
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Post by kcampbe »

So the KDX 200/220 debate is interesting...

I've spoken to some folks that say because I'm a fairly new dirt rider that the 220 offers more low end and less hit and might be better for me.

I'm open to either, but looking to the gurus for the advice. There seem to be more 200's available, but unfortunately they aren't easy to find so riding both in advance looks to be difficult. The specs seem identical with the exception of the engine.

As you may have noted, I'm not a lightweight guy. I'm looking for a fun trail bike that I can learn on and possibly ride for a while.

Thanks again.
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Post by Brian »

Has anyone ever put a RB mod KDX 220 on a Dyno to see what it does?
KX 250, KDX 220, KDX 220, KDX 200, CR 80

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Post by KarlP »

Has anyone ever put a RB mod KDX 220 on a Dyno to see what it does?
Seat of the pants...............?

My RBD modded 220 has way more bottom and mid than any 200 I've ridden. I couldn't tell any difference in the upper RPMs, who rides a KDX there anyway?
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
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Post by Brian »

My son does. He rides my KDX like it's his 125. He keeps it totally wound up so much it makes me cringe. I tell him I don't think it's built to keep wound up all the time and he says it pulls really good on top, lilke a big 125.
KX 250, KDX 220, KDX 220, KDX 200, CR 80

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