Quote
Stock piston is a cast vertex on the ktm's, but not flawed in any way...
best 2t trail bike under $1500?
Started by
TheLetterJ
, Oct 16 2010 12:48 AM
35 replies to this topic
Posted 16 October 2010 - 08:28 PM
Vector12 said:
You got a 690, so I'm guessing HP isn't an issue.
I like the CR250's 2000-2001 with the mechanical power valve, IIRC 2002 on has the electronic valves, and it's harder to adjust. Even with a Gnarly pipe and a de-tuned powervalve, CR's have LOTs of wheel spin. I love the CR on the track and in the wide open desert(great in the sand).
KTM200, Pure bliss, and the KTM 2 strokes sell for less than same year Jap bikes. I had a 2003 KTM 200SX, I bought for $1500 with a new top end. It was 6 speed, more grunt than a 125 and it was a really manageable trail bike. It also had twin chamber front forks, I was 40 lbs heavier than the suspension was set for and it was really plush with no bottoming on a small double. If I see another young one for a good price this winter, I'll drop for it. If I could only have one smoker, it would be a KTM 200, even over a KTM300. If I need More HP(smooth trail power) and a plate, I'll ride the 525EXC(only reason over a KTM300 is MPG when riding longer loops)
A little cheaper, a 2000 YZ250, oh ya. Just over $1000, add a 13+oz flyweight, and have fun.
You said also to connect trails, so you'll get a plate? With a plate, don't skip looking at a KTM 400/450/525 MXC/EXC, 2000 - 2002, some will fall in your budget, and I think spending a little bit more on a KTM 400 would be worth it. I just passed on a 2001 KTM 400MXC for $1600, it was a young bike, but the kick stand and kick start vibbed off, he would flex in price so I left. A guy 30 minutes later bought it. I made a mistake on that one, even though I really want the EXC tranny.
I have seen some 2004 250SX's for $1500, and the 2 strokes I've had, the KTM bottom ends last a long time vs a CR.
Lots discount the 2 smoker 125, for me, I can point a 125, nail the throttle and handle a tough section, the power isn't as fierce as a 250, and I can work my line, and worry less on throttle and clutch control. 125's are a blast. For me, the 125's burn down a piston faster than a 250, so slightly higher maintenance than a 250, and KTM pistons cost more than one for a CR or YZ.
I say skip the KDX, go modern, like your 690(I'm jealous)
Let us know what shakes out
Rock on
I like the CR250's 2000-2001 with the mechanical power valve, IIRC 2002 on has the electronic valves, and it's harder to adjust. Even with a Gnarly pipe and a de-tuned powervalve, CR's have LOTs of wheel spin. I love the CR on the track and in the wide open desert(great in the sand).
KTM200, Pure bliss, and the KTM 2 strokes sell for less than same year Jap bikes. I had a 2003 KTM 200SX, I bought for $1500 with a new top end. It was 6 speed, more grunt than a 125 and it was a really manageable trail bike. It also had twin chamber front forks, I was 40 lbs heavier than the suspension was set for and it was really plush with no bottoming on a small double. If I see another young one for a good price this winter, I'll drop for it. If I could only have one smoker, it would be a KTM 200, even over a KTM300. If I need More HP(smooth trail power) and a plate, I'll ride the 525EXC(only reason over a KTM300 is MPG when riding longer loops)
A little cheaper, a 2000 YZ250, oh ya. Just over $1000, add a 13+oz flyweight, and have fun.
You said also to connect trails, so you'll get a plate? With a plate, don't skip looking at a KTM 400/450/525 MXC/EXC, 2000 - 2002, some will fall in your budget, and I think spending a little bit more on a KTM 400 would be worth it. I just passed on a 2001 KTM 400MXC for $1600, it was a young bike, but the kick stand and kick start vibbed off, he would flex in price so I left. A guy 30 minutes later bought it. I made a mistake on that one, even though I really want the EXC tranny.
I have seen some 2004 250SX's for $1500, and the 2 strokes I've had, the KTM bottom ends last a long time vs a CR.
Lots discount the 2 smoker 125, for me, I can point a 125, nail the throttle and handle a tough section, the power isn't as fierce as a 250, and I can work my line, and worry less on throttle and clutch control. 125's are a blast. For me, the 125's burn down a piston faster than a 250, so slightly higher maintenance than a 250, and KTM pistons cost more than one for a CR or YZ.
I say skip the KDX, go modern, like your 690(I'm jealous)
Let us know what shakes out
Rock on
I like this one
shrubitup said:
Which other threadz is wrong boss?
Just complaining for complainings sake:smirk:
Posted 17 October 2010 - 02:26 PM
I have a 2000 Husky WR250 that I paid $1300 back in the fall of '08. I ended up putting about $500 into a pipe, reeds, carb, and other small stuff - but it has been a good bike.
Posted 17 October 2010 - 10:09 PM
josmoloco said:
1998-2000 200exc....
Any major differences between 98/99 and 00/02? I can't tell if they switched from conventional Marzocchi's to USD WP's in 00 or 01, but as far as I can tell, that was the only significant difference? Is it worth holding out for one with the WP's?
I found this one http://newjersey.cra...2009133943.html that looks to be all I could ask for, unfortunately it is on the wrong coast!
Posted 17 October 2010 - 10:59 PM
TheLetterJ said:
Any major differences between 98/99 and 00/02? I can't tell if they switched from conventional Marzocchi's to USD WP's in 00 or 01, but as far as I can tell, that was the only significant difference? Is it worth holding out for one with the WP's?
I found this one http://newjersey.cra...2009133943.html that looks to be all I could ask for, unfortunately it is on the wrong coast!
I found this one http://newjersey.cra...2009133943.html that looks to be all I could ask for, unfortunately it is on the wrong coast!
Expect to pay more for the same bike on the west coast...
Posted 18 October 2010 - 03:22 AM
Both of my bikes are similiar to what you are looking into, but a bit newer and I only ride woods & single track.
I have a 06 ktm 200xcw. This bike is a great bike period. My bike is virtually stock with the powervalve tweaked, carb re-jetted, and correct suspension springs (much more temperamental to proper springs than jap bikes). The engine can be lugged or screamed and the build quality of the ktm is very high.
My brother had a 2003 ktm 200sx, although the engine itself was great, the suspension/handling definitely needed some tweeking. He didnt keep the bike long enough to deal with the handling issues due to financial reasons. I have heard motorwise the 200's have been pretty bulletproof since their inception in 1998 or 1999. The 2003 & 2004's were known to have suspension issues until rebuilt by a pro.
My other bike is a 2005 cr250. Took some experimentation and modifications, but this bike is now at the same level as my 200. Changed out the carb and reeds, re-jetted and added a flywheel weight. My buddy has a 2002 with some tweaking that also is a excellent bike. The key to both is getting the power smooth for woods riding.
I think the wide ratio trannies are overrated for woods riding. My 200xcw feels like a close ratio six speed and never feels gappy. When I had my 300xcw, the tranny felt gappy to me and I had wished I had bought the xc model instead with the close ratio tranny.
I have a 06 ktm 200xcw. This bike is a great bike period. My bike is virtually stock with the powervalve tweaked, carb re-jetted, and correct suspension springs (much more temperamental to proper springs than jap bikes). The engine can be lugged or screamed and the build quality of the ktm is very high.
My brother had a 2003 ktm 200sx, although the engine itself was great, the suspension/handling definitely needed some tweeking. He didnt keep the bike long enough to deal with the handling issues due to financial reasons. I have heard motorwise the 200's have been pretty bulletproof since their inception in 1998 or 1999. The 2003 & 2004's were known to have suspension issues until rebuilt by a pro.
My other bike is a 2005 cr250. Took some experimentation and modifications, but this bike is now at the same level as my 200. Changed out the carb and reeds, re-jetted and added a flywheel weight. My buddy has a 2002 with some tweaking that also is a excellent bike. The key to both is getting the power smooth for woods riding.
I think the wide ratio trannies are overrated for woods riding. My 200xcw feels like a close ratio six speed and never feels gappy. When I had my 300xcw, the tranny felt gappy to me and I had wished I had bought the xc model instead with the close ratio tranny.
Posted 03 May 2011 - 12:13 AM
I thought I would update my thread being that I bought a bike over the weekend. I have been searching for a 200exc with absolutely no luck within a reasonable driving distance, but I was keeping my options open for other bikes mentioned in this thread aswell.
I looked at a 97 Yamaha WR250 (yes, 2t) for $1500 that was pretty much already set up, but the ergo's just weren't working for me at 6'5" so I passed. I found a 97 300exc for $1300 that was in decent shape, but after evaluating the cost of the many small maintenance parts it would need to be trail ready along with the somewhat outdated suspension, I passed.
I came across a 2002 cr250 locally that had a fresh topend and crank bearings/seals and after a short test ride I remembered how much I loved that chassis. It needs fork seals and one linkage bearing replaced but is otherwise in good condition both mechanically and cosmeticly so I brought it home for $1400. I've seen them go cheaper, but this was in good shape, close to home, and I don't see 02's (like I was specifically looking for because of the green sticker and contoured chassis) up for sale often.
I know it will take some money in parts to turn it into a singletrack monster (FWW, skidplate, revloc clutch, desert tank, kickstand, 18" rear wheel with TT, blah blah blah), but it has a spark arrestor and 12/50 gearing so it is totally rideable as is.
Coming from my 690, this thing feels like a bicycle and the power is not nearly as brutal as I remembered, so we should get along just fine. Hopefully I can give it a good shakedown this coming weekend so long as wifey let's me out on mother's day weekend!
I looked at a 97 Yamaha WR250 (yes, 2t) for $1500 that was pretty much already set up, but the ergo's just weren't working for me at 6'5" so I passed. I found a 97 300exc for $1300 that was in decent shape, but after evaluating the cost of the many small maintenance parts it would need to be trail ready along with the somewhat outdated suspension, I passed.
I came across a 2002 cr250 locally that had a fresh topend and crank bearings/seals and after a short test ride I remembered how much I loved that chassis. It needs fork seals and one linkage bearing replaced but is otherwise in good condition both mechanically and cosmeticly so I brought it home for $1400. I've seen them go cheaper, but this was in good shape, close to home, and I don't see 02's (like I was specifically looking for because of the green sticker and contoured chassis) up for sale often.
I know it will take some money in parts to turn it into a singletrack monster (FWW, skidplate, revloc clutch, desert tank, kickstand, 18" rear wheel with TT, blah blah blah), but it has a spark arrestor and 12/50 gearing so it is totally rideable as is.
Coming from my 690, this thing feels like a bicycle and the power is not nearly as brutal as I remembered, so we should get along just fine. Hopefully I can give it a good shakedown this coming weekend so long as wifey let's me out on mother's day weekend!
Posted 03 May 2011 - 05:02 AM
Go for a kdx, 200-300 cc 2 stroke KTM, or 200-300cc 2 stroke GasGas. You will be happy..probably happier with the KTM or GasGas though.
Posted 17 February 2012 - 06:48 AM
Sorry for reviving the dead but.........................I have the chance to pick up a 99 200exc w/ 02 200exc USD suspension set up for my weight and a fresh top end for around 1k.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Edited by crazy_dave, 17 February 2012 - 06:49 AM.
Posted 17 February 2012 - 07:56 AM
I would go to the KTM 2 stroke forum. Should get a lot of insight over there.
http://www.thumperta...8-ktm-2-stroke/
http://www.thumperta...8-ktm-2-stroke/
Posted 17 February 2012 - 12:33 PM
A KTM 300 would probably be the best bike except it is kind of out of your price range. Second, I would recomend a KDX 200/220. amazing bikes with a large tank, headlight, and low maintenence.
Posted 13 April 2012 - 06:22 PM
time again for another update to my thread.
The 2002 CR250 that I had bought had the lower rod bearing come apart taking out the cylinder plating and both powervalves along with the piston, head, and obviously the crank. I wasn't sure what I was going to do after weighing my options for rebuilding, so I started saving $100 a week instead of buying parts a little at a time. After seeing what building a nice 265 was going to cost, I started weighing out an '01 engine transplant vs. rebuild vs cutting my losses and starting with another bike.
During my search I came across a 2001 CR250 that has 10-11 hrs on it from the original owner for $1600 FIRM. I still wasn't sure that this was the route I wanted to go so I held off.
Last week while searching craigslist I came across a simple ad that basically said "gas gas 300, excellent condition, $1650 please call." So 45 minutes on the phone later, I made arrangements to see the bike after work on wednesday. When I arrived I was in shock at how clean the bike was... it is a 2001 ec300 and still has 70-80% tread on the ORIGINAL tires!!! The plastics aren't scuffed up or anything! To make things even sweeter, it already has fastway low pegs, 3 gallon tank, guts tall seat, skidplate, radiator cages, fmf gnarly pipe and turbine core spark arrestor (exhaust might have been fmf from the factory.) It turns out that the original owner passed away and it sat in his widows garage for 6-7 years before she could bare to part with it. It has only been ridden 4-5 times since then. Needless to say, I happily paid his asking price (I did try to beat him down on price but he insisted that he did not need to sell it, he jut never rode it)
So for just a few hundred more than what I was about to sink into my cr engine, I ended up with a bike that is MUCH better suited to what my original needs were. I would be willing to bet that this bike is a better trail bike stock than the cr could have been after $3000 of modifications. The CR isn't a total loss as I'm selling the rolling chassis to a friend so he can make his 2003 green sticker.
The 2002 CR250 that I had bought had the lower rod bearing come apart taking out the cylinder plating and both powervalves along with the piston, head, and obviously the crank. I wasn't sure what I was going to do after weighing my options for rebuilding, so I started saving $100 a week instead of buying parts a little at a time. After seeing what building a nice 265 was going to cost, I started weighing out an '01 engine transplant vs. rebuild vs cutting my losses and starting with another bike.
During my search I came across a 2001 CR250 that has 10-11 hrs on it from the original owner for $1600 FIRM. I still wasn't sure that this was the route I wanted to go so I held off.
Last week while searching craigslist I came across a simple ad that basically said "gas gas 300, excellent condition, $1650 please call." So 45 minutes on the phone later, I made arrangements to see the bike after work on wednesday. When I arrived I was in shock at how clean the bike was... it is a 2001 ec300 and still has 70-80% tread on the ORIGINAL tires!!! The plastics aren't scuffed up or anything! To make things even sweeter, it already has fastway low pegs, 3 gallon tank, guts tall seat, skidplate, radiator cages, fmf gnarly pipe and turbine core spark arrestor (exhaust might have been fmf from the factory.) It turns out that the original owner passed away and it sat in his widows garage for 6-7 years before she could bare to part with it. It has only been ridden 4-5 times since then. Needless to say, I happily paid his asking price (I did try to beat him down on price but he insisted that he did not need to sell it, he jut never rode it)
So for just a few hundred more than what I was about to sink into my cr engine, I ended up with a bike that is MUCH better suited to what my original needs were. I would be willing to bet that this bike is a better trail bike stock than the cr could have been after $3000 of modifications. The CR isn't a total loss as I'm selling the rolling chassis to a friend so he can make his 2003 green sticker.
Edited by TheLetterJ, 13 April 2012 - 06:24 PM.
