200 XC or 250 XC(W)?

[Nick1990]

Hi everyone,
I've been looking for a KTM for a while now, and I think I've narrowed my choices to either a 200 XC or a 250 XC or XC-W (used 08-09 models), but I can't really choose which bike would be better for me. I'm 20 years old and I've recently come off a 2006 YZ 125. I liked the 125, loved the lightness of the bike, but I wanted something with a little more power and torque, and I wanted a better bike for trail riding. I'm about 6'1" or 6'2" and right now I weigh around 165 lbs. I have a lot left on my frame to put on extra weight and i'll probly be up around 185 lbs soon.
I play ride mostly, but I also hit the trails quite often and I would like the bike to perform above average on the trails I ride on (Michigan). I'd also like it to have some snap and I'd like to hit the MX track once in a while just for fun (no competition). I'm not a hardcore rider, so I'd just like to be able to have fun doing both. XC or XC-W? I like them both for different reasons.

I'm also torn between the 200 or 250. I'm used to a 125 2 stroke, and I'd like it to wind fairly high but I want some more power, plus torque down low where it can lug some. I'd like it to be light and fairly easy to handle in the tight stuff. Electric Start is not a biggie for me. To be honest, I'm leaning toward the 200 at the moment... but I'm thinking that when I start to really fill out and gain more weight I'd wish I had the 250.

As you guys can see, I'm pretty torn at the moment. I just wanted to come to a forum where I could get some good input from people who have some experience on these types of bikes. I would greatly appreciate any advice or knowledge, Thanks guys.

[triple650]

well it seems like no one posts replys on here. i have a similar thread on here. im wondering if i should get the 250 or not ive never ridden a bike but i have been around 4 wheelers and sleds. so if i were you id get the 250, thats probly what im gonna do. ive always wanted the most power! lol

[HD1911]

Originally Posted by Nick1990

Hi everyone,
I've been looking for a KTM for a while now, and I think I've narrowed my choices to either a 200 XC or a 250 XC or XC-W (used 08-09 models), but I can't really choose which bike would be better for me. I'm 20 years old and I've recently come off a 2006 YZ 125. I liked the 125, loved the lightness of the bike, but I wanted something with a little more power and torque, and I wanted a better bike for trail riding. I'm about 6'1" or 6'2" and right now I weigh around 165 lbs. I have a lot left on my frame to put on extra weight and i'll probly be up around 185 lbs soon.
I play ride mostly, but I also hit the trails quite often and I would like the bike to perform above average on the trails I ride on (Michigan). I'd also like it to have some snap and I'd like to hit the MX track once in a while just for fun (no competition). I'm not a hardcore rider, so I'd just like to be able to have fun doing both. XC or XC-W? I like them both for different reasons.

I'm also torn between the 200 or 250. I'm used to a 125 2 stroke, and I'd like it to wind fairly high but I want some more power, plus torque down low where it can lug some. I'd like it to be light and fairly easy to handle in the tight stuff. Electric Start is not a biggie for me. To be honest, I'm leaning toward the 200 at the moment... but I'm thinking that when I start to really fill out and gain more weight I'd wish I had the 250.

As you guys can see, I'm pretty torn at the moment. I just wanted to come to a forum where I could get some good input from people who have some experience on these types of bikes. I would greatly appreciate any advice or knowledge, Thanks guys.

Nick it seems I'm in the exact same boat as you.

[tapple66]

I purchased a 2007 xc 250 last fall, love the bike , best handling woods bike i have owned, has plenty of low end grunt, have not stalled yet in tight stuff. nothing but good things to say< if looking for low end power I would go with the 250 over 200.