The 200s got smoother and less violent every year up to 2016 when they stopped. I had an 03. It was a savage bastard of a thing. Great fun though. I also had a 2016. It was a pussy cat.

The SXS factory pipe or fmf fatty pipes smooth out power. Also avoid a short silencer if you want it smooth. Use a Suzuki needle like NECW in the carb. Gear it to use 2nd and 3rd more. Getting a high compression head is good as it improves bottom end power and takes some zip off the top end to or at least feels like it does.

Suspension wise you’ll need springs for your weight and a decent service. Then see what you do or don’t like about it.

 

yeah ik, all enduro bikes went smother for the past 20 years generally speaking.
my 2005 200 with fmf fatty was terrible but maybe other factors contribute to this. i really like the sx pipe but sx 200 had 39mm carb. hgs has a pipe similar to sx i believe its a good option too. anyway youre right one step at a time and see what happens.
suspension wise is the story of my life since 2001 i started dirt riding, i should get a 85cc ik lol
oh and another thing. after 2007 all 200 as far as i know dont share the same frame with 125s anymore, their frame is more like of a bigger bike. did you see that difference in your 2016 and does the bike lost its featherweight characteristics?

 

I’m pretty sure that when they changed to the bigger bikes frame they altered the head geometry to that of the 125. Yes the later bikes use the larger frame but it is using 125 geometry. A google would confirm this.

The beta 200 is following the original ktm 200 principles and it uses a 125 chassis.

 

Hello & welcome

 

thx again for clarifying this. i google it but i wasnt sure cause its a little vague and those bikes today are kinda rare to see up close. everybody loves the 200 but they go and buy a 250/300 instead. im biased too between a 200 and a 250. i had a 125/200/450 so maybe i should try the 250 2t, the best all rounder as most say, since i only want a smoker, but i wanna give the 200 a 2nd chance, anyway i must find one and ride it i guess!

 

I’m riding a 250 now after two 150s and a 200. I got the 250 as I like revs but the weight difference is notable and they are more cumbersome in the woods. I’m still yet to be convinced that for my ability a 250/300 is a help in technical terrain. That being said I am really enjoying the 250.

 

i guess you win some you lose some there is no perfect bike
ive ridden the beta 200 and loved it but in the past 2 years used bikes prices went sky high so i can only afford 08-11 ktms. Plus tbh ik im wrong but i only want ktms or japan bikes, im an old dog in this, older gasgas 200 are great too but as i said...
i wouldnt even consider ktms but japans dont make decent enduro 2 strokes. if i was a 4t guy i would buy a wrf 250 and never look back.

 

Welcome

i used to own a 2008 200xc back in 2010, this was the first year with the smaller carb and smoother power delivery. I remember keeping the exhaust stock after some lengthy research recommended this. Also i used to have the power valve set to the Langston setting which may still be kicking about on Google but if not i have the instructions on a hard drive somewhere. Other mods also included altering the carb by using a cr250 needle (can’t remember which year) set on the middle peg. Other than that just ride it. And if you need any more info if you can’t find any of the things I’ve mentioned I’ll check my hard drive next week when I’m next in work.

 

langston settings, yeah i have them somewhere, forgot about them!!!
thx for the info guys, really appreciate it, now i just need to find a cheap clean one and buy it
i found a 2008 but the price is 4k euros, its crazy
i bought my 2005 200 exc back in 2010 and i paid 2.5k euros, the prices today dont make sense at all...
and btw since im in a ktm forum i have to say i loved both my ktm's quality and overall feeling and going to buy a 3rd one, The reasons i would have bought japan bike if they made enduros is that im not rich, so i wanna spent less. At least in greece japan parts are way cheaper than ktm/beta etc and if you own an old enduro bike as you all know you need parts all the time. Last week my hydraulic clutch completely failed and now i have to pay 250 euros. Of course i do prefer hydraulic clutch over wire but i can barely afford it... If i was rich i would love to own many new european bikes!