Husqvarna TE 125 vs KTM 200 XCW

[Abeo]

So, after a bit of a hiatus, I want to get back into riding. I had my first ride this past fall for the first time since 2012, and had a blast... but I'm done trying to make my CR250R work for me. I'm too slow, and it's hindered my learning for too long.

So, I've decided to get a small bore 2 stroke enduro. I've got it narrowed down to the Husqvarna TE 125 and KTM 200 XCW. I was looking at used, but I've found new examples for both.

Me: 35, 5'9", ~170 lbs, had the CR since 2007, no other bikes in my adult life. Still in the novice stage, but feel with the right bike I could advance quickly. I want to be able to play with enduro/cross-training type obstacles. I like the rush that comes with the CR, but it's too much of everything.

The bikes: I see as a skill builder. I need to learn the clutch. I want something out of the box that'll work for me for the first couple years.

Husqvarna TE 125: $1000 cheaper for a new model, has a linkage (good and bad), lower power (means more skill building?), can be made into a 150 or 200 later down the road
KTM 200 XCW: More availability, E-start on newer models (meh, not a big deal), no linkage (good and bad), more torque/power, better resale

I know the small bore bikes will be challenging at times. I've ridden a few 200's, and felt OK with them (though the power hit felt soft). Will I be hating life on the TE, or will I like the scaled down hit?

[trailguy]

If you are riding flatter terrain on the TE 125 like Kooc, it will be a blast. If you are riding McLean/Ghost etc you are going to hate any 125. Having raced a 125 Offroad from 1975 to 1988, just to trail ride most challenging single-track you need the left hand and foot reflexes of a gun fighter and the skill to hold the throttle wide open up hills and over technical terrain. When its wet out there, things get very ugly very quickly on a 125.
If you are making the TE a 200 right from get go I would go this route as the weight will be very close to a XCW200 with the linkage and no E-start. I would rather have the linkage and 4CS (assuming we are only taking about the 2016 models ) than the E-start.
I've owned several 200's from 1999 to present and comparing the bikes stock, this is an easy choice for a Novice rider, the XCW 200 has so much more bottom and mid power over any 125.
I'm 150 lbs. raced Pro Offroad from 1982 to 2000. After riding the 200 in 1999 for the first time i've never considered getting another 125.

[malcolmzilla]

200 xcw with the magic button

[Abeo]

Thanks, trailguy. Your first hand knowledge really helps. I don't want to be frustrated out riding, so it sounds like the husky is out

[Abeo]

200 xcw with the magic button

I never had a problem kicking over the 250... But I can see the appeal

[cedric]

200 will be much easier to ride and also will be worth more and sell faster after a few years have passed.

[Braap791]

If your looking for something a little bigger there might be a used 300 for sale

[Abeo]

I put a deposit down for a leftover 2015 ktm 200 tonight

Thanks for the help!

[350scott]

I put a deposit down for a leftover 2015 ktm 200 tonight

Thanks for the help!

Good choice. You won't be disappointed.

[Brass]

[thirtyseven]

I put a deposit down for a leftover 2015 ktm 200 tonight

Thanks for the help!

Good choice. You won't be disappointed.

Oh yes he will... when you come creeping around his garage, drooling in his windows and I guess being yourself.

[350scott]

I put a deposit down for a leftover 2015 ktm 200 tonight

Thanks for the help!

Good choice. You won't be disappointed.

Oh yes he will... when you come creeping around his garage, drooling in his windows and I guess being yourself.

To continue the down hill slide...the only way he'll be disappointed is if I don't give him one of my special hugs...

[Abeo]

And you know how long I've been contemplating this. Thanks again for your help.

[Abeo]

Good choice. You won't be disappointed.

Oh yes he will... when you come creeping around his garage, drooling in his windows and I guess being yourself.

To continue the down hill slide...the only way he'll be disappointed is if I don't give him one of my special hugs...

Not sure what to expect at the club rides now...

[Brass]

Nothing short of another SX type bike will have the aggressive hit of your CR so any of the TE, XCW and XC bikes will feel pretty mellow by comparison but that isn't a bad thing for our riding.
You honestly can't go wrong with any of the European bikes.
Congrates on the new toy, enjoy.