Geoff,
I rode one way back when, also rode a stocker the same day, both were slow against my '85 Kx 250...go figure! BUT, the 200 versus the 240 - about the same top end, both had stock pipes and same Sydney made after market alloy muffler on them, the name escapes me, anyway, the thing I disliked about the 200 was the lack of torque (relatively speaking), the thing I liked about the 240 was it had a HEAP more torque and similar top end or a bit more than the 200, both were stock other than the muffler and big bore kit, I LIKED IT but liked my Kx a whole lot more even in the bush (go figure again !!) I reckon think Ktm250 versus Ktm300 in same year model and both stock...both make similar horsepower but the 300 makes a stack more torque AND A LOT MORE HEAT!
The 200 with the big bore done right...porting, bigger carb, bigger exhaust header etc would be similar to a HUSKY 240 of the day, nice power and get it all to the ground. The only suspect would have to be gearbox and big end/mains longevity??? 125 bottom end aren't they? Got to speak to Al Tomkins next week so will ask him what he remembers about them , I KNOW he loved the 200 STOCK though, especially the air cooled ones.
GO LOWNDSEY,
Kt.