This thread just won't die. Hehe. FWIW, I've been monitioring this site, this post, and continuing to look at bikes @ dealerships and in the classifieds. At this moment, I may have taken a step backward, as I'm thinking more and more about the XR50. I HAVE ruled out anything other than a Honda XR. We looked at the KTM adventure series bikes, but (1) they're more expensive, and (2) I think a 4-stroke would better suit our TRAIL RIDING needs. (Remember we don't have intentions to race.) I'm just not sure the XR70 is the way to go, espcially since it'll be his first bike. I fully realize and appreicate the fact that they grow fast, however I can just see him pinned underneath the 70 and not being able to pick it up. Not to mention the 70's a bit tall for him now. I just keep thinking back to what he told me about a month ago when he climbed on both the XR50 & 70 (side by side) at a dealership for a test "fit." Ater mentioning to my son and the salesman that I thougt the 70 was the smarter buy (could grow into, etc.) my son replied that the 50 was what he wanted. I mean the bike fits him like a glove - today that is. Surely he can ride it comfortably for a year to 18 months untill he'll outgrow it. When that day comes I'm thinking we might take a serious look at Kawasaki's KLX110. I'm hearing good things about it, but at the moment it fits into the same category as the XR70 as being a bit too tall in the saddle. Ok, so I've got a few more weeks before I drop some cash for a bike. Can anyone find fault in my above reasoning? Again, I'd like to extend thanks to everyone that has weighed in on the post so far.