Most any 250 will have much better low end than a 125. But that does not mean that they are 4 stroke like by any means. But, I have read here, that allot of folks use a flywheel weight to smooth out the power if it is too abrupt. I have about 6 or 7 years experience riding 125's and am bored with mine. I am putting it up for sale in the spring and am getting a 250 also. I basically am getting a 250 for the same reasons as you. The places I've ridden last year had quite a bit of sand and some huge hills. A number of guys told me not to get a 125 when I first got back into riding, I think a 250 would have been too much for me initially, but now I can't wait to get one! :yeehaw: