Gas Gas bikes are nice. The problem is parts availability. Also, the one I almost bought had a serious design problem. Check the pipe mounting screw on the right side by the gas tank. In many cases, the screw is into the plastic tank, which could be a very serious problem. By design, there is no simple way to cure this since the mounting arm is about 1/16" from the plastic tank. The 250 will have a little more low end than a KDX 200, but I think the KDX 200 might be a little faster on the top end. All things considered, it's a very smooth bike much like the KDX. I recommend a newer KDX or a KTM if you want to change brands.