I have a 2002 FSE400, so feel qualified to give some feedback. I love the bike, but the bike is not perfect. I bought the bike in early 2003 and it has suffered from the starter gear failure problem. Was fixed by dealer under warranty (although out of six month warranty). This is a real probelm with the 2002 from what I understand. The bike can be hard to start...but always DOES start. As for kick starting...well I have done it succresfully three times, and I am not a 100lb weakling! So perhaps the overuse of the 'magic' button contributes to its early demise. Also the motor seems to emit a little more chain gear/top end noise than i hear from KTM's DRZ's etc. I think GasGas needs to pay more attention to smaller details..for example a weld holding the fuse block has failed leaving it 'twistin in the wind'. Battery connector gave way, speedo is inadequate, bit I LOVE riding it. Power is smooth, but not collosal.Having said that...far better riders than I have ridden the bike and think it is great. I ride it on and off road, the fact that it is road legal (with the right tyre is a bonus). There have been a few good reviews in magazines down here (NZ) if you reply to this post with email I will scan and send a copy.