I'm just yacking today, but. We have an "08 200xc. It is a powerful bike, and can be almost anything you want with powervalve adjustments and jetting. I have not ridden a 450 4 stroke of any brand; they probably have much more bottom. You will surely get some good opinions faster over on "KTM Talk". The 200xc is a really nice ride for sure, even if the clutch MC leaks, the fuel petcock loosens and leaks, the thing seized with 20hrs (covered on warranty and has been good all summer since - and probably my fault with aggressive jetting) :bang: , the end cap on the silencer has to be watched like a hawk - silicone fixes this, the '08 clutch basket is not well made..... All this and we still love the bike. That has to say something. ;)