It's official!
I'm going with the 250MXC. I can honestly say that I've never acted so fast in my life! One ride and I was hooked. Unbelievable. The local dealer has to track one down for me because they didn't have one on hand but they say that they are available. Should take a week, tops. They had everything else, it seemed. Every size and every model except the 250MXC. Now comes the arduous task of putting the beloved DRZ back to stock. It may be evident by my member page that I have added every do-dad (almost) that I could get my hands on. I've got 2000 and 2001 plastic, plus an IMS tank, Yosh pipe, Renthals and Pro-Tapers, E-line carbon fiber skidplate, the list goes on. (And on and on) Oh well. There's my weekend project. I'm just hoping that I can get the new one by Friday because we have a big ride planned in central Missouri next Saturday. But I'll be there regardless. Even if it's just to flip the burgers and bum rides!
I decided to go with the 250 to get a little more grunt. That's the one I rode and fell in love with so I'm sticking to it. Worse case scenario is if they can't get one. In that case I'll go with the 200. Compared to the DRZ it's a difference of about 75 lbs lighter or 90 lbs lighter. Either way it's gonna be a sweet deal.
The ride I bummed last night showed me several things. That the brakes and suspension are far superior to the DRZ, and that a two-stroke actually can have a relatively linear powerband. Plus the fact that the KTM's come right out of the box with far more goodies than anyone else's stock offering. But hey, I'm probably preaching to the choir here, right?!
As far as waiting for the 2002 models, I don't think I can do it! I'm not that patient. Besides, the bug has bit! It's all over but the financing!;)
If anyone has any insight that they might want to share, considering that this is my first two-stroke, I would appreciate it. I would say that I ride about 50-75% track, the rest woods. I think the 200 would be a little "busyer", especially hauling my 200+ lbs around, and especially on the track. That was another big reason for going with the 250. It sure seems like "Orange Fever" is becoming a plague, doesn't it? :)