the TTR series is a great bike for casual trail riding and low bike maintenance but they are not a performance machine by any means. this is a fine starter bike for someone just getting into trail riding but you will quickly outgrow this machine if you have any performance desire - and at 17-yrs old, who does not... you are a little heavier than me and while i do not race, i do ride aggressive with the wheels mostly on the ground and the TTR series just did not cut it for me. not enough grin factor. another comparison is what are your friends riding - that will tell you what you will be expected to eventually do (ride) if you plan to be able to keep up with them. i eventually went with a 4-stroke MX race bike with a few modifications for durability and safety, otherwise stock. i love the "point and shoot" out of corners - big power and my CRF450 is about the same weight as the TTR230. lot of fun but maintenance is more demanding. i still have an XT225, the road version of the TTR230, same engine, different suspension and gearing. its nice for running to the sandwich shop or a street legal ride on dirt roads.