Race Bike to Trail Bike, 125 or 250.

Ok well I have two choices, I can get a 2001 yz125 for $1,800 dollars and then I will have $1,400 dollars to put into the bike or I can get a 2002 yz250 for $2,200 dollars and I will have $1,000 dollars to put into it. Most of the money will be put into suspension and other upgrades that will turn it into a very good trail bike (steering stabilizer, revalving, flywheel weight, pipe, silencer, reeds).. I really want a bike the will be very lightweight, so that it will be easier for me to get through the tight technical trails. I am not sure if the 250 will be to much I don't believe it will be though, but I think that the 125 may not be enough to get up some of the steep trails at a slow speed. I know these are both racing bikes, but I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be any good trail bikes for sale used anywhere around where I live (kdx200, kdx220, 200exc, 250exc). There are a lot of racing bikes for sale used around here though for pretty good prices so why not just turn a racing bike into a trail bike. So what do you guys think I should do.

Well around where I live and ride there arn't any wood to ride in... I ride mostly desert type hills. Very Dry and Rocky Conditions.. I also occasionally ride sand dunes. Also will either one of these bikes have any overheating problems? I did have some overheating problems with my old 04 kx250f. I ended up getting a Pro Circuit performance water pump and impeller, and some Engine Ice radiator coolent. That helped alot.

yeah, the 250 will defenetly have enough power. hey ls1cameric I see that you have an 02 yz250 how is it working out for you? what are your likes and dislikes? and have you done anything to it?

also how much heavier is the 250 from the 125... does it feel much heavier? is it harder to throw around than the 125?