They are fantastic bikes, I have had mine on the trail & track.. I rode alot of 1st gear long uphills on purpose.. with zero over heating issues. I do have Engine Ice, stock rad cap. I have owned several YZF250's last was a 03 with factory connection suspension. While the motor might be a tad better on the yzf if you ride at the rev limiter, the Kawasaki fits me 100% better with low to mid range power, feels like a 125 in weight, and can pull a higher gear easier than the yzf could(more bottom end). .. I say this after the new has worn off. There all good bikes this year & will only get better... pick a color.