Late last year I switched from an 03 EXC300 to an 05 EXC450. First ride I thought it was a tank, felt heavy, turned slow and stopped even slower. Took about 100 miles to adjust and am very happy with it. The extra weigh gives it a very planted and stable ride, adds to the confidence. I'm faster on the 450 even in the super tight stuff. Went to a 52 on the rear to slow it down a bit. ORV trail is 3rd gear all day, can run from nearly a stall to 45mph without shifting, Enduro trail is alot of 2nd gear with little shifting. Don't judge it by the first ride, it will take some getting used to.