'02CR, Yes. You are going to have to pay sales tax if you register it. When it comes to what bike is the best yhada yada yada crap, it depends on the rider and their riding style. I take what the mags say like a grain of salt. Especially since I off-road these machines. Anyway, I bought a '03 KX250, absolutely love the bike. I almost bought the RM, but off-road contigency was important as well as low-end pull and egros. I felt the best on the KX size wise, the Kawi's offer the best off-road bucks program, and have the best egros for little people.
I assembled my bike at my job where I bought it from. The Fr. wheel, bars, controls, Fr. fender need to be assembled on the bike. Also multiple items need to be torqued and checked. I dissassembled my entire machine upon arrival at my house. I greased the linkage and steering head bearings, and torqued and tightened alot of bolts. This is very important, since most bikes only come with a drop of oil on the bearings and often some bolts are lose.
My KX was purchased on the Kawi finance deal from the Kawi+Suzook shop I work at. The owner decided to sponsor me and give me a great deal for my accomplishments last year ('02 ECEA Womens Enduro Champ, 2nd in National Enduro Series). I paid a little over cost (very, very little), and sales tax ( which I don't mind since I register my bikes to race anyway and would have to pay it sooner or later). I was also given a hundred dollars free in accessories. The shop I work for has more KX and RM parts in stock then any shop I know of in a five hour or more drive of here. So I consider the deal I got was pretty darn awesome!
The 'zook is awesome bike, but having ridden both I think the new KX is a easier mount to live with in the woods.