After logging some time fiddling and riding my 250XC, the motor is very stout. The suspension would be fine for outdoor type MX and/or most folks jumping abilities. When I rode the 200 I was sad that I had already got my 250 but now, I am really happy with the 250. If your riding leans mostly towards single track racing, the 200 I think is still better. If you enjoy the faster stuff and maybe some moto, I think the 250 is just a bit better. But smaller guys (less than say, 170lbs) would prolly lean toward the 200 regardless.