It sounds like you are in the same situation I was last summer. I hadn’t ridden bikes since the mid 80s but started riding quads a couple of years ago. I got the bike bug; wanted to go faster, jump further and be able to ride more places. I stumbled into a 2001 RM250. It was in perfect condition and it hadn’t been ridden much. It had the aftermarket parts that I would have put on anyway, and the price was right so I bought it. Now when I get back on my 400EX, it feels like I am dragging an anchor, it’s slow and it beats me up compared to the bike. As for what type of bike to get; if you have the money, the four-stroke bikes look great. Some of my buddies bought CRF450s this winter so I am excited to try them this summer. Will you be satisfied with the power of a YZ250F? A two-stroke 250 will have more power. I know the first time I got on my bike I thought I would never use all that power but I am slowly learning to use it. You may consider the YZ450F, I understand they have more power than the YZ250. The cost-effective solution is a two-stroke. The local shop has new 02 RM & KX 250s for $4500, they had a CR for a couple hundred more and the YZs are going for full retail. I am really impressed with the power of the new two-strokes, lots of it and it’s smooth and controllable. I may try a CRF450 for 2004 although they do cost more.