I got to spend a few hours putt-putting through the woods on the new to me '02 KX250. And let me start by saying it sure ain't no five honey! It's easy to get spoiled by the any time, any place power of a 500. Add in that it's really a 520 with a big flywheel weight and....... well you guys would understand more than anyone else.
Don't get me wrong, I like the 250. It's easier to wrestle with and to kickstart on a steep hill or in deep mud, etc. It went everywhere I pointed it and didn't complain at all. Wheel spin was more evident as the powerband begins to hit. I tried riding it one gear higher like the 500 and it did OK. Barely OK. I have a 12oz fww coming, so we'll see how that helps.
For all I ride, either bike would be just fine. But I do want to try some harescrambles in '07 and the thought of doing it on the 500 wasn't exciting me at all. I recall my first enduro on it. There were a few times I thought I'd never get it to relight. Plus, it's not like I could even use all of what it had to offer. If there was room for all the bikes, I'd sure like to keep it. We'll have to see.