all of the bike companys put the same money and research into this stuff, it all depends on how you take care of the thing, if you change oil often and clean your air filter, etc, then you can make it as reliable as you want. replace the pisten before it seizes in the cylinder, get it resleved if needed, preventative maintaince will make your bike reliable, i have a honda cr250 and for me it was no question what bike to get.. honda has always been known for their small engines and reliability.. so if that doesnt solve your problem then flip a coin already ! haha good luck