Totally better! Look at the suspension, the seat height, the weight, the power...the immediate power! This is not a play bike. Damn nice bike! Honda 230...it´s ok, I guess...if you want a heavy kid´s bike. The 230 has electric start to help with the four stroke pain in the %!¤starting. That´s nice, but adds to weight. My 97 kdx starts first kick so don´t need it! Hope you made the right choice!