You´d be better off with the 225 if you intend to ride over rough terrain. I´ve researched trail bikes and I gather the XT350 is underpowered. I read about a woman who rode a XT225 across Argentina but I´ve never heard of anyone going so far with the 350. I own a very old kickstart only Serow 225 which starts first kick when engine is warm (if not, it´s the fault of my heart and my foot, as I´m 54). I feel absolutely safe with it.