I am getting one this week - I have a XT250 and it´s a pooch with my fat a$$ on it so I was hopeing 500 will kick in better - the 250 is a 65 MPH tops with its 51 tooth back sprocket. I sure Hope I can get the top end speed you have on your 500. Im going to use the 250 for trail riding, the 500 for town. That 250 will not daart out of the way of crazy drivers. after I hit 45 MPH it has No balz left. Great Hole shot and take off on the low end though.