i´ve just purchased a 250 exc 05. after owning a 250 sx 03 the surface does´nt seem much different. startign with the negatives, the bikes come with indicators for on road use. the right rear indicator is situated right behind the exhaust port. which after a decent ride the indicator melted right off. the factory are devising a plan to atteach a heat shield, but tests are only ninety percent successful. i guess that means there not successful. the positives, which are many. the rear swingarm has been made stronger and more slimline, not even the 05 sx got that upgrade. the front suspension have been improved to reduce head shake and give a more stable range of compression, which equates to better braking and travel over whoops etc. the front ergonomics are more slimline, allowing a tighter grip to be achieved with the legs, perfect for reducing arm pump and givign better control of the bike cornering. the bike had a very even acceleration, which coming from the 250sx ´03 was unusual, perhaps diappointing, however in the matter of 5 minutes, changing the auxilary spring just in front of the clutch cover to a softer spring, which was supplied with the bike, made a huge difference. the beast was unleashed.