I can respect the advantages of owning a four stroke, but for my type of riding which is east coast (tight & technical single track), this is where my WR300 will shine. Previously, I have owned a Honda XR400R and the most frustrating part of owning one was dumping it on a stump ridden steep hill and it dies, then after 20 kicks and some swearing to persuade it to start, it starts and I am read to passout from exhuastion. This still was a great trail bike for it dependabiltity and low end grunt which is no comparisson to the advantage of the newer 4 stroke bikes in terms of weight, power and suspension. I bought it for its low maintenance and dependability sort of like a 2 stroke. I had alot of fun with it and will miss its tractor power but not the weight or its hot starting issues. But to also note, I do ride with some newer KTM 4 stroke guys and the ones with out e-start have a hard time getting theirs started when hot (SX 250). Another reason why I bought a 2 stroke is from what I have seen at hare scrambles and some really muddy trail conditions, the 4 stroke bikes tend to overheat very quickly when conditions get very snoughty with deep mud as compared to the 2 strokes. Overall, I would probly buy a 4 stoke if I lived out west for faster terrane conditions and more open riding. They are definately smoother in power and better for dualsporting. For me the WR300 is light, easy to start cold or hot, big power yet excellent low end lug-ability, very easy and simple to work on for the DIY, no special tools needed. I do not race Hare Scrambles every week end, maybe 30-35 trail ridden hours per year, which means I may put a top end in at the cost of $250.00 in the next three years, as far as 2 stroke oil goes in cost relation to 4 strokes, I do do not have to buy oil filters at a oem cost of around 6 to 10 dollars every oil change. From my experience, I still believe a 2 stroke is cheaper to maintain.