I've got 2 010 TC250s ... I'll say the rider is underpowered.. Not the bike in most cases ..
Stock bike here with a PRO caliber rider here ...
Here is example of a fat ALUM framed, underpowered bike following my 010 TC250. He just did not have the horses to complete with this Husky...
The 010 CARB models had a few issues with starting ... They needed a JD tuner kit AND some had a cam problem, that in my case, was not the cam BUT the auto-decompressor on the exhaust cam ... This was 100% the issue with my bike and should be checked if you have one of these bikes and it starts hard...
The 012 TC250s (which I have also but not ridden yet), has EFI and should have all the fuel pump and injector issues solved ... But you never know... Fixing EFI issues are expensive as you will need to purchase software to fix most any issue with it ...
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KYBs forks should be on the 010 models and at 150lbs, my stock bike works very well on tracks and trails with only clickers changes for each type riding ... Myth busted for me on that issue ...
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These 010 models work well on trails due to the controllable engine power, weight and the very good handling of the bikes ... With stock gearing (13\50), first gear is a little tall for tight ST but not a big deal if you know how to ride a bike ... Many go to the 12T FS for this issue.
My 010 bikes. #318 has had suspension work and is a little better than the stock suspension ...But as I said and is shown in the pics ... The stock suspension is alright with me ...
Unless you are a top racer and pin the bike you are riding
now on a track, that underpower remark should not be an issue with your riding these bikes ...
EDIT: 010 TC250 should be ~$3,000.00 .. If 2012s are 5000$, that is about a 66% increase in price ... You make the call there ...