Ok, I want all of your opinion. The shop I'm getting the bike at has one brand new 01 model 300 ex honda. The price is the same as the 250 as well as the same color I wanted. Also the are not going to charge me with freight and set-up. I am also getting a 6.9 fixed finance rate with the 01. With the 03 250 ex the lowest rate i can get is 9.9. I am getting off work early tomorrow to probably pick up the 01 300ex. Also, I am about 5'10 180lbs so I think a 300 would be plenty of bike for me to start on.