i have an 04 recon and 250ex pretty much the same bike,had them 4yrs and have no problems. but it is time for brakes on both bikes lasted 4yrs not to bad. i also have an 07 foreman 500 its fun in the mud but for sliding and racing the recon is the way to go very fun bike. my daughter started riding it when she was 5. its gentle when you want it to be and a bad ass when needs to be.