I've narrowed my options and here's the deal:

New 2005 stock Raptor 350 with no accessories $4500
or
Used 2004 Z250 with all the accessories: skid plate, nerf bars, bumper, Yoshi exhaust, etc. $3000

I will mostly trail ride around home but want to try novice racing.

Thanks for your input.

 

get the raptor 350. its just like teh warrior and the warrior was a great trail bike. And the 350 woudl be a heck of a lot better racer than the Z250. the Z doesnt even have a clutch. lol

 

Go with the rappy, even thought the z is cheaper and with accesories*, the raptor is faster, handles better, and has a chain.LOL.