What kinda racing you going to do? You could race a type of cross country, and they have utility classes!! If you aren't very experienced at jumping, I wouldn't rush out and race mx without some practice. And for cross country or mx, a DS may not be your wisest choice. The 400EX can be found for around $3500 leaving you $1500 for mods if need be!

 

The DS is a great TT monster,Great in the sand also, but for MX/XC they are NOT the machine for you.
You've had some great advise given above!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] maybe you don't feel a 400 is mighty enough, there are 250R's out there cheap also....I f ya feel they are better..The 4 stroke is easyer to race.