Honda did a great thing for those of us with kids. I'd be alot happier with a 250EX for my kids than a blaster or 300EX. Yeah I'll be buying them a machine that's a little big but it will be easier for them to master than a manual clutch and still a sporty ride. I'll order a Raptor for myself and then when I can afford it there's a nice machine for the kids. For you performance fans that must have a Honda maybe if the Raptor is a sucess Honda will make a competitive machine, dont give up just yet. It took Yamaha 2 years to come out with a 4 stroke to beat the 400EX, give Honda the same time before you complain too much.