Go with the 400ex unless you want to race or run alot at the dunes. The 400ex engine is forgiving the suspension is nice and odds of finding a clean 250r are not good.

 

another thing to consider is that 2-strokes are on the way out, and you might be out some money if they are banned, unless bush gets off of his butt and does something about the seirra club

 

You've hear all the opinions and they are all sound advise. From experience, all the females we ride with love the 400ex. It is probably one of the most rider freindly machines. Extremely easy to handle and ride. You can pretty much have it in 2nd or 3rd gear and get anywhere you want. What a joy I have had on it. I did some mods to mine just to get a little more. Again, one of the benefits is it's versatility. You can race it hard and keep up, you may not win but no one will be waiting on you, or you can putt around and enjoy the view.

From your comments I wouldn't even consider a 250R. You just won't use everything the 250r can give you and the 400ex is a much easier bike. The most common comment from the females when they first get on is "Electric Start". All my freinds that have had 250r's are going 4 stroke, but then again, we're getting old. Hopefully the comments have helped to assist you in your decision. Good Luck.