I wouldn't worry too much about messing a lot of stuff up. When I lived in NY our house was surrounded by swampland and I would ride the 160 in mud and water up to the top of the front tires (20 inches) and haven't had much of a problem. It is 6 years old and has normal wear and tear but thats it. My Z250 has been anywhere that a Rincon and Grizzly can go (with a little help sometimes). I have had it in streams deep enough to cover the front headlight and in mud around 2ft. deep. I had to replace my rear axle bearing and my front bearings need replacing, but I think that is more from jumping than the mud and water. If cleaned and maintained properly when your done riding, it will be fine.