[Asmith]

At 5'8", all full size bikes will have virtually the same 37" seat height, so one bike wouldn't be better over another in that regard.

At 215 lbs. The 250 would have plenty of power to move you. I am much larger and rode a 250X for a year prior to getting a 450X. Hauled me around just fine.

The 2004 was known by some to have issues related to valves, so factor in the swapping of valves at some point to stainless steel.

Yamaha's don't hold value like a Honda, at least not on the West Coast. Unless it's a 2006 or newer, $ 2800 is not that good of a price.

I envy you...shopping for a new bike is better than Christmas.

[CRF230RiPPER]

At 5'8", all full size bikes will ahve virtually the same 37" seat height, so one bike wouldn't be beter over another in that regard.

At 215 lbs. The 250 would have plenty of power to move you. I am much larger and rode a 250X for a year prior to getting a 450X. Hauled me around just fine.

The 2004 was known by some to have issues related to valves, so factor in the swapping of valves at some point to stainless steel.

Yamaha's don't hold value like a Honda, at least not on the West Coast. Unless it's a 2006 or newer, $ 2800 is not that good of a price.

I envy you...shopping for a new bike is better than Christmas.

Translation = RIDE RED!!!!

I was leaning this way anyway.

Whats a valve swap gonna cost me ballpark?

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Yamaha's don't hold value like a Honda, at least not on the West Coast

Not in the MidWest, or anywhere in the United States or any other developed country. Other than that, Yamahas are equal to Honda in resale Doug