Yet another reason for not running a class that requires stock parts. With a bit of work, the EX should have equivalent horsepower to a pretty fair 125, maybe even a bit more. Increased area under the torque curve compared to a two stroke might give the EX a bit of advantage in acceleration. Hopefully the EX250 will be less maintenance intensive than a two stroke. I've noticed that much of the standard aerodynamic bodywork on the 125s doesn't seem to match up with what my research indicates is needed, so there are some potential gains to be made in this area.
Less drag can often be a lot cheaper to find than more horsepower.
Now comes the part where the massive readership of Sport Twin Journal gets involved. I need you folks to keep your eyes peeled for killer deals on spare motors and 125 forks, brakes, etc. I'm not looking for the parts that everybody takes off because they didn't work, but then again I don't have to have parts just like the stuff on Waldeman or Aoki's bikes. I'd also be interested in hearing about reliability problem areas in the EX250 motor. The front wheel bare is about 5.62 pounds and the rear a pound heavier.