I have a 2015 ST 250 and though I agree that the gearing may be a little tall, I am using the stock gearing. I tried a 44 rear and went back to stock. I find that stock gets good traction, climbs well and offers good control.
I wouldn't want to push any bike and would rather be able to ride it. I owned a Beta 300 4T and switched to a 2 stroke because of reading so many negative comments about them from pro 2 stroke people. I miss my 300 4T, easy to start, wonderful motor, climbed hill so much better than my 2 stroke. Different brands and motors just fit people differently; "one mans trash is another mans treasure". I like my 2 stroke but I will be back on a 4 stroke.
Motocross people are trying to bring back the 2 stroke; the cool old days, the sound, the power but all will admit if you want faster laps you ride a 4 stroke.
I started trials on a Beta 300 4T and decided to try a 2T because I read too many forums. I like the 2T but i miss the 4T. Even with the big difference in power delivery, I would say I ride/score the same. I never had grip issues and nothing climbs a hill better than a 4T. I still can't make some hills on my 2T that I made easily on the 4T.
I purchased a new to me 2015 250 ST in April. I know have 5 gallons of gas through the bike with no issues, does everything well and seems solid. It seems that these bikes are known to be reliable and people that own them stay with the brand. Also since most trials bikes share many components like forks, shocks, brakes, rims and tires you should not have any issues.
Cam, you need to meet someone who knows about bikes and maintenance. If you know proper maintenance a bike it will last a long time and if you don't it could be ruined in 1 weekend. Air filter, oil mix, engine oil, grease, etc, etc etc
My 4t didn't have a sight glass just a plug but the oil disappears from the sight glass on every mx 4 stroke that I have owned so i it disappears it is pumping.
Had some difficulty hot starting and then one day when it was really hot, it started loading up at idle. So i turned the fuel screw in 1 full turn (now 1 and 3/4 out) and it made it way better. Another rider told me to not use heavy oil and/or over oil (i used bel-ray before which i love for mx) on the air filter because it will chock it and have slow response. I switched to a lighter/thinner oil and now the bikes starts easy, runs strong, the map settings make a difference so all good now
