Thanks for checking in on the offroad scooters blog, where we talk about more than JUST off-road scooters! One of the beautiful thing about motor scooters is that they price of entry is very low, especially considering how easy it is to find cheap scooters these days. We update weekly here, so check back in with us often.

Help me decide a good scooter. Here's the parameters; big engine (250cc), off road capabilities and overall quality. I think that's about it.
I'd like to get a moped rugged enough to take off the beaten path from time to time. Something with up to a 250 cc engine, in the spirit of Honda Big Ruckus. Anymore suggestions?

Well first off - a moped is not going to be worth a crap off road.
The tires are to small, and when you get in sand you will fall.

Best bet is a used dirt bike. 250cc or bigger

Yamaha
Kawasaki
Honda
KTM
etc.....
http://image.ec21.com/image/skooda/oimg_GC00598425/Dirt_Bikes_Off_Road_Motor_Bikes.jpg