Update

[factoryX]

lol, I think a 300(GasGas 300 ) or a modern framed 500(cr/kx/wr) would be a great choice for around here. As for the ktm 495, great idea, but I have had my fair share hunting down rare parts, and have no reason to do it all over again.  

[Coop]

I think some of your problems just might be lack of experience on bikes. I ride with guys who ride a YZ250 and a Husky 360 and I can get the KDX to hang right with them in the tight stuff, but when the trail opens up or we hit a big climb, I can keep them within a few bike lengths. Granted a lot of that has to do with the rider not the bike. But I think taking time to learn some good technique will help much more than thinking you need a faster bike    .

[SachsGS]

I always try to conserve my machinery:less wear and tear on the bike,less wheel spin,less gas burned and less fatigue on my part.Your KDX is a torquey machine and I would take advantage of that (more traction/less wheelspin) and ride it in the meat of the powerband and not rev the guts out of it.

Often the final 15 minutes of a ride is the most intense,everybody thinks they are in a last chance qualifier as they try to get back to the trucks first.

[opfermanmotors]

As for the ktm 495, great idea, but I have had my fair share hunting down rare parts

Haha, ya I know, that's why I include complete second bottom end

[factoryX]

I think some of your problems just might be lack of experience on bikes. I ride with guys who ride a YZ250 and a Husky 360 and I can get the KDX to hang right with them in the tight stuff, but when the trail opens up or we hit a big climb, I can keep them within a few bike lengths. Granted a lot of that has to do with the rider not the bike. But I think taking time to learn some good technique will help much more than thinking you need a faster bike    .

I understand that, and by all means it is not slow. I don't want to blow this bike up right away as it is a fun bike, but dude I'm 19,  .

[Coop]

I understand that, and by all means it is not slow. I don't want to blow this bike up right away as it is a fun bike, but dude I'm 19,  .

Hahaha good point...

[factoryX]

If I was riding with jetz or opferman over on the other side of the alps, I wouldn't have a problem.

[opfermanmotors]

It's like a 4 hour drive from Bend to get to trails that are trails and not desert WOT. 

[factoryX]

was a joke...lol and mc cubbins is only 2hrs away. browns is about 4-5 hours away. Plus there is stuff all over I just have to find them.

[opfermanmotors]

2hours is still a pretty far distance  

[factoryX]

I guess.

[factoryX]

Jesus, that kips valve is loud.

[factoryX]

So loading the kdx into a minivan was both annoying and time consuming, so I went and got myself a hitch carrier:


Got it local for $100, retails for $150-$200.

[opfermanmotors]

nice, I've known ppl to have those, work out well and easy to load

[Coop]

I know quite a few guys that use those. They are nice.

You always hear people that don't use them say they are bad for your vehicle, but everyone that I know that uses them have zero issues.

BTW: After your facebook post about wanting/needing a faster bike and then I saw this thread back at the top, I thought I was going to read here you sold the KDX  .