I think the term "light" needs some definition. If you matched up the KX to any new 450 4-stroke I think you would find the KX would be almost the same physical weight or a touch lighter. In terms of handling, the newer bike have had years of development time over the KX. While the KX handles excellent, the newer bikes might turn a touch better, tuck in a touch better and feel a touch lighter. In a highly competitive MX or supercross situation, these all add up to an advantage. In wider-open type riding and racing, stability and power reign supreme (KX country). Even in MX racing, the more wide-open the track the better the KX is suited for it If the track is arenacross based, you might end up with a quite a few cut-and-thrust 250's diving under you in each corner with not enough straightaway to get it back. On a wider, more traditional track with longer straights the KX is at home. The old Carslbad Ca. track I raced at in '79 would have been KX country. It's been said before but the KX has a huge versatility factor over most bikes even the 2006. Try to build a cross-county racer out of the new KXF450. Would take some money to get around that 4-speed! Stock the KX has a huge gear range, high stock top speed and a tank large enough to go 60 miles or more. I once won an MX race on the KX while stuck in 3rd gear. It stuck in 3rd in practise with no time to fix so I raced both motos in 3rd. Long start and shorts straights so I got 2 holeshots and 2 moto wins. Not too many bikes could let you do that. After all this rambling, my final thought is "It's not so much the weapon but what you can do with it". So no matter what the 2007 or 2008 lineup looks like, I'll still be the "old" guy on the weird green bike that no one can keep up with. Merry Christmas. Cam.
