maybe it is time...
Hey Vortex, I was in the same boat. Had a nicely modded 02 KDX 200, but knew I'd have to sink alot in more into the suspension engine, etc to get what I was looking for. From the age of 13 on I'd never ridden anything under a 250. Started riding again, after a 22 year layoff...the KDX was the most logical, practical choice...It's a really good, stone cold reliable bike which totally helped me get back in the game. However, as I improved and pushed the bike, it's limitations became apparent.
Saw a local ad for a cherry 1998 KTM MXC 300 on ecea.org(500 miles, dicks suspension, pampered, never raced, yadda, yadda..)...held onto the KDX for 6 more months for nostalgia's sake...when I finally got to take leave from the military and really ride this bike, I knew I made the right choice. I'm not a lazy guy, but I really like 4 or 5 speed gear boxes...With the KTM, I didn't have to think about riding...I just rode it -- and it felt more instinctive as opposed to reactive...I wish I could've kept the KDX as a back up...but I just wanted one bike that could do everything...and the mxc filled the bill...just point, shift, and go...There's nothing with moving on, the key is to never forget how you got there...cheers...CPT Hubbard