KDX terrible in big sand hill climbs?

Question for everyone:

Is the 2004 KDX220R supposed to be ok for big, steep sand hill climbs?

Yesterday we went to a local sand pit and tried various huge sand hills. My friends on KTM's, and on a YZF450F went up them no problem. I, on the other hand was struggling with the easy ones, and couldn't make the big ones. Of course my friends tease me about "some kind of problem between the seat and the bars", but I let all three of them try it (very good riders, esp. in the pit) and they all said "not much of a sand pit bike" as they could not climb the big hills either.

So after their ride I asked them what their opinion was on the problem with the bike. They all said the tire spins too much (stock dunlop in good shape). But a couple suspected that the suspension was not designed for pit riding, and so it doesn't "hook up".

Oh, the bike has a stock motor, stock dunlops, and FRP sold me new springs, and gold valves.

So, are the dunlops that come on the bike just a POS, or is the KDX really bad at big sand hill climbs?
I guess what I want to know is will a new michelin S12 in the rear fix this, or will a KDX never be a good sand hill climber?


Thanks,
Phil

Well the knobs appear pretty good. Maybe the stock dunlop jsut sucks even when in good condition?

And the tire is spinning fast, just doesn't "hook up".

Phil

Other side of Almonte.

Hey - you're in Ottawa. Want to ride this afternoon? My buddy cancelled on me - we were supposed to go to limerick forest...

Phil
I want to ride!