I had a 98 KX 125 a few years back. I loved that bike and still consider it one of the best bikes I've owned. It was a really well rounded bike and never had issues with it. It really helped develop my riding ability a lot, especially track riding. I also did a fair bit of trails and desert riding too. You'll learn real quick how to fan the clutch and stay in the power band. A buddy of mine had an XR 600 too. It was also a really fun bike to ride, but in a different kind of way. It is heavier and does not feel anything like a motocross bike. It had power when ever you needed it, and could lug real low as well. It was also not a bad desert bike too. If you are going to get into track riding, jumping, and really whipping your bike around then the KX would be a better choice. But if you don't care about that and want a trail bike, either or would work fine. If it was me and I had the two options before me, I wouldn't even think twice and get the KX. But that is just my preference.....