My girlfriend just purchased an 03 220. I've had it out in the hills a few times in the desert. The power is kind of deceiving. First time out, wow, what a dog was my first impression. Second time out it was worked on tight, singleline, switchback, steep uphill paths. Best way to describe it is like riding a roller coaster on the up part of the track when the chain is pulling you. Very steady, tractable power deliverly. Everything gets put to the ground. We meet another KDX rider on a modified late 90's 200. Got to try that out a bit, it was perky, but no where near a 125 MX bike. It felt faster than the 220, but getting right back on the 220 (she does get to ride it!) was a more pleasent, effortless ride. So far the only mods have been to remove the airbox cover, relocate the ign module, and put on a 4.4kg rear spring (shes 125lbs). The bike is on the rich side, but being a new bike, it will take a while before she lets me wrench on it that way. I'm new to this board, will take a look at other post to see which way to go with the carb and pipe stuff. She has been on a 00 KX 100 for the last three years, and is having trouble getting use to the height of the 220. Need to check how far the front forks can be dropped, and look into longer pull rods.
Mike