Why the KX? Why not a CRFR?
Handling, Size, and price.
The CRF450R (2008) would have been my first choice, but the front end is too light, and the bike is too small for me. And it's $1000+ more expensive.
I had a 2002 CRF450R and didn't like it. Too cramped. The newer ones a much better bikes, especially the '08, but still to 'tiny' and unplanted front end feel for me.
I had a '03 and '07 WR450 and really like the planted feeling of the front end, but the bike was also a bit small for me. Great for single track, but I couldn't see using it in the desert much. Tried it twice, but the 450X was much better.
The X is a great bike. A real 'dirt cadillac'. But when you are traveling really fast and hit rough stuff, you have to be so incredibly 'braced' just to get through it, it gets very tiring.
The KX just flies. Flies over whoops. Flied over road crossings. Stops much shorter than the X. It's fun. And it should, cause it's 76lbs lighter than my X!! The X has more power though. It has more and wider power than the KX does, but the KX is lighter and faster reving, so it feels much faster.
Looking forward to trying it out again next week, with a taller seat.