all of us here just have different backgrounds and only so much power or snap will suffice. i use to MX 2-strokes. i know my KLX will never have the snap of that bike but i do want some instant power. clutching gets old and can be hard on the clutch. the drz is a nice bike, but it's just kind of oversized and itself not a wheelie machine as i tested one out. i'm beginning to think that the way to get the KLX up to snuff is to install a pumper and at least 300cc's. i would pay right now to ride nobrakes' old bike for 5 mins. the husky's and ktm's just come outfitted with the finest components and are known for being extra durable and come with power oozing out unlike a lot of japanese bikes which need tweaking from the gitgo just like the KLX. in oem form, it is ridiculously down on power imo. but like i said, i use to mx 2-strokes. and i'm right with you on the speed thing and sportbike power- i've been to an indicated 170 on a '93 ZX7. i'll never forget how that bike would snort whenever you turned the throttle as it had a hole right on the front which sucked air for the ram air.

 

you can get a TE250 for $6200 otd and the TE450 for $6800 otd pretty much at any husky dealer, trust me i've called them all around the midwest. and the 250 husky i was told by every dealer that it would feel like it has twice as much power as the KLX (2 of them dealers sold Kawasaki's tooand know the KLX). i'm sure they're talking a stock KLX though. however it is like 25lbs lighter than the KLX with a lot more horsepower so it's no surprise it feels that much more powerful i bet. the TE 450 i believe mayhave the most powerful 450 engine in any dirt bike currently. it's over 50 horse stock and built to withstand about anything so i read.