Guess what Kawasaki put on the new version 2020 KLX300R? Electric start. It will help sales a bunch. As tall as bikes are these days it is so much easier. And you just don't save that much weight. If it was racing, sure, do it. But it's not.

I'd say do the suspension and maybe a carb or big bore for the bike. Make it handle the terrain better and pull stronger and you won't be fighting the weight. I'd take a bit heavier bike with very good suspension and power over a light poorly susupended bike with peaky power any day.