"If you ride nasty stuff, it won't let you down - and putting that engine in a later model frame would make for a very versatile bike IMO - if that's what you want."
Sweet! Thats what I want to hear. Reliable and versatile bike!!!
"Both liked my motor better than thiers. NOT the bike, the motor. Bike set up is too personal. Both commented that the 220 motor had much nicer low end and a smoother transition onto the pipe. Both also commented that it had less on the pipe, but that was O.K., still plenty."
Nothing wrong with smooth controllable power - I think its one of the reasons I would like a KDX, they can be made controllable (which is what I like) or with the right mods they can probably be quite wicked too.
"The OP is talking about a hybrid. The chassis is more important than the motor anyway, IMO." Yup, I am.
"The 89-94 200 motor is known to be a better stump puller than the 95-up 200's, and would be what I'd go after if building a hybrid. They do have a tendancy to burn up the power valve gears though. Are you going to race, and if so, is a 200 class desired? That would oust the 220. 95-up 200 is a great motor, and the 220 is good too....More of a stump puller stock, but anemic up top stock. Both can be modded to pull fabulous everywhere. The 225 conversion probably makeing the most power everywhere due to 'good' porting in the end, but these have been reported to need race gas, or at least some, in the mix"
I am planning to race the bike. The 200 class is one of the biggest classes we have here. I am not too phased though - more of a social racer and most of my mates ride 250's or 300's anyway. I must admit that it would probably be nice to keep the 200 though....
So you are saying that the 89-94 is good but maybe not so reliable due to the PV gears? The later 200 is good but not as much of a low end motor? Does it gain at the top end? How much does it differ from the older engine in terms of performance? Maybe I should go with either 200 and then mod as much as possible - if required I will have to import a jug and head from the US (sorry - didnt mention I am in South Africa).
Guys, Thanks for all the replies - although they differ. I am overwhelmed by everyone's interest and willindness to help (and flame other guys
) JK JK JK.
Cheers, will keep you informed about any purchases. Oh, lastly - I saw a post by another saffer asking for specs on head mods etc from RB. I wont do that, and I agree 110% with that. I will probably be doing my own engine build (another steep learning curve but should be good) and will ask for help with that probably. I might ask also if anyone knows of a carb and a head available in the US that I can buy and get sent to RB and get him to ship here - but that may come later. Thanks again!
.... But I ride harescrambles as well so a little speed is never a bad thing! 
