Only 4 gears? Spose that's all it needs, and probably makes it real easy to ride given the massive torque band.
Rode a mates new suzuki, like my klx, but 2007. Such a different machine to ride, everything was so much smoother and more gradual, felt like I could really get used to riding it. Know what you mean about modern suspension, couldn't believe how much extra control feeling there was while at the same time it was easier to ride, if that makes sense.
You got some good tracks to ride on?