Pokey almost hit it out of the park
(They do have the WR450F). Unless you are looking at touring with a load lighter is much much much better. The KLRs 2 biggest weaknesses are weight and suspension, everything else is a snap. And the Gen 1 KLR is a much better looking bike!!
Dalroo has it fairly well figured out, we have several CRF230Fs, best way I can describe the bike is a mini KLR650, great for forrest roads, but beyond that? One of my riding buddies has WRs, YZs, a 'Strom, and DR400. He has a habit of breaking things and somehow he always ends up with the DR as his backup bike while fixing the others (not the 'Strom, that's his "street bike").
As to DS farkles? Where to start is indeed the question. Weight, function, and durability are key. Giantloop has a horeshoe shaped bag in differant sizes that will keep the weight lower and tighter to the bike. Twisted Throttle has the SW Moto racksand Pelican cases which are about as bullet proof as there is, but they do add a substantial amount of weight. I weighed my kit last night for my upcoming Colorado BDR trip, with water, tent, bag, clothes, camp kitchen, and dry stores things weighed in at 119 pounds. This doesn't include the tool kit, tire tools, or Rotopax with a gallon of gas. So, weight is a huge issue as every pound adds up.
The pic below is the GS all loaded up. I went with the F800GS because it is the best compromise (IMO), does good on the road, great on gravel roads, and good on the trails. It packs what I want and has more power than I will ever be able to use.
If you will be doing more road than dirt a 650 is your calling, if you are planning weekend getaways and want to explore some trails a 250 should be in your future. Another good option would be a used Sertao, it's a 650 thumper, lighter than the other 650s, better suspension and not overly priced, more than the DRs and KLRs, but less to do to make it proper. My next DS will be the KTM350EXC, ultra light and setup for day trips where I need to tie dirt roads with pavement.
GOOD INFO! Just what I am looking for...
BIGGER tank...yes! I have put together a "wish" list of acc...and its about $1750 that includes HT Aluminum panniers and a GIVI top case
I will be probably 85% road and 15% off road
Well, after reading the replies I just don't want to delete what I typed
A Gen 1 KLR will be your answer, they coined the word Frugal and that bike has been 'round the world many times and it has been said that the KLR created the ADV craze. You should be able to find one already kitted up for $3000ish and probably fairly low mileage, think below 10,000 miles. Did I mention Gen 1??
Spend some time on ADV Rider, lots of info on all bike brands and where to ride them
