I know, right?

To keep it ultra simple, Suzuki just needs to update the DRZ400S. Better tranny, EFI (optional), better suspension. Do that and I'm in!

I wouldn't put the KLR in the same weight class as a 800GS. GS has 60 lbs on the KLR dry... I don't think the KLR would be that bad for what you are doing honestly. It's got pretty much what you want, except being new design.

I don't see the DRZ as ever being a reliable 500-600 mile bike ever. I know ebbs did it, but the bike is just not meant for that kind of distance. Which is why his went kaput. It's also why I sold mine. It's a crappy dirt bike and crappy dual sport. It just does everything mediocre, it doesn't really excell at anything.

I think your best hope is for Yamaha to bring over the 660 Tenere. It's heavier like the KLR, but it's not V-strom/800GS heavy. I think you would actually enjoy this one for the type of riding you want to do...

I did do a 2500+ mile trip through Colorado last year on the Husky and couldn't have asked for a better bike for it (aside from the wind blast while riding across Nebraska, that sucked). But, like I said, 2500 miles is a lot for this bike. If I had to guess, at 9100 on the odometer, I'm 1/3 of the way to rebuild time.

It's a new engine design on a bike that was only made for one year. So, right now, nobody really knows. I have one of the highest mileage TE630s on the forums. I'm kind of blazing a trail!

This would all be much simpler if I'd just go back to street riding. :D

That's why I like the bigger bikes, you can still street ride and not be lacking on power on the interstate.

I guess it's a non-issue right now. I have put too much money into modding the Husky. I have to keep it until it dies, if I want to stay married.

Who knows, maybe it'll last a good long time. If it does, then this is the bike I want, anyway.