I saw DR650SE on special for R54,000 at Suzuki South. Brand new. Can't go better.
The DR does do long distances well (I have been as far as the Kunene) but it will NOT supercruise happily at 140 (at least I don't think it will, I feel sorry for the bike and myself doing more than 120 sustained).
IMHO all the bikes you have listed are too heavy to be really enjoyable off road or are at least a handful for someone who's not experienced. tall & reasonably strong.
Dakar, too tall, too heavy, too pretty.
Girlie GS: Too heavy, too pretty, limited offroad performance.
650 twin: As above. Although it stars with oodles of power compared to the singles. The choice if you actually want a road bike which looks like a DS. Direct competitor: Suzuki DL650 VStrom.
Tenere 660 & KLR: Capable allrounders but both a bit on the heavy side if it gets messy. Both also not exactly low. KLR in dire need of crash bars to protect expensive bodywork and components.
The Transalp I would throw into the same category with the F650GS Twin and Suzuki DL650 VStrom although it has a slight advantage on dirt due to its 21" front and the related choice of tires (that is for the Transalp 650 only). The 700 and the old 600 are pretty much on par with the BMW & Suzuki Twins. A road bike with some dirt road capability. They demand both care & skill if used in rough dirt conditions and don't crash well unless protected with additional crash bars. On fast tar nothing will beat the twins. Even a Transalp 600 is more enjoyable at 140 that any of the singles.
The (early, 1994 - 2000) Pegaso is pretty much the same as the F650Funduro and shares a lot of parts and most of the engine.
The second generation (2001-) Pegaso shares its Minarelli-built engine with the current Yamahas XT660 models.
I rate both the Aprilias pretty much on par with the Girlie GS. Not really made for playing in the dirt, more for posing in front of a bar in Riomaggiore
650's qualifying as lightweight & capable on dirt are the DR650SE, the Honda XR650L, the XChallenge and the KTM LC4's (620 / 640 & 690 - all around 150kg. They all crash fairly well too.
The Honda, XChallenge and the KTM's only really work for tall people (less some drastic modifications).
The XCountry might be an option (due to height) but I'm not too sure about its dirt capabilities and how well it crashes.
Maybe you can find one of the rare 620LC4 in the DS setup (19" front, relatively low). Just get rid of that lousy Dell' Orto carb
The Suzuki is suitable for short riders due to the option to set the bike up lower without a significant loss in suspension performance.
Topic: Opinions on a Lighter DS BIKE for my Girlfriend (Read 1622 times)
