BIG THUMPER CLUB

Rather than try and define what Dual Sport is....what I ride:

Off road, with gravel and tar as necessary evils.

Off road can be anything as light as a local loop to Swartklip, Atlantis or the West coast, or something requiring commitment e.g. Kaokoland.

The class that gives you the best of both worlds, imho, allowing you to go play with the plastics as well as undertake a back country, mega kilometer, self supported trip, is the big thumper.

Light enough for some playing, strong enough to haul fuel and luggage, it can do both.

So....who are the contenders?

Honda XR650R: It's legacy of winning the toughest races due to it's uncompromising reliability and sheer power is legendary.
KTM640: Based on the Dakar bikes, it brings to the party a good fuel range, strong subframe and a comfy seat.
Husky TE610: New kid on the block...and on paper it sounds good, six gears, good power.
BMW X-Challenge: mmmmm..  what can I say  ot:
Kawasaki KLR 650: More touring than play.
Suzuki DR650: Simplicity at best.

Although 2 of the bikes, Honda and BMW, has been discontiniuned, there is enough of them around to warrant their inclusion.

So.....which one is the best, and rather than getting into bike bashing, list the traits that plays a role in your opinion.