what a bunch of horse manure.

I had both, a KLR and a Dakar and owned them at the same time, there's no comparison. The Dakar is a way better bike. Ye, get rid of the handlebars and add some other farkles and you're on.
The KLR is getting old, still a good honest bike for the money, but is not exciting. In the end if a bike doesn't do it for you any more get another bike.
The sound of the motor counts for zero, you don't buy a bike for what it sound.
Why do you think the 640 is the hardcore beer drinking oke's bike, where did you get that lekker idea? Geez mate Dakar owners can drink with the best of them.

Reliable and you want to compare a 640 to a Dakar, go read the Angola thread and see where a 640 decided to leave us?

Have you ever ride a 640 on a rocky road? You're bouncing on a pogo stick, the suspension is made for smaller enduro bikes.
Dakar is a dual purpose, not a enduro bike.
BTW where is your hardcore rr's where you take your 640 in places other bikes struggle?
