"Dual Sport" is such a huge term, sure, the KLR, GS, DRZ, Adventure, EXC, etc all fits into the "dualsport" category.
But they're all different bikes, for different riding styles. You're comparing a 1-ton long-bed pickup to a stripped-down standard-cab half-ton fleet truck, to a ford ranger. They're all "trucks", but they won't all do the same thing. Some are better than others for what you're doing with them.
The GS is a great bike, for what it is. Same goes for the KTM Adventures. I'd love to add one (an orange one) to my garage.
The KLR's are cheap, which is what makes them attractive. Engine lasts forever.
My 525's a great dirt bike, but it's not going to do 500+ miles in a day like a GS or Adv will. (300's about the most I can do.) Yamaha WR's and the DRZ's all fall in this category. Great for trails, not great for distances. >Pic related.
Know a guy who's been north to AK and south to Chile on his KLR.
Ride with a guy who singletracks his 990.
A lot of it comes down to your skills as a rider.
I race my long-track mountain snowmobile on a snocross track. It's not the "right" sled for that terrain, but in the hands of a capable rider it can definitely be done. Moto's no different.
>>371703I'm sure you've already found them, but advrider and expeditionportal are great resources for this type of thing.
