So I'm living in Mozambique (Maputo) since recently, and planning to get a bike after a couple of years without one (last bike was a Ninja 250 in the US, which served me well but had to leave behind when I moved). I've done some travelling around Maputo in cars and 4x4s, and the places I'd like to visit regularly include significant portions of hard and soft sand roads. Examples: Macaneta, Punta de Ouro, Bilene, etc.

I want a bike that can:

a) Be reasonably manageable in soft sand.
b) Be reasonably comfortable in paved roads / highways, for trips of up to 400km in a day (in 2 x 200km legs)*. I would cruise at around 60-80kph on gravel, 100 - 110kph on paved roads, and at whatever is survivable on soft sand. I think that having a max speed of 130 - 140 would be nice for overtakes, and to avoid being at very high rpms when cruising at 100 - 110.

* Maputo - Nelspruit - Maputo (tarred) or Maputo - Ponta do Ouro - Maputo (mostly gravel and some sand).

c) Two-up riding would be nice but not mandatory.

About me:

I'm, 5'6". Last "adv" bike I had was an '88 Aprilia Tuareg 600. I did ride it on packed sand and gravel, but when I went took it into soft sand I could not really handle it. I was constantly dropping my feet down and spinning, all at very low speeds. This bike weighs 170kg dry, and was wearing worn-out Dunlop Trailmaxes, so I can't really use that experience as a reference.

I did take a KTM MX course, which was given on KTM's 4-stroke Enduro 200s (I think they are called EXCs?). I was not fast but did feel confident and in control when riding those bikes with proper tires (knobblies) in soft mud.


Bikes I've seen around (I'd need to buy in South Africa to bring here) and my concerns, in CC order

1) CRF 230 / XR200: Should be fun in the sand but really underpowered for travelling anywhere beyond a short ride.
2) KLR 250 / XT250: too slow for highway?
3) XR250L: looks ideal, but can't get any of the Japanese ones, only the Brazilian-made "Tornadoes" which don't sound so good.
4) DRZ400: seat too tall? Uncomfortable on long road trips?
5) NX: I can only find the Brazilian-made NX4 Falcon in South Africa. A Dommie would probably be the ideal bike if I could get it, right? I'm moving my stuff from Ghana, and I could buy a used Dommie there to bring along if I decide fast. Would it be worth it?
6) XT600E / DR600 / DR650: how are these on the road?
7) KLR 650: too heavy?
8) BMW F650 / Dakar: seems about right. Pricey to fix if dropped?
9) XT 660/new KLR: heavier than older ones?
9) AT or TA: I've seen quite a few Transalps available at reasonable prices. They seem ideal for the road and gravel (low-ish seat, twin power and comfort), but probably not good on sand? Or can knobblies fix that?

Is it realistic to expect the same bike to handle soft sand and long distance? Is it a matter of rider training and tires? Or should I just get a dirt bike for the sand and carry back and forth on my pickup?

Follow up question: should I buy a "practice" bike (eg: CRF 150/230 XR200 / TTR 230) for the first few months while I learn how to ride on sand so that I can then trade up to a dual sport? Or can I learn to ride on sand with, for eg., an XT600E or a Dakar right away, as long as they are wearing proper tires?

I understand any decision will be a compromise, but do appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.