Another vote for either the Tiger 800XC or KTM SE (Super Enduro).
You said you didn't care about grunt? ... if so ... then the Tiger 800 should be considered. It's a Revver, not much torque. A very smooth, fun to ride screamer. Handles well, good brakes and comfort. Perfect commuter ... just don't let it get pinched!

The Tiger 800XC could be a really nice step up from the DR650 on road ... off road it won't even come close.

Nothing is as cheap to keep going as a DR. I'd suggest you learn all you can about doing servicing on the Tiger. Should save about $1000 a year.
I recently did a FULL SERVICE on my 1050 Tiger. Dealer wanted $750.
I also do tire changes and small service work. Not too bad once you learn it.

Don't know much about the Monster for touring off road, but a good friend has taken his 1st generation Multistrada everywhere ... including Mex and Cent. America. This is the air cooled version. You DO need a good bash plate and tougher wheels. (he had neither)
Bash plate would have to be custom made. Best to stay mostly on tarmac.

But the motor is good, easy to work on. Forks, frame, swing arm appear to be pretty tough. You can do dirt/gravel roads but better turn round if things get rocky, rutted, muddy or steep! And a bit tight for two up.

"bmw gs650 Dakar. - really like this bike."

You answered your own question. Personally, I think the latest edition DL650
Is purtyful

Umm all good advice. Anyone know how the 955i goes offroad compared to the newer 800? it looks more offroad capable, and more like triumph decided the 800 was more of a road bike than anything else. this is only how they look to me though, never ridden either. Im leaning towards the Dakar still as i can buy a friends for 5k with 50,000 on the clock. but.... would i love the big tripple if i got it.... decisions decisions...

I would not even consider the Tiger 800xc an option, I owned one for two years and it broke my heart, as a result I will never buy another Triumph.
If you want a capable rtw bike think single cylinder , klr, xr or dr.
I would choose reliability over age any day

I already have a DR and don't want another one, as reliable as it is, and not looking for a RTW bike.

KTM LC8 950 Adventure. Adventure all right. 21 inch. In-budget. Hot as hell.

Cheers

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The 955i may look the part but having attended the 955i Tiger launch in USA, I can verify Triumph had NO INTENTION for buyers to ever use the bike off road in any capacity. They made this quite clear at the launch.

It was NEVER in the 995i design brief. That's not to say you could not do dirt roads (I did on mine). But rugged off road is probably not a great idea on the rather top heavy and overweight 955i Tiger.

The 800XC Tiger is a whole 'nother Enchilada. This bike was designed to handle mild off road from the start. Is it great at it? From reports I've read, it's just OK. I've never ridden the 800 off road, only on road so no personal experience. But lots have done it. Seems good for such a heavy bike.

Do you believe the BMW myth that their bikes never wear out? At 50K ... I'd bet it's in need of several things.

Dakar's have LOTS of serious issues. I read up on them since I considered buying one. Looked closely at them and have tested the BMW 650's from the 1995 Funduro forward.

The DR650 is better in every way except ONE: Fuel economy. If the F.I. on your Dakar is working well ... then it will get about 60 to 65 MPG vs. the DR650's 50 MPG.

The DR650 is 60 lbs. lighter weight, tougher in every way. No blown water pumps, blown head gaskets, broken shock mount, failed shocks, over charging battery or failed fuel pumps. ALL are COMMON on the Dakars, especially if used hard and long.

The Dakar is a nice looking bike, more modern and "fancy" than the dead basic DR. But like the DR it needs LOTS of mods to be at it's best and will for sure have more problems than the typical DR650. Not really a good long range road bike, IMO.

From your responses I'm thinking you'd be best off with the Vstrom 650. Fantastic value, good performance and a ton of aftermarket support. Make it lighter, upgrade suspension and go riding.

No I don't believe any myth at any bike will last forever. I am well aware of the advantages of the DR, but after riding it every day for three months and doing over 400km on it, daily, I'm sick of it, and it's pretty worn out itself. I'm not planning a round the world trip here, so I don't need a bike that you can neglect and get away with it. Iv taken the 955i off the list by now.

Lynch,

What did you not like about the Tiger ?

Like DR650Bandit Im not looking for something to do RTW, but if you've had issues with yours then let us know as Im thinking of buying one

DR650Bandit, I hear you with this, much as I love the DR, comfortable and long distance rides are not 2 words that you associate with the DR650, It can do it for sure, but getting off the DR after riding around South America was enough, if the DR had burst into flames I would have probably just gone for a . Im getting too old, I need a multi cylinder bike that cruises on the blacktop and is fairly roomy and comfortable. The DR will still get plenty of use for dual sporting and I might even take it across Asia solo one day, but no more major 2up trips

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
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