for serious offroad, I think its too heavy. A KLR or DR650 would be much better. I think even the "newer" Africa Twin (RD07, 1993 onwards) could be better, with its 21´ front wheel. But whether its a DL or Africa Twin, surely you would need big muscle to take a 200kg bike to any real bad places, and1-cylinder bikes with 50 or so kilos less weight would have a huge advantage.

I dont think the Africa Twin is a poser bike, it is very, very capable and lots of long trips done with them. Totally bulletproof, too.

Havent crashed a DL650, but Ive disassembled the fairing, and it looks like theres some expensive plastics to be harmed, almost like a streetbike. With crashbars you should be able to get away with minor spills. A bashplate is essential, too, as it could do with some more ground clearance.

But it is a grrreat all-rounder, and if your going on a long trip, you´ll appreciate the comfort, too, and thats where it kicks ass. The engine is a jewel compared to anything in this class, and very reliable, too. And it does not vibrate like some journalists claimed, dont know if they were on drugs, or where they got that from. Mine runs very smoothly, and so do all other DL´s Ive ridden.

If BMW get it right with their 800GS, that could be worth checking out as well.