You can go round and round on bikes. Plenty of riders have done ALL of S. America and more on a KLR ... that said ... you are correct, build quality, IMO, is not great. The basic motor is "OK" but the rest of the bike is wanting,
IMO.

Also, the way the KLR is put together in places is somewhat questionable. It's also quite heavy for a 650 dual sport ... but is weak in certain areas despite being "overbuilt" in other places. It's a truly ancient design and in reality has changed very little since 1986.

But so many guys have dug deep into the KLR and figured out what makes it tick ... they've figured out how to make them better and last. Huge following of owners have been doing this for 20 years.

Still, the KLR650 would never be my first choice as a travel bike. Problem is many travelers buy ONLY on price. Hence, we see dozens of KLR beaters traded among travelers on the road. So, naturally, with unskilled, clueless owners, they break down.

I don't know much about the little Brazilian produced Honda's but by most accounts they are solid bikes. Of course they are overpriced for what they are, but ALL bikes are expensive in S. America ... except for used KLR's from another traveler

The advantage to the 650cc class dual sport bike (XR-L, XT, DR650, KLR) is they are better on the road, carrying a full load, especially higher speed roads, riding all day at 60 to 70 mph. Here they are pretty good if you've got a good seat.

But as you've found out ... your little Honda is perfect on nasty dirt roads on rocks, mud, whatever.

I've learned to handle my 650 pretty well off road ... but if things get truly nasty ... I'm screwed and may have to turn around ... where you will ride on.

The fact is, even street bikes can cope with most roads. NOTICE, roads, not trails. The difference is, off road you're having FUN ... while others may be
miserable.