Don't let the 6 speed be the stopper. My friend rides a DRz and there is no problem running around at 85 mph all day long stock gearing. They're pretty much bullet proof. If you want to feel better about it realize you probably aren't reving the 400 any harder in fifth than you did your KLX in sixth.

I swear every bike I've ever owned I wanted one more gear on top. Same with my trucks/cars. The only bike I ever rode that probably had it right was an old 1976 or so Hercules 250 enduro (Sachs engined looked about like a Penton/KTM). It had a SEVEN speed. Low enough first to run about any trails and a top gear that probably approached 100 mph or better on a pure off roader! Seemed like I never got through all the gears.

To me that would really be interesting. A REAL dual sport using a SEVEN speed. No sprocket changes when you go off road with your mainly road ride or if you go on road with your mainly off road ride. Heck you could start in third most of the time. Truly a gear for everything!

Back on topic. One other thought, look for a supermoto'd XR650L or evena converted XR650R liquid cooled. I know the XR L is bullet proof, just looks old. One other that is a bit rarer is the mid 90s Kawasaki KLX650. Not real common, but still looks mostly current, perimeter frame and inverted forks. The strongest 650 dual sport out of Japan - still! Not a lot of trick parts available for it, so you aren't going to be able to load up everything but the kitchen sink. A number of guys run supermoto'd KLXs The KLX650C is the dual sport the 650R is the off roader that some guys convert. Worst thing about them is the purple frame. Best thing about them is the power.



Basic stock with 17s and pipe and cut front fender. Different graphics.



Frame painted and other changes.

Otherwise get the DRz I doubt you will be disappointed.

 

In my not so humble opinion, if I were moving to Las Vegas I would be looking for a Suzuki 650 or 1000 V-Strom. I ride a BMW R1150RT and have been thinking about moving from the KLX 250 to a 650 for the dirt road travels and although I love the BMW GS bikes I have heard nothing but good about the 650 V-Strom. I work with a guy who rode one from Seattle to Alaska with BMW GS riders. It kept up with all the other bikes and is much smoother than the single cylinder 650 GS. With the right tires you can be all over the desert or ride the slab all the way to Death Valley and then take it into the riprap.

 

klx678: That KLX650 is sweet! I would love to own that. Wish they were easier to find.
What about the wr450f (either dual sport or sumo whatever I can find) since im a Yamaha guy. Any comments on those?

 

I have a 2007 DL650 Vstrom ABS (in addition to the KLX250s) and really like the bike. It's a very good all-round bike, although I'm hesitant to take it anywhere beyond a dirt/gravel road - for me it's just too big and heavy for anything more - that's why I have the KLX. Last year, I started riding with a 2011 Honda CBR250R - really liked the bike, but wanted something a little bigger (engine and overall size), plus some lockable luggage, so I picked up a 1989 ZG1000 concours. It ended up being too heavy for my liking, but did have tons of power (more than I'd ever need) and had the lockable luggage etc.

I sold both in August and got a Vstrom and intend on keeping it. I ride it to work sometimes (I've rode in the dry, in the pouring rain, in -3C temps) and do some trips on it. I really like it.

It's a quick enough bike (12.5 second 1/4 mile) - my brother bugs me about getting it instead of a Harley (he has a HD Street Glide with a 1700 or something cc engine, but his bike is a good second slower on the 1/4 mile and weighs 340 pounds more than my Vstrom!)

The Vstrom has a very good following (stromtrooper.com) and tons of aftermarket parts and farkles.

 

They are okay, look up Armenian or TheGardenSnake on youtube, they both have converted plated wr450s, wheelies in 5th gear.