Having just come back from a 10 day ride around Sweden (never got as far as Norway!) I can safely say that my XR 400 R is very economical, excellent fun in the twisties (especially in SM trim), very forgiving in the dirt (Even on sports tyres and SM wheels gravel tracks were a doddle and I am no off-road whizz!) and it is completely unsuitable as an overlander....

I had it kitted up: big tank, topbox etc but my back could not cope with the riding position/saddle and it ran out of juice long before the tank did.
In fact my back gave out totally three days before my return and I was left writhing on the tarmac, followed by a few days in a haze of pain, Diclofenac and Paracetamol....

Between the riding position (mainly) and the oil changes I have decided to sell it and move on. So the big question is what next and this is where you lot come into it.

Please offer suggestions, but I don't want this to become a "this bike is better than that bike" debarcle (sp?): just tell me what you, yourself have experienced and I can then factor these first-hand experiences into my own decision making.

Here's what I'm looking for:

• COMFORT (I have a lumbar weakness: an operated L5 disc prolapse and a general tendency to pull my back if not careful)
• Reliability
• Economy (With SM gearing and a steady 80 km/hr, 75 mpg was regular on the XR!! The closer to this, the better.)
• Scope for occasional pillions
• Scope for decent luggage capacity (topbox and panniers as well as a pillion)
• 400-650 Single or twin(big enough for solo riding)
• Lightweight (ideally, no more than 180kg wet, if possible)

I have considered a couple of models so far:

Honda Dominator. Had one before. Was comfortable when my back was bad and ticks most boxes (no idea about off-roading on it). Relatively light.

Suzuki DR 650. Never owned one, but it is pone of the lighter 650s from what I have seen. I imiagine it ticks most boxes, but would like to know about the comfort level and it's load capacities.

Kawasaki KLE500. Never ridden one and guessing heavier with less torque than the two singles above. Perhaps better on tarmac where I spend 65% of my miles.

Any others worth thinking about?

__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)