Vstrom vs. Yamaha FZ1: Mexico, Central America

[VeloceMoto]

After many years of dreaming, I may just embark on some international travel this summer. Likely Baja or Mexico... Perhaps Central America if I have enough time.

After spending several hours on the HUBB over the last few days I still don't have a clear idea of what the roads are like. I became keenly interested in the Vstrom after reading so many great reviews from the HU folks, especially the lighter 650 version.

One of the qualms of the Vstroms seems to be that the core competencies are +90% street, 10% dirt, whereas a bike like the F650 or the KLR650 is very competent in the typical off-road situations RTW travelers encounter.

I have come across many stories of folks riding many bikes through Mexico and Central America--Harleys, Suzuki Bandits, etc...

That said, I've been riding a Honda Superhawk for the last 5 years and am thinking about an FZ1... How much do you really lose in the way of adventure touring versus a mainly street-oriented bike like the Vstrom? Then there's that guy who's gone around the world on an R1, so I guess anything is possible... I just wonder how much you're giving up on one end of the spectrum to gain on the other.

Curious...

BTW, this forum is unbelievably GREAT! I can't believe I didn't stumble upon it earlier...