hi corné
bought last year the XR650R (after having driven a 1991 suzuki DR650 for years throught all kinds of terrain...with success I should add...) but this machine is something else..... indeed the best off-roader at the moment imho. had a testdrive through marocco for 3 weeks in april/may and had no trouble whatsoever. a bit hard on tarmac, but than again that's what we all try to avoid. this bike is made to open throttle or not to open throttle.... anyway I loved it. I have the acerbis 24ltr tank mounted which gives you abt 450km authonomy. (if not all driven in soft sand that is.) i swear on a softluggage system : far more compact than panniers but a bit of a hassle sometimes. but once you know how to fix it all, it doesn't go anywhere anymore. indeed, the subframe seems a bit fragile and needs some strengtening i think, when with a full load....but than again maybe not!!! anyway, we're planning another southmarocco trip next year and we're going to adjust/strengthen the subframe, make a rack for two sidebags and on top one small size ortlieb! have allready a rack on the front of the bike, on top of the light, where one can attach sleeping bag/mat/tent, etc....light stuff. did this on a previous sandy voyage whitout any steering problems. i will keep you posted on the works, but it won't be soon....
cheers
filip