Or ... I could post the HUNDREDS of KLR trips that have been (relatively) problem free ... going back to 1986.
What were you riding in 1986? I was riding an early KLR!
It was terrible! but never broke down. (sort of )

No question KLR's need fettling as any travel bike would. Look at KLR's for sale, some have LONG lists of mods and alterations. Better? Yep? Have you ever ridden a well set up one? I have.
But some are Lemons and some KLR's are the victim of clueless owners.
Can happen with any brand, yea? (loose nut behind the wheel syndrome)

You must be thinking about BMW here? Sure, some components on "some" bikes are not up to torture testing ... or just plain wrong for a dual sport bike.

IMO, for intended use, most Japanese dual sport bikes (including KLR650) do the job if not beaten on too hard for too long with at least minimal maintenance. They are not race bikes, not intended to compete in that venue, but pretty tough bikes overall.

As day to day commuters or easy going travel bikes, most make it back in one piece with few major issues. Certainly more KLR's have done long trips than any other 650 class bike.

Are they elegant Race Winners or Dakar Wanna be's? Not so much ... but ALL big four Japanese companies DO have Race divisions ... and maybe have learned a thing or two over the years?
How's KTM's Moto GP effort going? BMW's Moto Cross program? Oh, sorry, neither have one and never had one.

Sadly not much tech from racing makes it to common Japanese dual sport bikes, most haven't changed for 20 years. (KLR, DR650, XR650L) Imagine what would happen to KTM if the Japanese took just a slight interest in dual sport ADV bikes.
Adios KTM?

We may see changes soon as both Honda & Yamaha have rekindled race efforts in the Dakar ... Kawasaki and Suzuki are lurking in the shadows.
Sleeping Giants awake?