I just read Minkyhead's comments on his CCM on that other ADV forum ... good stuff. But seems to me he's saying a well fettled DRZ400S could match the CCM tit for tat (and at 1/4 the cost) ... might even out last it? Dozens of DRZ400S riders have done cross continent and beyond. No news there. The WR250R is also a contender and is PROVEN ADV Travel bike.

The bikes listed are ALL street legal bikes ... but would they be "as good" as the CCM on long runs with lots of highway, fully loaded? Dunno? Lots depends on set up.

I'm fairly certain the DRZ400S and WR could do it ... and, if you're now including the 690, then why not add the DR650 in the mix as well?

Those are good points but as I stated, we know the DRZ can do it ... and the WR250R too.

Many have done tours fully loaded and reports are good on both. Don't know about the Husky's or KTM's but reports on the new Beta dual sports is very good so far. And realistically, the CCM ain't got no cred as of yet. So it's really still in the "wait and see" phase, yes?

If KTM 690 can match CCM off road...then perhaps CCM have work to do!

Having ridden the 690 On and Off road I know what it is and what it isn't. It's not a full on Enduro trail bike, and in my estimation the CCM should be the Better bike off road, yes?
On road, of course the KTM 690 has a big advantage. No contest there ... with longevity being the only question.

In all this we have to calculate value and costs ... and of course intention. How much better is a £8K CCM over buying a used DRZ400S for £2000 and putting another £1000 into it? And how much will the new CCM owner put into his bike? No bike is perfect from new. So that £8000 figure could go UP.

You could do the same comparison with a DR650 vs. KTM 690. I could buy 3 used DR650's for the cost of one well set up 690.

No bikes last forever ... I prefer cheap, cheerful ... and expendable. Real travel bikes live a rough and unpredictable life ... and some come to a sad end. I'd rather lose my £2000 DR650 or DRZ400, then a £8000 CCM or 690.