Thanks for all the responses. Definitely food for thought... I think I'm leaning toward the DRZ at the moment (though I'm going to look at a dakar tomorrow).

The reason is that I already have it, know it, and know how to work on it. Plus, by taking what I have, I can save the money I'd spend on the dakar, and use it for the trip. I've done all the fixes and upgrades to make it adventure-worthy (Loctite Fixes, MCCT, Main Nut Fix, etc.) I've added case protection and bash guards and rad guards.

Really, the only drawback I see is comfort. Ouch. I DO have the corbin saddle, which is more comfortable and wider (and lower) than the stock saddle. Any input from anyone on what specifically makes the bike uncomfortable? I added a windscreen to keep the wind off my chest on road.

I have the FCR carb and FMF full system Q pipe, so going 65/70mph isn't really a problem. I've done 350 mile days, mostly on highway. I could do more, as long as I could take breaks. I also am deciding between the IMS 4 gal (17l) and Clarke 3.9 gal tanks. I think I'm going to go with the IMS because it carries the fuel lower, and provides better radiator protection.

As for WHAT we'll be doing. Well, we say we want to do 'a lot' of 'off road', and those are good observations about what 'off road' is. We are seeking to do as much difficult 4x4 track as we can. Like you showed in the pic. Of course we will be doing highways sometimes, but we are planning our route around smaller roads.

I know the dakar can handle it, i'm just not convinced that the gain in comfort is worth the extra cash, when I could use that cash to travel farther/longer, and possibly buy a new camera :-)

Here's a pic of the bike (before new headpipe and heatshield)