If doing more than 50% gravel roads, the Yam 660, IMO, is worth a look. Test ride a must do. It lacks the comfort/space/smoothness of the others but MUCH better in sand, gravel and mud. Do the mods and de-restrict ... it can be a great bike. Better seat certainly would help. Not ideal all day on motorways at 140 km.
A Wee Strom is a very nice compromise Bike. Really does it all without effort. Stone reliable, comfortable, packs up like a Mule. With TKC 80 tires, good on gravel. Not fast like the Tiger but comfortable cruising at 120 km all day.
955i Tiger
I owned a 955i Tiger for 3 years, currently own a 1050 Tiger, and early on owned a 885 Tiger (1st generation).
The 955i is hard to manage off road, but the 19" front helps and good tires help. I love the Triple sound too and the road performance ... but it will SCARE you off road. I'm only 5'6" so top heaviness was an issue for me. If you're 6 ft or taller, not much an issue. Leverage in your favor.
Reliability: 8
Off road: 5
Value: 7
Fun: 8
V-Strom DL1000:
One of the best bikes I've ever owned. Did 80,000 miles, no problems. Rugged, even doing Baja washboard. But no dirt bike. With TKC tires, much better on gravel roads, where it does well. Great on highway, easy to work on yourself. Never breaks down.
Reliability: 10
Off Road: 8
Value: 9
Fun: 7
BMW GS1150
I much prefer the 70 lbs. lighter and better everywhere, R1200GS. I rode an 1150 in Baja, on and off road, and tested one for a month courtesy of BMW NA. I never liked the bike. A tractor is more fun to drive.
The R1200 is a TOTALLY different bike, MUCH better. If you can afford maintenance cost and parts of BMW ($$$$) then go with R1200GS, not 1150. If you ride a 1200 back to back with an 1150, this all will make sense. I love the 1200! (just can't afford one!)
Reliability: 6
Off Road: 8
Value: 5
Fun: 6
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