OK - Sixpack - you'll never be satisfied with the power of the 650 thumpers. KLR650, Honda650 or the DR650 are all pretty soft. The DR is easy to wheelie though
The 650 /dualsport forums are chalk full of folks spending alot of money to make a slow bike - a slightly faster slow bike. The DR is not fast, has terrible fueling in low rpms, vibrates pretty badly at certain rpms, and they are feathery on the interstate. Coming across S.D. in what I believe were gail force winds was exshasting and a bit scary passing trucks. Otherwise the bike will easily do 75 mph all day which is fine for plodding across the midwest.
So why ride a DR650 cross country - the answer is that the DR650 is a better highway bike than my Concours is an off road bike.
Comfort: It was OK. The seat wasn't the best, but my backside usually isn't my first concern for comfort. For me it's my right shoulder and the upright seating position really helps with that. Also, I stood on the pegs for long periods and that gives the legs and backside a rest. I can stand straight up on the pegs even highway speeds and it makes all the difference.
Need to stop: Because of the gear pack weight and the high speeds my MPG was crushed... Probably only averaging 36 MPG on the highway - I needed to stop for fuel every 90 to 100 miles or so for gas on the interstate. So I was stopping every hour to hour and a half which actually worked out really well for me. Taking many quick breaks kept me fresh.
Planning: This trip was in lieu of an Alaska trip which I've spent months planning. "Long pole in the tent" for Alaska is getting 5 weeks off work - didn't happen. I've been motorcycle camping for quite some time so this didn't present any new or different problems, so I roughly mapped this trip out and was pulling everything together for about a month before.
Camping: See picture below. I carry what amounts to a large gym bag on top of my gear pack that holds all the camping gear. That is my MO no matter what bike I camp off of. The gym bag is bungie netted to the top of my softbags. So when I arrive at the campsite the only thing I need is the bag. It contains my tent, sleeping bag, self inflating mat, and my REI camp chair, plus a head lamp, lighter, camp shoes and clothes, toiletry bag, knife and a towel. I can set up my camp in about 20 minutes and break it and pack it in about double that - 40 minutes give or take.
Gas: No aftermarket tank, no extra gas. Yes - the further west I went - the more I had to focus on the next available gas - but the garmin was very helpful for tracking down and planning gas stops on the go. Coming out of Douglas, Wy. I actually saw a sign that read "Next Gas 75 miles." I would definately fit a 6.6 gal tank for Alaska instead of the OEM 3.4 gallon.
I was on the road for 9 1/2 days. And spent about $200 on campsites, and $600 in hotels - $350 on the JW Marrriott in Indianapolis the last night of the trip. $300 on gas. I also spooned on a new set of tires, changed the oil and filter before the trip - $250.00. MotoGP tickets and parking $200.00. So about $1450.00 not including food, beer, a couple bar tabs, park admissions, and tons of bottled water at gas stops.
Not much I'd do differently. I rode two 700 mile days back to back to get to Scotts Bluff, NE. I'd probably do the 1400 miles in 3 days if I had the time. I'd leave more time for the dirt roads. Rode about 250 miles of dirt/gravel and trails - I'd love to double or triple that.
Forgot the girls - MotoGP's greatist invention - umbrella girls - Genius! oh BTW that's Josh Hayes signing... - Campsite in Black Hills not very hard-core, but KOA's take reservations something you need during Sturgis - Badlands - Fully loaded bike.