I have found the KTM to be the most fun of any bike I have ridden. Very addictive, on road and off road. I haven´t really ridden on on sand so can´t comment. The short bits of sand that I have ridden have been with no noticeable weaknesses. I´m sure it is up to the task. There were a few of these bikes in the Australian Safari this year, that is, a lot of sand, and they were awfully quick. The weight is quite high, especially for what I´m used to in a dirt bike. And more especially with a full tank of fuel. Riding it though, you don´t notice it, except maybe in the tight stuff and only then if you ride too apprehensively.