I have an ´01 Dakar too and the thing that keeps me from ever selling it is the comfort of the bike on long hauls. If you´re used to a big road bike, its not that comfortable , but compared to any other 650 out there, I´ll take that stock seat and riding position anyday. But it is a heavy bike so the KTM is abetter choice in the heavy dirt and sand (although the Dakar handles it just fine, just go down 1 gear)