I’ve owned and extensively ridden both machines. They are comparable in performance and size. I feel it really depends on what you want to do with the bike and how much you have to spend on the machines. The DR is little more dirt worthy in my opinion, however, both bikes are tanks and should not be mistaken for dirt bikes in any way, shape or form. The DR is air cooled, and it seems to fine with out the luxury of a radiator. The only time I ever had problems was in the heat of aLas Vegas summer in stand still traffic. The KLR is water cooled, with cooling fan assist, however it still struggles to keep the heat down in summer low speed riding. I have never had either bike over heat, or suffered mechanical failure on either machine. I must admit, for my uses of the dual sport machine, and my budget, I have elected to hang on to my 05 KLR. I love both machines, but the KLR is more economical, and accomplishes the same end result for me. I hope you find what you want!