Back is no different on dirt, but the bike isn't fun on dirt. I'm just too used to my light and nimble little KLX300, so the KTM feels big and sketchy.
I've never had any interest in naked bikes. I'm sure they're a hoot to ride, but I actually like the extra stability and wind protection of sport touring bikes. This VFR is only about 40 lbs heavier than the KTM, and only around 65 heavier than the 8th gen, and it has 170 hp! I've actually had my eye on the 7th gen since it first came out. I even came close to getting one a few times over the last 8 years.
Maybe we'll get lucky and find out that Honda is working on an all new, big bore VFR, with all the tech from the new Goldwing.
And congrats to Samuelx. That is indeed the one, although I did get them down a bit to $6300. I think that's pretty good considering how many extras it has that I would have bought anyway....bags, grips, centerstand, Heli-bars, the very same black DAM exhaust that I would have ordered within days of delivery! That's at least another 2 grand I'm saving.