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Totally get there's something special about them. Rewatching Long Way Round for the hundredth time so it's probably to blame but would love to give off-road riding a go. Gravel scares the willies out of me so think it needs to be conquered at some point.
jambon-
I loved long way round - my sister bought it for me when I broke my leg ages ago and I binged on it. The beemers were such a perverse choice for it but they made for great TV.
If you can look past a cheesy soundtrack, this is a great movie. Almost a rolling advert for XR650s too!https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Glory-Mario-Andretti/dp/B001LQZQO2
Jung
Nah, you'll be fine. I'm 5' 9 and never had a problem. I really, really like the bike - there's something a little bit special about them. I can't believe how fast you can hit rocky sections and whoops on it, it just crushes . About the only downside is that they're hard work to change direction off the throttle in the tight stuff.
My engine has the HRC cam in but even the stockers are powerful and make torque from nothing. The big heavy crank just plows over everything. We came back down the mountain on a loose, swoopy fire road... absolutely blissful 3rd gear, 50mph, sideways roost action.
I only really ride mine a tiny bit on the road to link up trails but it'd make a superb dual sport bike.