[kerosene]

I did my trans america in 2012 with a "new" model DR650, it was set up by PO with high comp pistons, pipe, jetted accordingly etc. many small tweaks that I don't exactly know of. I did a warm up ride in CA deserts and the suspension was bottoming (camping gear etc packed with me) on big whoops at any speed. I think the forks were still set on "low" but anyway - I added intiminatros (https://www.procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html#intiminators) - they made a huge difference. The bike got so much better both on and off road. easily the best $200 I can think of. I can't recall if it already had progressive springs by PO.

I really liked the bike even though I had it only for 2-3 months or so. It was easily quick enough for freeway. My #1 negative was the front brake. With me (210lbs or something), full on riding gear, extra fuel, camping gear etc. the bike was quite loaded and at points it was scary how hard I had to squeeze the front brake to get serious slowing down (it had better pads and upgraded brakelines too). So my #2 recommendation would be a "supermoto" sized front disc with caliper spacer. That is not very expensive mod either. (https://www.procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html#brakes)

The trip I took was 95% off road/trails from Oregon coast to the Rockies after which I took the pavement to Chicago and ended up in Boston. The bike was plenty fun on twisty paved roads too. Sitting on the long freeway days was killing me but that is not really bike related - I have bad back and static is bad.
I have been eyeing for one here in FInland too, with a 17" supermoto set preferably as it would be an universal use bike for me. We don't have broad land access like the US so offroad usually means proper enduro riding and DR is naturally not for that.

I am sure the BMW is pretty good allarounder too.