I am looking at trading in my 2007 KLR for a 2003 Dakar at a local bike shop. The KLR has 3200 miles and the Dakar has 26,000. It will cost me about $2500 to do the swap at dealer. The KLR is just too tall for me.

One concern I have is the Dakar seems to have a seal leak where at the sproket shaft. Anyone have any comments on how difficult or expensive that might be to fix.

I really like the way the Dakar handles compared to the KLR. The long range plan is to fix up which ever bike I end up with, ship it to AK and take a two week vacation exploring up there. Probably in 2013.

Comments on what to add to tour of Alaska, like bark busters, skid plates, gps holders, etc would be appreciated

Lastly, how durable are the panniers that come with the BMW. This bike has them but they don't look all that rugged. Any suggestions on aftermarket upgrades

Your thoughts on my situation and in general the pros and cons of the BMW single lung dual sport bikes would be greatly appreciated.

Prost!!