I;ve got a 2008 so cosmetically different (some would say lipstick on the pig) but mechanically the same.
21 / 23 litre tank depending on which book you're reading = at least 300km at reasonable speeds.
Heavy-ish. The '08s and later have improved suspension, brakes, electrics (both charging system and lights), seat, fairing and a few other bits. Surprisingly competent touring bike, sweet spot is around 130km/hr, after that vibration intrudes. US riders load them up with enormous amounts of luggage and ride to Alaska or Tierra Del Fuego regularly. They are the sort of bike you'd chose for a round the world trip (if only because they are so cheap you can afford to abandon them).
On my last weekend away in fast company (R1, 1200GS, 1200 Bandit, 950 KTM, etc) I wasn never more than a minute or two behind. On the soft road stages (Motu and others) it was right there behind the KTM.
About the only real "gotcha" is the doohicky (Google it) which is not the finest piece of engineering out of Japan, especially with the pre '08s
it's not a bad thing till you throw a KLR into the mix.
those cheap ass bitches can do anything with ductape.
(PostalDave on ADVrider)
Bookmarks