in this lightweight ADV and Dual Sport category, EVERYONE is preoccupied with weight. with my KLR, everyone talks about how heavy it is compared to xxx, blah, blah, blah. Coming from larger bikes I just scratch my head and wonder if everyone riding these bikes are 90 pound weaklings or something. Just pick the dang bike up and keep going.

the other bikes you list are not in the same category as the KPT. Himalayan, CSC's 450, KTM 390 ADV, Maybe Triumph Scrambler, Honda CB500x.

Here's an interesting read regarding light weight ADV bikes. But just keep in mind that these guys don't care about price. Some people are just rich. :D
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/a...0-lbs.1333329/

BTW....my KLR (gen 1) is listed as 412 pounds. Not sure if the KPT is with equipment or not.

Side note regarding the Lifan....that is one UGLY front end. And I would not want hard bags. they break legs. ;)

Just spoke with Lifan, still awaiting EPA approval, but that's the last hurdle, then we should start seeing them become available.

*Note about hardbags: Are they as bad as everyone says? I feel like I've never fallen on my dual sport and had my legs where the bags would hit my leg. if anything, it would keep the bike from falling on my as the bag would prop up the rear end, am I wrong?

**Disregard my newb to hardbags question, found an 8 page post about it.. potentially, yes, they do break bones: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/h....420563/page-8

Will I still use them? Probably.

yeah....personal choice really. to me it kinda depends on how aggressive you intend to get with your chosen bike. I went with soft bags on my KLR because of my intentions of using it for more off-road work. Most ADV style bikes see gravel and groomed forest service roads and I think hard bags are fine.