I've had a few "budget" dual sports..350XL, KLR650, and now a DRZ400e/s. (US imports)
KLR650 is great for commuting/touring and easy gravel. Maintenance is nowt.
Current bike (DRZ) is my fav, nowt maintenance again, magic button, commutes well (just swap the countershaft sprocket), excellent on gravel, and surprisingly capable on trails (Devils Backbone + Devils Gulch last week). Tours well also.
It is relatively heavy (compared to a dirt bike), but you're a big boy :)
Mine has lots of items stripped to reduce weight, and every hop-up going, plenty of powah, and with good tires (MT43 rear) rides well everywhere.
Lots of used spares about, so you're not afraid to drop it.
Had an XR400, and buddy currently loves his, but magic button is so much win.
Rode an XR650L, liked the torque, and road gearing (too much wind buffeting for me though), but difficult for average riders to take on real trails (desert blatting would be fun though).
Agree with everyone, pick one, ride it, have fun, upgrade/swap..Same as MTBs :)