If you want to keep japs in your garage. I would go with KLR as the closest to the ST style. I had 1000 Vstrom before my ST and is a great bike but also bulky. The versys runs great and fast but seems like a racing bike in disguise.
The Conti Trail Attack were the most durable tires I have on my last 2 bikes (VStrom1000 and ST 1200) great grip and durability, far better than Metzelers