To the guy riding a DRZ400SM on the trails and breaking bones, :crazy:
OP, the DRZ is of course one of several bikes that serve the same purpose. Before pondering the SM, ponder the regular DRZ. They are known for being: the most nimble off road, the quickest, but the least comfortable on long hauls, with considerable wind buffeting at speed. Now, going back to the SM, if you want nimble and quick combined with short distances, the SM is the way to go. If you want to go longer distances with it, I'd look at KTM and some of the expensive bikes instead, assuming you want the street version of the others as well. Also, DRZ is not for riding two up. The KLR is the smallest I'd go for two up. I have a KLR and it's fine for passengers.
One more comment: if I was looking at the DRZ, I'd certainly be trying to find a Kawasaki 250 for half the price just for the sake of playing the field out.