...Hmmm...at the risk of being a nooB making comments here, I see there are many opinions, so I'll just post my thoughts.
What the heck, not much other to do in my day job
I ride solo probably 80% of the time, whether on the road or off, and probably for the reason that I don't find the risk of compatibility (and responsibility for others) that appealing. My wife would say it's because I'm a hermit...
True, I'm not much of a social rider, I'll buy that. But considering the amount of time I get to ride, the 'hooking up' takes more time than it's worth.
Part of exploring the desert on a dualsport or big ADV at my own pace is why I make the effort.
Group rides of more than 2 or 3 equally skilled riders on similar bikes is more what I prefer, if at all.
The dangers of riding solo offroad can be large, but I do like to bring along a SPOT and/or a wingman just in case.
People have different ideas when it comes to social riding, attitudes, testosterone, youth vs the aged, experience, et al is all involved.
Skill and experience run the gamut.
This makes for, or lack there of, an awareness (responsibility) and a balance.
I'd rather be in the "B" group and ride quick tan in the "A" group and be chasing the rabbit.
So for myself, not meeting up with unknown riders and heading out to the nether regions is easier than doing it.
Too many variables involved. Frankly I don't know your skill level and preparedness and you don't know mine.
My advice is to size up your the skill level, the plan, and the route before committing.
Example: I tagged along on my GS with a friend on an XR1200R road ride up through the Sequoias, some 350 miles in the loop.
It was evident within the first two miles the two leaders had the the roads wired and were very fast, but the two guys at the back were very slow and cautious.
By the end of the day, sure enough one of the slow guys at the back crashed. I felt bad for the man, but it was kind of more he expected methinks.
Anyhow, it's all well and good to go out and ride with folks you meet on the interwebs, but it's a crap shoot.
I see it all the time on ADV threads, 8 guys in gals, all bikes from XT200's to R12GSA's having fun. Good for you folks, have fun.
But be careful out there.
As far as the KTM EXC's not being dualsports, well, that's a matter of definition.
I started back into offroad on a 950 Adventure and it took me several bike downsizes to realize I need a true tailbike to go where I wanted to go.
Experience and fitness is required to ride a mid or big XLADV offroad capably.
I have a GS designated as my road bike.
My dualsport is a KTM 450EXC, and it is invaluable for improving riding skills.
The day that I might ride that big GS off the tarmac, I'll be a better rider thanks to it...
...early days...
...smarter days...