Compare Hawk to other 250cc enduro bikes?

[Plainsman]

I see a lot made of the inability of the Hawk maintain extended highway driving. I also see a lot about people taking long highway trips on other 250cc enduro bikes, like the KLR250, WR250, and CRF250.

Are those other bikes in a different league than the Hawk? Is it just a matter of a gearing change? Are all 250cc bikes going to be wound out the max and uncomfortable at 60 mph?

I'm a total motorcycle noob trying to figure out what to get for a first bike. I'm not a big guy, 5'9" 150lbs. My plan involves a lot of highway time mixed with back roads for this bike.

Thanks!