This is an older thread of course, and as RR2017 mentions above, over the years the CB500X has proven itself countless times as a very solid and reliable RTW style 'adventure' bike - with people having now ridden them all over the world - the length of Africa, through Europe and Scandinavia, from the UK to India, from Asia to Europe, across Australia and all over North and South America - often multiple times on the same bike.

You can of course significantly improve the 'all-terrain' performance and ability of these bike with aftermarket upgrades, but equally plenty of people have also enjoyed some pretty extensive overland trips on more modestly equipped versions too (I wouldn't say 'stock' of course, as most people will be fitting things like better all-terrain tyres, hand-guards and under-engine protection at least) since fundamentally the core bike is very easy to live with, comfortable, ultra reliable, economic (250mile/400km range) and requires very little maintenance other than those things you'd typically check and adjust/replace during a RTW style trip anyway.

It is also substantial enough to carry luggage without upsetting it's overall balance (strong subframe etc.) and handle long stints on the open road; while it's compact dimensions/relative lack of weight and short wheelbase means it remains nimble and easy to ride in more spirited back-road or off-road conditions. In fact I'd go as far as to suggest it is the 'perfect' size for the solo rider with a realistic travelling luggage load.

Indeed there are very few other bikes I can think of [and by that I mean none] which offer the same combination of utter reliability, compact dimensions, and a easy and forgiving twin-cylinder engine (meaning you can comfortably cruise on the open road above the speed limit of any country should you wish, for hours at a time if needs be), while still offering more than enough all-terrain performance [certainly with the right upgrades and accessories] you'd encounter on a RTW style trip.

There are arguably more 'off-road capable' machines on the market, but still I'd consider none which offers the versatility and easy of riding both on and off-road that the smaller CB offers (at least not once fitted with the Rally-Raid suspension and wheels you understand) - of course if you're comfortable handling a taller/larger/heavier bike off-road, have at it - but as the saying goes: No-one* wishes they'd taken a larger bike once they got back from a RTW style trip.

*Well, unless they did it on a Trail-Cub perhaps, that would be pretty miserable unless you're young and impetuous!

Something to consider I trust?

Jenny x