Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet)

Hi momo - I think the reason people have suggested something in the 650cc class is because you say you'd like to travel two-up, and any of the 450cc 'class' dual-sport bikes tend to be designed for solo riders, or very occasional pillion use (ie. a short lift into town or back from a pub/restaurant), not day-in and day-out touring - as there isn't the space and/or associated comfort typically, unless you go for a physically larger bike.

If you don't want to go for something like the twin-cylinder CB500X (which is only 471cc btw. and punches well above it's weight in that regard), and stick with a single-cylinder dual-sport design - then of the bikes you list above, I think the DRZ400 is going to be your best option. Plenty of people have travelled all over the world on those - they are reliable, and have far more 'street' style maintenance schedules (4000 mile oil changes as I recall), plus there is a huge aftermarket for them if you want/need a larger tank, more comfortable seat, luggage racks and engine guards etc.

I have a number of friends who use these as 'travel enduros' around Europe, and they swear by them - they are also fully street legal (if you by the S or SM version), and even the E model can be registered for the road in most European countries.

I know [some] people bemoan the lack of a 6th gear for higher speed cruising at lower revs, but to be honest the stock gearing is good for 70+mph if needs be, and most backroad and off-road touring is done at a far lower average speed.

If it were me, I'd buy a clean DRZ400SM model (slightly lower suspension, but with the USD fork from the RMZ range, and 17" wheels) and re-lace the front hub with a 19" rim. That way you'd get a 10" travel bike with 17" rear and 19" front wheels that can take a whole range of dual-sport tyres, with improved road-manners over a dedicated 18/21" wheel/tyre combo. Both the S and SM models also come with pillion foot-pegs of course.

I'd fit a larger aftermarket tank (IMS or similar), and probably look at a more comfortable seat (or at least a replacement foam and cover); and if carrying a passenger then a rack for luggage - otherwise, just a Giant Loop bag over the rear of the seat.

And 'crack on' as they say!

Hope that gives you something to go on...

Jenny x

ps. Looking at your potential budget, before you make your mind up on a single though, do check out my recent ride-report on the Rally-Raid CB500X here - it really is an excellent all-terrain travel machine.