I agree with Fern - the DR650 is a great old-school trail/travel bike, but hard to find in Europe.

With regard to your concerns about the CB500X - as you know, I have a lot of experience with those bikes, and there are dozens of Rally-Raid customers [and even riders on more standard machines] who have ridden all over the world on them - including the UK to India, the length of Africa, all-round South America - they are ultra reliable and don't break down.

With the greatest of respect, the EFi vs carburettor argument in general is bollocks (as we like to say in the UK ;o) - modern EFi is just like electronic ignition and any other electrical system on a motorbike. In addition, a pressurised fuel system and filter means a fuel injector is even less likely to get blocked that a carb jet. Honestly, it is not even worth a second thought these days.

The CB500X does weigh more than a DR650 it's true - but that is because it is a far more substantial bike, with a physically larger engine and ancillaries, and a proper subframe, comfortable seat (for two people), 17.5 litre fuel tank and a fairing/screen plus decent lights etc.

Add all that lot to your DR and you'll have a bike very similar in weight, but which is more top heavy, produces less power and uses more fuel.

I think you need to ride a CB500X before you make your mind up - I guarantee you'll be impressed by the way it handles, and how light it feels (all the weight is very low and centralised between your knees).

There is a reason John and I developed the Rally-Raid Adventure kit around that particular platform, and that is because Honda got so many of the key requirements for a genuine long-distance all-terrain travel bike right with it... It's true they cut corners with some of the running gear to keep the price down to a budget level - so we just gave it the better suspension and wheels we felt it deserved.



In fact I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest it* is going to be better than any single cylinder d/s bike on the road, and better than any other twin cylinder ADV bike off-road.

*I'm talking about the LEVEL 2 Rally-Raid kitted bikes of course.


But hey, I also completely understand the attraction of a simpler, old-school bike too (I still love my XR400R for exactly those reasons), so if you can find a DR650 try and take one for a ride too before you make your mind up.

I just guarantee your passenger will prefer the Honda... as will you ;o)

Jx