Originally Posted by mollydog

When asking tech question try to provide DETAILS. I had to look up the type and size chain your CB500X runs. Turns out it's a 520 O ring chain.

If you check the Honda forums I'm guessing owners are not going much beyond 18K kms on original chain. An X Ring (525 size) would go 3 times that distance on that bike.

But no worries.
To your question: 5000 kms is nothing. So both your chain and sprockets have lots of life in them. But not a bad idea to replace chain before your trip and carry your original chain with. But NOT what I would do.

But really ... sprockets are the thing. I would carry TWO spare, new front OEM sprockets with you. Small, easy to carry, not too expensive. Changing out JUST the front sprocket every 12K kms (or so) will add about 30% to your chain life overall.

The other MAJOR thing is to UP GRADE to an X Ring chain. Get the best one you can afford (I'm a big DID fan). It will go 40% more distance of your standard O ring chain. (which is probably a DID also but not X ring, which is a must for LD travel!

If you start with a NEW, top of the line DID X ring chain (read: most expensive DID chain offered in 520 size) then I'd estimate you going over 35K kms if you swap front sprockets as suggested above.

The drive line is something many new RTW riders neglect ... don't do it. Since you're on a new Honda, not much to worry about other than expendables: READ: Tires, Chain/sprockets/Battery. Everything else should go 60K kms before any attention required. Oh, and DO keep fresh oil and coolant in the motor!

Unless you plan to be FAR FAR away from civilization for a LONG LONG time, then I would just start with the NEW chain and sprockets and save your original chain for your return. If, at around 30 to 35K kms. you see your chain is wearing, you then can order new stuff ahead of your route and make a planned service stop well in time before things get desperate.

If really really going remote, then by all means DO carry your chain ... and toss a new rear sprocket in there too.
P-Twins are good on chains ... you may end up going further than my estimates.
But rain, mud and dirt shorten chain life as do heavy loads, very high speeds ... and Wheelies! Have Fun!