Since my first post I have been looking at youtube etc to try and narrow down a replacement bike for the Harley that would give me a good grounding on traveling further a field.

Not that the 1200XC isn't a bike capable of longer trips on tar but the fact my backside, keees, hips, ankles probably couldn't cope with long days or continuous days in the saddle.

So far I've tried the KTM 650, Kawasaki Versys 650, Honda CB500X and the Honda NC750X.

I found the KTM too focused and would need loads spent to up comfort levels on long tar section.
The Versys was a little less focused but too blingy (I would be scared to leave it parked up anywhere).

The Honda CB500X is a fantastic bike capable of long tar rides and some forest and dusty tracks in standard form, with the Rally Raid conversion it would go pretty much anywhere my skill level would allow (I'd run out of skill before finding the bikes limits) Great fun with it's rev happy motor but I think I may tire of it quickly and the mpg would tumble if ridden spiritedly on tar.

The bike I decided to go with was the NC750 probably the heaviest here but it felt stable and well planted.
I don't think it's got the presents of the other bikes but it's not too heavy not too tall has a reasonable amount of power.
You need to work the gearbox a little more than the others due to it's lower rev limit but I found this to be a bonus as it's like the old lazy Honda V4s of yesteryear. It pulls like a demented dentist low down and yes it does run out of puff needing another gear to be grabbed quicker but it's no bad thing as it offers real term 65-70mpg.
With it's 21 litre frunk and a reasonable sized topbox in place 50 litres of luggage space is quite attainable. The biggest down side is soft panniers could be a bit of a pain due to the fuel filler being under the pillion although very expensive hard luggage may prove to be the answer.

So there it is a 750 easy to handle bike with good mpg great for long tar rides with a set of dual purpose tyres, knuckle guards and replace the plasticky belly pan with a mettle bash plate and I reckon I'm good to go.

Bearing in mind I'm not a whippersnapper and have limited riding ability the above should do me nicely for a good few years to come.

I don't know where are you from and where you plan to travel but, IMO, you can also check the KLR 650 and the BMW F800 for options. The Suzuki VStorm 650 XT is also a good option if you plan to ride most of the time on tamarc.

Thanks for the reply !

I'm from Oxford in the UK.

I discounted the KLR down to saddle height and the BMW because of price and saddle height.
I haven't looked seriously at the Suzuki as the nearest dealer from me is quite a ride, and I could only find high mileage older models close to home.