having worked on both recently, ktm and Japanese bikes I don't find ktm any more difficult to do maintenance on, as well any big difference in reliability.
Fun factor is on the KTM side though Regarding value for the money, probably hard to beat v-strom.

Othalan, what is your budget in GBP...??? I'm selling my 2006 GS1200gsa which I bought from brand new and it comes with some amazing hand crafted bespoke luggage.

Thank you all for some insightful comments!

Interesting. I have to revisit KTM. Thank you for this comparison in maintenance, I had not heard that about recent models! I had hoped to avoid the high price tag on the KTM brand name but the bikes do meet a remarkable number of my criteria....

Thank you for the offer. I do like the GS1200GSA, but it is not my style for a RTW travel bike at the moment. And this whole project is a bit more long term, so best not to wait for me to make a decision. Good luck!

I rode a V-Strom 650 before travel. I had not considered it because I know it is basically a street bike with only a tiny bit capability of dirt capability mixed in. Yet the reliability and comfort would be ideal for a passenger. Worth considering.

Great news on the 2019 CB500X! I may have to give one a test ride, see how it feels....

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Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)

CB500X is not more off-road capable then v-strom, even after lift, just the opposite. V-strom has much more power, torque and suspension travel. Suzuki seat is also way comfortable, according to my wife.

With passenger I don't think so you'll be able to ride more difficult roads anyway, but maybe I'm wrong

The problem for you is that you want a bike that is good for offroad riding and that can carry a pillion well too. Thats kind of a contradiction.
The main thing on a bike to be good off road is that it is light weight. The main thing for a bike to carry a pillion well is that it is of a certain size, have a seat, suspension, ergonomy etc thats constructed for carrying a pillion and enough engine power to pull all this.
A Ktm690/Husky 701 will ve great offroad and for a long distance ride (with a good bit of upgrades that is) but it wont be a great pillion bike.
And a Suzuki V-Strom, old Africa Twin, BMW GS 650/700 twin/ GS 800 etc etc will be great pillion bikes, but those are too big and heavy to be great offroad.

So you have to compromize quite a bit here Im afraid.

I forgot the mention one model btw that could suit you and that is the Honda Transalp. I think I read it have been imported to north America only the first couple of years as of 88-89-90 or thereabout?
Its the smaller brother of the old Africa Twin. Came in 600, then 650 and at last 700 cc. Its a great bike, very popular in Europe. Honda quality - could have had a sixth gear and bigger gas tank though.

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

Godd advice above.


THIS THREAD might be of interest to you.


Best of luck.

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Right Way Round ...

I got a chance to try out a CB500X with Rally Raid L3 and a few other modifications for dirt. Personally, I found it far more dirt capable than the V-Strom. But perhaps I have different dirt criteria than you. Fun bike yet I felt it would be too small for comfort with both a passenger and luggage. So ... not the right compromise for me.

As for where I will ride with a passenger ... you might be surprised. I certainly am at times!

Some good ideas and comments, thank you!

Though I do believe there is no contradiction in what I am seeking out, only compromises. The trick is finding the best compromise. This will be helped out by the fact that I have a few unconventional views for a motorcycle traveler. For example, to me the KLR650 I rode has sufficient power for myself, a passenger and our luggage. I've also learned from hard experience that a lightweight bike is not nearly so important as a bike which has the weight properly distributed for off-road conditions.

I was just looking at the new KTM 790 Adventure to be released this year. Lots of interesting improvements and innovations. I'm curious how a passenger and luggage will fit on it for an RTW setup. If it lives up to the marketing (I am skeptical), the main compromises might be only in cost and limited passenger space.

I did see that thread. Yes, interesting. Thank you for the reminder!

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Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)