Scott, Go for it with the new Honda CB500X. Having owned a 500 you already know they have plenty of power and carrying capacity for a one up RTW. I presume you are comfortable riding within your limits and that of the machine, so that is already a bonus for you. You will get a touch more travel in the suspension with the new bike. Honda built it as a road machine with some off-road capability, which if you plan your route accordingly should be a nice combination.

Do the usual RTW upgrades, heavy skid plate, perhaps crash bars etc. throw on some Pelican boxes (which are not as cool looking as aluminum, but virtually indestructible), find the right screen if the stock model doesn’t hit right for you and you are almost ready to go. Take a few of the dollars you save and get a very comfortable riding suit, you will be living in it.

I would also suggest looking around for a dealer that can be excited for you so you have a back home contact if needed. That, and find one who will sell you a few hours of mechanical training if you are not mechanically minded. Someone to help you Loctite all the nuts and bolts, teach you how to change and adjust cables, repair a flat or plug a tire along the road, and do a basic tune-up. The new CB has been introduced around the world so major cities can provide service. Be meticulous in taking care of it and you can probably avoid most major issues with some luck.

The biggest advantage you have already mentioned, and that is price. The money you save will allow you, depending on your travelling standards, to save enough for 3 to 5 months on the road. And the number of the months you would have to continue to work to save that amount could easily cause you to never get around to actually leaving. Life has a way of sucking us in with one more thing that must be paid for or tended to. In sailing they say; “go simple and go now, or never get around to going”.

In a few of the posts concerns were expressed about tires. If you plan, you can pre-order from dealers in major cities and have replacement tires waiting for you, as well as other replacement parts for general maintenance. Just remember road conditions will shorten the usual life of the tires and you don’t want to be heading in on unsafe tires, or have spent money or time on emergency replacements before planned changes.

As to those who would recommend taking a 250cc instead. There are great bikes in that size. I would happily head out on one for any major leg of a RTW, but not a full RTW. If you follow any riders blogs to the end on 250’s, by the time they finish the machines are pretty well limping in and shot from riding the abusive conditions of poor roads and extra weight. To be fair my experience is not with 250cc, so take that thought with a grain of salt.

Best of luck and keep us all posted.