Hi Momo, I think one of the best pieces of advice you've received so far was from Walkabout:

Currently you are scrutinising every little specification detail, rather than looking at the bigger picture...

You say you need a bike for 'touring' with some off-road use, and fundamentally with a passenger.

With the greatest of respect, if you're 120lbs and 1.73m, I can't see how you're going to be riding any bike two-up, with luggage, over anything that you might consider 'serious' off-road - so you need to focus on where the two of you will be riding primarily, which is on paved and rough dirt roads.

Without diverting back into spec comparisons too deeply, consider the DR650 has a seat that is three inches higher than the CB500X - again, if you're short[er] and not particularly strong, then the weight of two people and their luggage sitting higher is going to have far more effect on how many times you drop your bike than the actual overall weight... and if you don't drop it in the first place, then you won't need to pick it up of course!

Sure you can always lower a DR650 - but then you've just removed the only potential advantage it does have over a stock CB off-road, ground clearance and suspension travel...

Unfortunately, if you are a shorter rider and not overly strong, then that is always going to be at odds with more dirt-orientated dual-sport design bikes... and something that is a little closer to the ground (ie. a more street-derived/orientated ADV bike), would seem to be a more appropriate choice - which is why I suggested the CB500X (with the LEVEL 1 standard travel/seat-height suspension), the RR engine guard and some decent tyres - basically exactly the same set up that Lisa (in the photo I posted previously) has:


photo. you don't need the Scorpion exhaust, but it saves a bunch of weight and looks/sounds kewl ;o)

For info. Juan Browne (who has a lot of CB500X videos on YouTube) is also around your height, and has no problem riding his LEVEL 2 (+2" travel) bike, but he is an experienced off-road rider, and only ever rides solo...


I'd suggest if you're looking to move things forward now, then consider joining a dedicated forum for the two bikes you have in mind - and ask more specific questions [based on your personal requirements] from owners there, and I'm sure there will be a lot of answers to questions you may have, posted there already.

I'd then seriously get a ride on examples of the bikes on your short-list, and with your passenger too - as Walkabout suggests, do not discount this element as it will be an intrinsic part of how any future trips are going to be enjoyed.

Finally, if the bike you do end up with doesn't turn out to be ideal for what you want, sell it and buy something else... it's only a bike at the end of the day.

Hope that helps...

Jx

I agree with Jenny, get test rides if you can! And try it two up! Only way to know for sure!

Thanks I hadnt found that forum yet, could come in handy. I also hadn't really given serious thought to looking on Ebay if I do indeed go with a DR, but I guess there's no reason not to. I'd be a good excuse to be able to ride it back home

I agree also...the point about pillion comfort is not to be understated. I'm trying to keep that in mind

I guess I'm not sure what serious off road is to other riders, probably more serious that what I am used to. But I can say I did some pretty tough muddy/snowy roads in Kyrgyzstan, and the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan (Wakhan valley route) all fully loaded and with a passenger...on a 1979 Royal Enfield without a single modification to enhance it's performance. I also did about 6000km two-up fully loaded in Mongolia, about 4,000 of it off road, on a 150cc bike. I guess just to make the point that it can all be done at 120lbs AND with horrible machines, not because I am a great rider, but because A.) both those bikes were super low which gave me better control B.) Neither was excessively heavy, and C.) I take it pretty easy

But yes, seat height is definitely important in my case...so is weight. But maybe seat height even moreso, so guess that's a plus one for the CB500x.

Anyways, I've got it narrowed down to these two, which I feel is a great accomplishment. So as you have all prescribed Im gonna try and ride some.

BTW @JM0, I watched some of Juans videos...including the one where he and you compare the level 1 to level 2 RR kit...helpful. Thanks.