I think this is probably the most sensible thing for most people to do
Anything that is super specialized isnt really practical or sensible for most people, no point getting a supersport if your not regularly tracking
no point getting a full on dirt bike or dual sport unless you live close to lots of accessible dirt
You know, after all this time, I still find myself trying to hone in on that Holy Grail of Adventure Bikes: Light and nimble for the trails, adequate passing power for getting past trucks on the freeway, long range, capable of hauling luggage for weeks, if not years, on the road, comfortable for long distances, long maintenance intervals.
I spent years traveling on a 600+lb German behemoth, cursing every time we tackled gnarly terrain. So, in knee-jerk-response fashion, I got a pseudo-dirt-bike, but then found out that it was underpowered and overweight. Pendulum swing to a more powerful bike, only to find out the suspension and handling sucked off-road. So pendulum swung further and now I have a ultra-light dirt bike with amazing power-to-weight ratio, handles super-awesome in *ANY* terrain. But now I have to change the oil every 3 days, and the tank range is 200 kms... optimistically. And there's no subframe to strap down luggage to, so I'm forced to Frankenstein something to the frame and foot pegs.
I read online reviews all the time, and I've come to really value first-hand accounts, like
@Mikel 's above. I also shake my head at all the Internet arm-chair pundits who will cart out some RTW traveler who rides the bike they are championing: "Look at so-and-so, she rode a CRF250L/500 EXC-F/HD Sportster around the world. So it's possible!"
You can make any motorcycle work beneath you for any application. But is it good for *YOU*, specifically? For your skills, for the kind of riding you do, your comfort, your sciatica, your carpal-tunnel, your wallet, etc.
I find it highly amusing when I'm on a R1200GS forum and people are arguing whether it makes for a good RTW bike or not. "Too heavy!", "Too expensive and complicated to fix!" And then someone will link to our blog: "Look at Gene and Neda, they rode around the world on one. So it's possible!"
It just emphasizes to me that CRF250L girl traveling RTW *AT SOME POINT* wishes she had more power and comfort. Also 500 EXC-F guy *AT SOME POINT* wishes he didn't have to change his oil again yet again so soon. Harley guy wishes... well, wishes *ALL THE TIME* he had taken any other bike but a Harley...
The more motorcycles I burn through, the more I realize that the One-Bike-To-Rule-Them-All is going to have to be one that compromises the least on your own personal checklist. And if you're going to read reviews, then figure out if the person writing it has the same checklist as you do.
I'm starting to realize that I Like Big Bikes and I Can Not Lie.