A serious problem with smallbore adventure bikes is their lack of power, or more specifically, torque.
A day-outing on a bike with no luggage is a far cry from a multiple day with luggage, and add to this long days and wind/hills, and it can become a difficult ride for some.
I'd argue that all it requires is a mind set change.....and once you embrace that change, it's quite liberating.
These things are not around the world travelers except for someone trying to prove a point. .........
So true
@blauth I was looking to downsize for about 3 years before I finally did it. For me it was simple, I wanted a new challenge, not the weight, not the price, not the reliability, just enough power and a lot of fun. At the end my capacity/power was set at 300cc. I know nothing about kW or Horse power other than one got 4 legs and must be a bigger number than the one without legs for the same oomph.
I took the little Zontes 310 on some routes that the majority of riders might not even attempt and had more fun than on the 800 for the simple reason it was a 4 times bigger challenge!!!!! I did du Toits and Bains whilst still running the bike in and could easily keep the speed higher then 115kph on the uphill. AND it take the sharp turns better than a big DS bike.

A fairly strong headwind from Gouda back did bring the speed down to about 80kph.
Ont thing I learnt, we are utterly spoiled with even a average DS bike offroad capabilities. We think we are riding Gods but in the meantime it is actually the capabilities of the bike!! I dare you to get on one of these (non offroad orientated 17/19" fronts) bikes in the technical tracks, I am not talking about the 250 Rally or Versys or BMW pretenders, you are going to WORK but the feeling of achievement is so much bigger.
Ohh and everybody suggest, add, spoke wheels, fit a 21" front, upgrade the suspension, do this, do that, make it more offroad cabpable. Ohh for Fook sakes, then I could just have bought an more offroad capable bike or keep the 800.
Another mindset thing, everything I add to the bike for my long trips like luggage racks, luggage plate are thinner, lighter etc. What is the sense in a 150kg bike with 100th kgs accessory's before even luggage. Actually even my already light tools and luggage was on a slimming spree.
Adie