Having completed six rides around the world, the last one in 2017
www.greataroundtheworldmotorcycleadventurerally.com , I'd submit their route could be done (much of it has been done) on anything from a Gold Wing or PCX, except for the portions of sand they "may" try of the former Dakar rally in the far north of Africa and South America, and maybe a bit of gravel in South Africa, like the Sani Pass (but on a good day a talented Wing or PCX pilot could negotiate that) or some hard pan in Namibia. The route does look like a lot of hype, as noted above, but still a challenge. The motorcycle collector I was with in South Africa was so beat up from pavement riding on a Soft Butt leg, we were down to 20-25 miles per day, on pavement, checking out of upscale hotels/B & Bs at noon and checking in as early as possible to what he found on the Net as "secure" hotels/B & Bs. So for a fellow like that, the Hype Route for Yamaha would be a major adventure and challenge, plus it seemingly has points and time for media events at Yamaha shops/distributors. But that's what it's all about, media play.
That said, some of it looks like fun, on any type of two wheeled motorized vehicle. Maybe someone in the RA Net family could follow on a 125 step through...leak photos and road tales about the fist bumping, high fives and back slapping upon completion of autobahn sections or paved twisties :-)
On the flip side, at least the entrants are not sitting in their air conditioned house/apartment/office being trolls and posting based upon amateur opinions, the entrants are out there on the roads, rolling around the globe. Thumbs up for them (not the trolls).
Dr. G,
Chief, of the World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE magazine
www.citybike.com