Hi

Currently i am planning my 2008 RTW trip. But still is considering which bike should i go with. Few bike factors i am considering which i think must be fulfilled for the bike, hope you guys give some opinion.

Bike which is:
- for 2 persons. I myself (185cm) and my wife (165 cm). both are medium size
- Cant be too expensive since it will directly increase the carnet guarantee deposit
- economic especially in fuel consumption and ease manitenance
- comfortable for long journey riding
- not necessary for too big cc (money problem and it will make certain level of difficulties when entering poor country)

In my mind, i think that honda Super 4 should be a good choice since it well known (as least in Asia), medium cc (400cc), and reasonable price (Singapore Dollar 6000 for 2~3 years bike)

feel free to comment

..I got me this year a used Honda TransAlp over here in Japan. So far I am more than pleased with it. 400ccm eninge, decent gas-milage, easy to handle, big enough for my long ("spaghetti") legs, and I hope in case of a crash I will be able to pick it up by myself (something like 185kg weight - the bike of course!!). Equipped it with some plastic panniers made by Hepco & Becker (Germany). Have taken it on one "longer" touring (at least that's what it is over here in Japan) - I can only say GREAT!

CB400 SF is definitely the most reliable bike i've ever owned,,,absolutely bullet proof.
Even after sitting for a year, charge the battery,drain tank and carbs,refill and no probs at all after 60,000kms.(apart from needing a new regulator/rectifier,,,very common problem but fixed with an after market one with cooling fins)
What i would say is that it really would be a squash two up with luggage.I've done it but the pillion was not comfortable at all.With soft throw over panniers there is no leg room for a passenger.(well not much).maybe with mods you could over come this problem......
Also it isn't great on rough roads (tested all over the West of Ireland,,,which i presume would be a lot better than some of the roads you will be riding) and has a tendency to go all over the place when confronted with pot holes.
It also has a very revy engine so no low down grunt....
I would agree that other more off roading based jap bikes may be a better bet........i see the way your thinking though but outside asia i'm not sure about parts availability? It wasn't too hard in Ireland even though it was an import,
Maybe other riders can advise you in this area????
Hope this helps,
Barra