North or South America?
 

Oops, I put this topic in another category;
here I go again.

I live in Los Angeles, will be getting my bike in about 6 months (H-D Fat Boy), am allowing apprx. 6-7 months to ride, and am brainstorming a good long ride.

Perhaps those of you who have done these rides can advise which is best for me and my bike?

1st: Up the west coast through Canada and to Alaska, across Canada to the east, down the US east coast, and finally along the southern states back to LA.

or

2nd: From LA, straight down through Central and on through South America.

This will be my first ride ever (though I owned a city bike years ago). What do I bring? Which is better? Note --I've been to 5 SA countries.

Tales from experience on these rides is appreciated, words of wisdom, yada-yada.

Thanks!!!!