Here's an example of something well within your budget and a proven world tourer.FS: 2003 BMW F650GS Dakar - ADVrider

Thanks for all the advice guys. Showing me the advrider flea market is great!! defiantly going to buy a broken in bike for about $7000 with all the farkles and stuff. That leaves a lot more money for the trip itself!!

As for the people telling me to travel now, I wish I could, but I've just got a new job (which will be paying for this trip) and I've got university and pretty much no money.

I do plan on doing trips up to scotland and onto central europe during the summers so I'll have experience when I go on the big trip.

Fingers across I can save up enough for this trip to be amazing. And I hope I can meet some of you guys on the way!