Hello all,

Like the title says I need some biker advice. (Long Post)

Its the deep dark winter in Ottawa and life is throwing some curves.

A bit about me:

I am 42 single and no children, I lived abroad for 12 years and learned to love motorcycling in Vietnam while teaching English there. I have done solo trips around Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and parts of China while working there on contract. I love doing bike trips and it seems to be when I am most happy... no the bike in a remote area... just riding, most drive 250 Honda's XR's and FTRS while in Laos and Vietnam, loved those bikes. I also had a CB400 SF that for some reason seems like my Z900RS in some respects.

Now my father has recently passed away, and I am slowly going through the grieving process and find myself dreaming of being on the road again. I have inherited the house and have minimal debt to worry about. My job prospects have tried up over night and my work place was bought out and I was let go... This is actually NOT a big worry for me as I have several offers available... I am just taking some time to decide what to do.

Whats pinging round my head is going to England and buying a bike there... I am leaning towards a Kawa Versys 300 as it seems to fit what I would want in a cross country motorcycle. I want to take my time and visit Europe, eastern Europe and Russia then Mongolia and China (if possible and depending on the political situation at that time). I am not interested in going south from Canada through Mexico and south/central America... not sure why, but the safety issue is real and I have spent a year already in South America so that covered that itch.

1. Is it cheaper to buy a bike in England than shipping one from Canada? I would sell my RS and there are some Versys 300's here I could trade it for but it just doesn't seem worth while. The exchange does't make buying in the US that favorable right now also. It will be at least $1000 USD to ship a motorcycle over sea from Canada to England (or else where in Europe?) (where I want to start the trip). I wonder if there is any where else in Europe that purchasing the bike would be easier or more cost effective?

2. A co worker of mine has suggested looking at buying a used motorcycle in Portugal or German as the prices are cheaper than else where in Europe?

3. Opinions on the Versys 300 for this trip? TEAPOT ONE did it on a sport bike (nuts) and I am a small guy so the 1000 CC stuff is out for me and I am not interested in those heavy bikes.. It would mostly be onroad with some off road capability if needed and a tire swap can transform a bike like this when needed. Also considering the Honda CB500x, RE Himalayan or a Tenere but I don't think I will fit on one of those.

Sorry long post, but hope to get some feedback .

Thank you