I've been to Iran a couple of times and travelled about on local bikes (125-150cc). Also been to Jordan and driven around with a car rental.. and done some walking in Egypt. I live in Bulgaria. I'm thinking to take a bike down shortly through Turkey and visit a few countries (Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq etc.). Not sure of the route yet, need to research ferries and visas.

I'm hoping to get out into some sand and remote spots (ie in south of Jordan, spots like this: https://goo.gl/maps/5t1DuJhbwba4YZkQA). I don't have much experience with sand. The cg125 copy on skinny tires got bogged down in Kalouts, near Kerman, in Iran (https://goo.gl/maps/zR7MxfAaFBondTFB9), and the suspension wasn't really up to it. I suppose something a bit bigger is needed.

There's good highways (Turkey, Iran, Saudi I suppose..) and the possibly a lot of distance to cover.. I was considering an old-model Africa twin (650/750). But then weight, and two of everything, and radiators etc. I do have a Honda nx650 downstairs in very good shape, if I use that, I'd put some better springs, tires on it and a big tank. I used to have a xt600 tenere, it had a bit longer suspension. I travel light, there could be a passenger now and again. Don't really want to spend more than say 3000 EUR on a bike, prefer the flexibility to do a one-way trip. There's a pretty good choice of used machines here and in Greece. I have an old copy of AMH and follow Chris's blog, in AMH he's not a fan of the AT (too heavy, too heavy on fuel), but on his more recent posts he seems to favour two-cylinder bikes, even more road-orientated ones with shorter suspension, for trips to Morocco.

As I understand, Saudi Arabia is not big with overlanders, but, on google maps there seems to be very interesting scenery on the West.

This post is me thinking out loud. Any suggestions for bikes most suitable for such a trip?