Dave and Iain,
This trip is entirely possible with two routes one through Central Asia, cutting a corner of China which requires a guide and over the Kharacorum highway into Pakistan, the northern part of which is safer than the south and doesn't require an escort.
The alternative is the old route through Iran to Pakistan is also possible but as been said Brits require a guide and you will be given a military escort through southern Pakistan which can seem restrictive. Getting a Pakistan visa can be a bit of a palaver and requires a letter of introduction.
The best time to make this trip is leaving in the autumn, the start of September is ideal and arrive in India around November after the monsoon, travelling out in the summer can be very hot and apart from the far north India will be in the monsoon.
Doing it in stages could be problematic as you will not be allowed to leave some of these countries without your bike which will be written into your passport, Nepal is the most flexible in this as they don't but keep quiet about any intentions of leaving the bike there.
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