Firstly, I did a cost plan for backpacking through South America and after including the cost of airfares, both internal and getting there (South America is big) and buses etc, I figured out I was able to travel by motorbike (after the cost of purchasing the bike which I bought kitted up for 2700 euros) for about 7-8 months as opposed to the 2-3 I was looking at for backpacking. If you are two up on a bike it is even cheaper than travelling as a couple on two bikes as I ended up doing. As an example, through South America we pretty much stuck to a budget of $20/day including fuel food accommodation and sightseeing (not that you spend much on that when you are on a bike). Some days work out a lot less and somtimes we spent a little more. We did camp a lot in Argentina and Chile which of course helped but also adds to the adventure when you can just pull over anywhere that takes your fancy and pitch up. It didn't get any more expensive until we hit Mexico and I can assure you, having your own transport there is a big plus. Talking to some other backpackers, the cost of their bus trip was twice as much as what I was paying for fuel. Plus they travelled at night to save accommodation and therefore missed out on seeing the country as they passed through it.
Don't forget to email the communities here as well, if someone can't put you up or give you a patch of grass to pitch a tent on, then they usually know where there is somewhere cheap to do so. A god send in the USA.

As for your girlfriend, there are a few threads in here by the women with tips of travelling for girls, what essentials to take, feminine hygeine etc. And if she has any particular questions, feel free to email me or I'm sure any of the other women on the Hubb.

As for your bike, I also had an SV650S to sell before I left. Unfortunately I ended up selling it two weeks after I left for a rock bottom price just to get rid of it. It didn't help that it was in November with the onset of winter. So if you plan on leaving in a few months. Don't be too greedy, as come October it will be hard to shift. I advertised on Ebay, through which I ended up selling it privately to a guy who hadn't bid on it. MCN and Loot and the Gum Tree (I had quite a few enquiries through the Gum Tree.) And also, don't forget to post it up in a few of the mechanics shops around and Hein Gerricke also have a billboard for advertising bikes.

One tip on the type of bike you get though, make sure you test ride it with her. If her she isn't comfortable on the pillion seat, then the trip will be miserable for you both.

Goodluck with it all. It is an amazing experience, and you never know, your girlfriend might actually want to get her own licence so she can ride as well.

Michelle
Trans Am Upside Down