This is a sentiment I can understand, but DIY on kit is great if you have the time or skills. Sometimes though, and especially where you have neither, you have to accept that you're going to have to pay to get your bike and yourself ready. I work long hours in the hope that in two years time I can do my own trip. I've never been much good at making stuff, and as I'm now into my 50s, I'd be surprised if that changed overnight In the meantime I can only plod away at getting both of us ready.

When does one become an adventure traveller/motorcyclist? What are the qualifications?

A few weeks ago I set out from Newcastle upon Tyne and rode 1045 miles over 6 days. It wasn't that far in terms of riders on this Forum, the duration of my trip wasn't that long either, and I didn't even get out of the country. However, for me, who until then only gone on weekend trips to one place and returned, it was the first time I went self sufficient for an "indeterminate time" (I could have stayed away longer were it not for work), I moved at least 100 miles almost every day, I stopped en-route for some of my meals, and spent at least one night under canvas, having taken all that I would need to have camped for a few weeks.

I accept that in terms used by many on this forum, it was peanuts, but, it was a great adventure to me, and has given me some good lessons for when I make my own big trip. And if I really want to cheer myself up I just remember that in those 6 days, and with my trip estimated to take one year, so I spent one 50th of that on the road, and I rode about one 50th of my target mileage