Austin
The thread is following a rather familiar route in that the 650cc bikes have gone to around, or more than, 200kg while the 1200s weigh in as about 1/4 tonne beasts. Partly because of Euro emissions regulations and extras as standard, such as ABS, as I tried to show with the example of the new V-Strom. At first glance this will not go away anytime it seems.
But, it is said that Honda have a new "lightish" 700cc twin on the way, with a low seat. In fact they seem to be making a virtue of low seat height in their current crop of products such as the Crossrunner. It is rumoured that Triumph will come out with a 300cc "tiger cub".

But, for riding around Europe the 200-250 Kg bikes are OK, I would surmise, judging by the amount of such bikes in use. In other words, they sell. But, the standard seat height for the "new" XT600 is 895mm - I am referring to the XT660Z of course.

As per many other threads in here, when riding other than in Europe, you mention SA specifically, then consider not shipping your own behemoth and get whatever local bike is the machine of choice. That way you will find light, low-seat-height bikes that cost next to nothing to both purchase and run in comparison with so called 1st world costs. With the obvious savings made there you can afford to write them off over the trip; maybe donate them to some local worthy cause or sell at the going rate. At worst, write them off and walk away.

One of the more interesting ideas in some thread or other in here, is the rider who owns 5 different bikes in storage on the 5 continents, all suitable for the riding that he does in the different parts of this planet (and we haven't even started to deal with that question of how much knarly-off-road-riding you will do!)

ps How about a RE 500 single for the wife and Bonneville twin for you to deal with Europe??

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Dave