Thanks for replys.

Great. So light is better. I anticipate that ratio of 90-95% on road and the rest being off road.. Will check out those models suggested, what about the 660 Tenere? (heard the name crop up in a few hubb threads) So yeah the simplicity factor is key for us. Will check out recommended threads

I realise that its not as simple as "hey! lets by a bike and ride it to Brasil". And quite frankly I dont even have the means to do it at this moment. Still financially sapped from my last overland. But having said that I feel that when someone is conceptualizing an idea, its best to focus initially on the fun side of planning. I mean if started my planning with permits/visas/logistics there's a chance I'd get bored and chuck it. So first on my agenda is route planning and choosing bikes. Once that's established then go to work on the detail (btw nope, no bike licence yet). Im still two years away from doing this trip, but wanna get my goals focused.

Thanks Hubb

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Dirt riding techniques are the exact opposite to typically tough road riding techniques. On the road you lean your weight into the curve, on the dirt you try and put it all on the outside peg. This means that weight and size are everything and you see manufacturers put lots of effort into this. Reason is that the difference between your weight and the bike's weight has to be as small as possible. Action vs reaction. Can't escape it. The centre of gravity has to be above the tyre contact patch at all times in essence. The limit to what you can do on a bike is how much weight you have to change the bike's set course. Ideally it's lighter than you. This DVD helped me a lot. DualSportRiding

You're probably right on the money along the main routes with the percentage of road. But plans have a habit to change, so 9 out of 10 people wish they had a lighter, smaller setup. Riding on crap roads is very similar as riding off road, so you will still have to work the bike flicking it around.

I'm bias towards 250's but that's because I target off road routes. I think a DR650 would give the best compromise in your plans in my opinion. It's dog ugly and old, but more importantly cheap, light (for a 650) plentyfull and simple (not sure on your mechanical skills).

My main tip for traveling with your wife, ..... buy a bike that suits her (height and weight) and get the same for yourself.

Continue reading those threads about the 660 Tenere I suggest.
The standard seat height = 895mm and it weighs just a few Kg less than my 1000cc twin cylinder bike; but these are just statistics, ultimately.

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Dave

Tenere is not sold in the USA.