Calling Doctor Zee...
Another vote for the XT250 (Serow) here - ideally the latest EFi version - that really would be pretty much ready to go out of the crate.
Personally though, if you do want appreciably more power (than the Sherpa - which is similar to the XT to be honest) for longer highway stretches, I think the DRZ400SM with a set of 17" TKC80 tyres and a lowering link on the rear would be near perfect for a shorter rider. A similarly short friend of mine had one set-up like that and it was damn near unstoppable.
photo. I think the tyres are Avon Distanza SMs here, but it shows the height well.
Plenty of aftermarket (comfy) seat options and larger tanks if required - although I'd try and keep it as simple as possible, and certainly leave things like electric heated clothing at home...
Ultimately it also means you'd both be happy on effectively the same bike, which makes a lot of sense for an extended trip?
Hope that helps...
Jx
Last edited by JMo (& piglet); 28 Dec 2015 at 21:28.
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