Don't get me wrong, the XT is VERY capable of doing the job.. It will just take more skill and strength. There will be more sweat and tears but there is always going to have to be a compromise somewhere..

I rode light off road on my XT and I never felt like I was in control, it was too heavy and the suspension did me no favours... I've then done some very technical and fast offroading on a unloaded WR450 and I've felt like I could win the Paris dakar on it.. Full of confidence and control. I've had a similar experience on a DRZ400S.

I did South America on my XT600E and although it never ever let me down (even when I crashed it twice - OFFROAD), I wouldnt use one again.

I , like yourself am planning a trip from Liverpool-Capetown and im looking for a bike to do it. I currently have an Africa Twin which I know I wont enjoy riding offroad at all...

I'm probably going for a DR650SE or a DRZ400S.. It all depends on my route. The DR650 for a more tarmac based route or the DRZ400 for the offroad route..

If your route is going to be more offroad, then I would go for the DRZ400 or a Yamaha 250 Serrow if the DRZ is too tall for your missis.

The Serrow is very under rated... Nice and light, reliable and will cruise at 65mph. Lois Pryce used one for her Africa Trip.

Seeing as you're taking your girlfriend, she has to be just as happy as you are or your trip will be MISERABLE !!

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.