Yes we are hijacking the thread - and sorry for that. I also didnt notice that TS indicated two up travel. Anyhow - two up off road on a relatively big bike? How many % of his trips with two up will be off road? A decent dirt road - no big problem but loose gravel, sand, single lane paths, ruts, stockpaths etc - I dont think that will be much % of two up riding. But two-up and off road is a bit condradictive. Its like saying Im going to run a marathon - in army boots. Not a thing most people would do.

When it comes to bike size and amount of luggage. How many times have you heard any overland traveller say - I wish I took a bigger and heavier bike? And - I wish I brought more stuff, luggage and equipment?
And how many times have you heard the opposite? I wish I took less stuff and equipment with me! And I wish I rode a smaller bike, lighter bike, more nimble bike etc? Thats what you here all the time. Nobody wishes they brought more stuff and bigger bikes - everybody wishes they had less stuff and smaller/lighter bikes. And why? Because people understand when they have had a bit of experience. Nobody who takes a 1000 cc on a long travel takes a 1200 next long travel. The chance they downscale is very much bigger - and why? Because they learn and get experience.

You mention power to weight ratio. Well power is good and fun to have but people travel around the world on Vespa 50 ccs and Aussie postie bikes - so power isnt neccesary for long distance travelling. But it is fun - no doubt about that. In the end you will need to come down to a compromise between size, power, cost, reliability etc.

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