I had the Yam. XT350
great 4 stroke power and reliability.
I am fairly heavy at 90kg, and for dirt road, gravel, sand, this is all you will need.
Light enough for a girl to pick up.
The only issue might be the seat height.
But, you can lower the whole machine on the single back shock absorber to certain degree.

Any bike is good enough... Really.
You will find the bike will change the way you travel and ultimately see things. In a good way.
I did Japan to Spain through Russia, Mongolia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe on a 250 in 2002. No troubles what so ever.
Am on a RTW 2-up at the moment on a CT110. Its perfect.

Anything will do, just get out there.
Nathan and Aki.

Having had "big" bikes for nearly 20 years, currently a 1050 Tiger, I got an XT250 Serow last year as a winter/fun bike. I'm amazed at what it can do and wouldn't hesitate to go anywhere on it. I recently rode back from Applecross all the way to Bolton in one hit, a lot of it motorway. It laps it up, I guess I should have clocked how many miles it was but it's probably 250-300. Ok, you're doing 60 most of the time but it's really not a problem and certainly doesn't feel "unsafe" in traffic.

After big bikes it feels like a mountain bike with an engine! It's a joy to move around when your off the bike and I can pick it up on my knee and lift it onto a crate for maintenance.

Read this link. BIG BLOKE ON A GIRLS BIKE: Yamaha XT225 Serow

However, if your riding with your partner on a 650 it makes sense for you to both be on the same bike. I rode 2500 miles on a DR650 this summer and loved every one, a perfect bike for me.

So what did you choose?
 

Given the ages of this thread I'm thinking Charlotte might have been there, done that and got the T-short by now as far as bikes are concerned. If so what did she choose? Did she take any notice of anything said on here, is there any feedback?

And if you haven't chosen yet, then get I'll just recommend the 125 Derbi Terra Adventure.

http://blog.crazymoto.net/wp-content...ture-125-1.jpg

I'm hugely happy with mine, it's light but it'll do 75-80 and cruise happily at 65-70 and get 60-65mpg too. And it doesn't look like a small bike.

I think she's going in 2009 but she may well have bought the bike already.

I'm sure she'll let us know...

That Derbi looks great.

You have to ride what YOU feel comfortable and confident on since one mans meat is another mans poison.

I've ridded a Honda 90 to a Moto Guzzi California and the bikes I've had the most fun on are the ones I've got now. I love my XT600E and most of the time I can pick it up. I posted the video Dave mentioned on my website - Moto Andalucía - but, the other week I fell off on an uphill hairpin gravel track and the bike was facing downhill over some prickly gorse which I had landed in. I couldn't position myself to pick it up and it took 2 of us to move it. I'm a 5ft 5" forty-something female and I find the XT's are easy to ride and manoeuvre, and are pretty reliable most of the time. Parts are also easy to get all over the world if you need them.

My other bike, which I probably have the most off-road fun on is a Yamaha Tricker. There are 2 major downsides to the bike - a small petrol tank and an uncomfy seat. That said, have a look at this website because this woman has travelled all over on hers - Yamaha Tricker. I don't have to think twice about where I take this bike knowing it is the easiest bike to lift and manoeuvre.

The key is not to think too hard
 

Hey guys

Thanks for all the amazing input - its interesting to see all your opinions and sorry for not getting back to this sooner.

Most importantly, I have to admit, after some time, I have now stopped worrying so much about what bike and whether it will be the right bike. My mind is open to most if not all things, ways and means, whether or not I think I have made a decision. Maybe even getting a bike in the US when I get over there. I dont know how other people think about it but I find a tendency in getting bogged down with what might be the best or the worst thing to take with you, listing ALL those pros and cons, and in the meantime missing the whole point of what you are actually doing. From my perspective, being a girl and not knowing enything about mechanics, or bikes really, my initial reaction was to research research research, in order to make the best choice, and in the process given me some security about the big trip. But I think I have learnt now that this is neither possible or really the best thing to do. I am trying to go for the slightly more wing it approach and see what gets thrown at me. So many people have said that any bike will do, and its all about what you feel comfortable with.

After being very lucky and being able to try out for period of time F650, XR650L, DR650, XR250, I would have to admit that if I was taking the bike I feel most comfortable with it would be the F650. It certainly is very "comfortable". But its an absolute bugger to pick up. The XRL is a wonder to ride and an amazing dual bike but I dont have legs up to my armpits and no standard lowering link is going to help me out there. The F650 and the XRL for me far outshone the DR650 for power and general sturdiness. And then the XR250 which was a great bike in its own class but having the throttle wide open 80% of the time plays havoc with the ole wrist - I did miss the top end acceleration and my hand ached every day after riding.

So really what it came down to for me was the best achievable balance between power, comfortability, being able to pick the damn thing up, and not getting bogged down in making the right choice. I went full circle and came back to my DR350, which was all left out sitting in the garage, and have more or less set my mind on taking this bike. Its the right height, I can pick it up, it has enough power to keep up with a 650, I have taken it comfortably off road, and most importantly when I sit on it, it inspires confidence - its sad to say, but I feel a connection with it - unlike the others (well except the F650 which I would still love to take - hmmmmm), There is still 8 months until I go, and I will probably change my mind at least once again, but I suspect I will keep coming back to DR350. I'll let you know if that isnt the case :-)

Cheers

Char

this manufacturer has improved the DR350 for your purpose:

Beta » Alp 4.0

same engine (but obtainable brandnew unlike the original suzuki) , lower, etc.