Hi everyone!

I've registered to this site almost two years ago and dreamed up some motorcycle travel plans. And then nothing much happened in the mean time...

However, that is going to change! I hope to start my graduation project in February next year, and if all goes well I will be graduating from my masters somewhere in the summer of 2016.
Instead of heading for working life straight after, I'll take this as probably the last opportunity to do some serious traveling anywhere in the near future. At the start of my studies, my parents donated a bunch of money which I invested. Originally meant as a nice starting capital for after study life, but it will function as a respectable travel budget just as fine

So I'm now starting to make plans for this trip, to start - depending on when exactly I graduate - probably somewhere September 2016. It isn't all very concrete yet, but here is the rough idea.
I've heard many very positive and great stories about Iran, which moved it to the top of my list, so that would be my initial destination for this trip. Next to that I've always had the dream to do some serious all road traveling by motorcycle.
I do however have no experience in off road, so I plan to do some all road courses. First the basics here in the Netherlands during the spring 2016. And then a more advanced course in Morocco.
And being in Morocco, that would of course be a great starting point for my travel to Iran. Starting from wherever the course ends, going along the northern coast of Africa, towards the middle east and Iran.
That is the basic plan. But if the budget allows me, there are still more countries on the list, like inida, nepal, china etc... so who knows where that trip ends. But for now, let's focus on Morocco - Iran.

As you can see, this plan is not very detailed yet, I just started planning. But I would be curious to hear any stories from other people doing similar trips in the region (any link to any thread would be great).
Also, with the current political instabilities in the region, I would love some advice on which places to avoid and which are relatively safe. I like the adventure, but I'd rather not end up in war zone Any other tips about making the travel more safe in the middle east are welcome.

Any practical information would be appreciated as well. Meaning all kinds of necessary paperwork I have to look out for. Not meaning that I expect any detailed explanations here, but just some pointers to where I could find that information would be great.

Then there is the part of the motorcycle. Currently I have a suzuki intruder vs800. A cruiser, which is terrific on tarmac, but obviously not the bike for my current plans. I was thinking to buy a bike once I am in Morocco, and maybe (or maybe not) selling it by the end of the trip. That way I avoid having to ship the bike, and it might also be cheaper (?) in the end. Do you guys have any opinion or advice on that? Where to buy, insurance and that kind of practical tips?

And last but not least, I am fine traveling alone, but I've never done this kind of large motorcycle trip before. So a travel buddy with some experience, especially in the first part of my trip, would be very welcome! I will most likely post a topic in "travelers seeking travelers" forum once my plans are more concrete, but anyone interested is of course welcome to message me already.

Cheers! - Wim