Thank you so much Backofbeyond. That is So helpful.

Yeah, not much response from the masses. I need to brush up on my spanner skills and want to do a course before I head off. They are pretty simple engines aren't they? I have a mate that is an expert bodger to knock up a frame for luggage and up-rate the subframe.

Over all a good bike then? It is my first trip on a bike. I had a few off-roaders as a youngster and have only just got my road licence. Still not sure to go for a BM. I am hopefully getting my 04 CCM on friday. I am getting it as a warm up bike. Hopeully (if needs be) I can sell it before I go.

I intend to potter about the globe and can't imagine going more than 200 miles a day. But I just don't know whats out there yet. I think I would prefer something nippy and agile, so when I take the luggage off for a day or two I can have fun on the thing. I'm a big lad, but the BM just looks almost like a chore to ride. I want to skip around the lumps and bumps not just flatten them. More fun! The F800 GS is the one for me really, but unless I win the lotto I think its a no go!

Have you had an rides on the 1150 GS?

If you could pick, which would you choose? (I suppose you have actually. Answered my own question...The CCM!)

The tank is an issue. I don't want to spend the etire trip filling up.

Thanks again for your advice.

Toby