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Originally Posted by Robbert
That sounds like you want two small capacity bikes. I would not bother about offroad looks, but look at weight. Also keep the weight of your luggage down. 50cc can work, but upwards of 90cc and below 130 kg is where id start looking. E.g Honda cb 125 or a chinese clone. Probably different bikes north and south of panama. There are plenty alternatives. Yamaha xt 125/250... .
Smaller tends to be more fun. You do sacrifice more on acceleration than on speed. If its really though you'll be faster too (not faster than an experienced rider on a off road machine, but faster than your self on a heavy machine with luggage for two and a pillion.)
Think smaller=more fun and it will get you there. Also when you have to pick it up 16 times in a row.
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I generally agree, smaller is MORE FUN! ... but, IMO, 50cc or 90cc bike is not ideal, especially riding at 14,000 ft. in the Andes. Even a 250cc bike struggles badly over 10K ft. Trust me, I've done it. Can't imagine a 50 or 90 at high altitude.
I rented 125's and 100's in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Fantastic, but never much over sea level.
Also, you'll have many LONG (thousands of miles) paved road sections through Peru' and N. Argentina. You need to be able to ride at least 50 MPH all day, day after day or you'll have some very very long, exhausting riding days.
Tiny engines may not make it, may expire if super hot. (check Summer temps in N. Argentina)
I would not buy anything smaller than a 250cc bike. Japanese bikes, even used, are really really OVER PRICED all though out S. America. Now, why is that?  (answer: Quality!)
Better go Chinese bike ... or buy a nice Japanese 250cc in USA and ride down.
The Honda CRF250L is the best you can get. Perfect world traveler.
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