Like the others said: It all depends on your social skills. If you do things right, every one you meet in this RTW group will lend you all their contacts around the world.

Take a year of preparations and enjoy it! Really, it's half the fun! During that time make the contacts and network. As far as costs, that depends on you. A 650cc will suck 50% more fuel.

If you REALLY want an adventure where you are "one with the folks and the land you are passing thru, do it on a 250cc and take only a few tools, two changes of clothes and the gear on your back! Don't camp. Don't cook. Meet people, stay in people's homes or little hostels, eat with people and/or on the street. If you stay away from big cities, you will save $$, people will be more friendly and honest. Most people's of the world will joyfully host you at no cost just because that is what they do in their culture (tho they may accept a gift).

DANGER!! This will mean that you REALLY experience the cultures.. which means you will end up eating things you never dreamed of and maybe have a few daughters attempted to be pawned off on you! I just cannot understand riders who carry their whole anticeptic culture with them and then say that they have traveled these countries! Yes, they have "moved thru them", but that is all!

Cheers! Toby

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'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'