So I got my first dirt bike when I was 11, and haven't looked back. However, I lived in Israel for 3 years, and lived on a bicycle there (couldn't afford a motorcycle there, but I wanted one!).

Back in the states, I was given a scooter. Lots of fun. Decided that the trip I had been planning (bus and foot, backpacking) would be a lot more fun if I did it on the scooter I now had, down through to Costa Rica.

After lots of research, and talking with my mechanic about my scooter in particular, I have decided it isn't really up to the rigours of long term riding--there's a bit of play in the crankshaft where there shouldn't be, and so while it's good, it's not quite bullet proof. (You can see my prior posts for the thread I put on here concerning the scooter. )

So I'm selling it. And honestly, it'll be more fun on a motorcycle anyways. The question is, which one? I'm in Austin, TX, so I've been scouring over craigslist, and these are the two major contestants in the end. I asked my mechanic for some advice, but I feel like, frankly, he shallowly listened to me, and went ahead with a prior bias towards Yamaha. :\

Frankly, however, after my research (I'm no expert), I'm actually leaning towards the Suzuki. Here are the two options in my area. I really can't spend more than $2000, and am willing (and expect) to work on it/have some work done, but I don't want a project bike.

Here are my general criteria:

ideally, 200-400cc... Though if it's more, but still gas efficient and reliable, that's fine.

Between $1000-$2000 dollars.

Easy to find parts for/mechanics for throughout the Americas.

Would prefer something with an upright riding style (Honda CB175, for example), and would prefer to not have something with a cruiser style riding position (Honda Shadow), though I could deal with it if the right deal came up. I like the idea of a sport bike for town, but probably not for this trip. Something not too flashy, and not too rare looking; I don't want to stick out as a target. Kind of prefer it to look its age cosmetically, I guess, and imagining something 70's/80's.

THESE are the bikes:

Suzuki GS850 G, 1979 = http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/2837380719.html
Yamaha XJ650 Maxim, 1982 = 1982 Yamaha Maxim 650

Called the owner of the Suzuki, and he said he was getting the bonded title and plates for it today, same price. Though the cam chain is ticking at low RPMs, it's just a nuisance, and he expects it to run well for 'another 30,000 miles'. They do seem to be known for being super low maintenance, and touring machines. Comparing them on this site: Suzuki GS 850 G engine performance, reliability, maintenance costs, etc. rated by riders
favors the Suzuki.

Haven't gotten to talk to the owner of the Yamaha yet, except that he let me know it's still available. His wording is a little cautious sounding to me...

Any advice? There are some other ones that I've put aside for now, but they're definitely still options:

1972 Honda CB175: 1972 HONDA CB 175
Runs, but needs some work, and is a bit expensive for what it is. Slightly underpowered, but acceptable.

1982 Yamaha Virago (500cc): 1982 Yamaha Virago 500 bobber
No title. Needs front brake assembly.

1983 Yamaha XJ 650: 83 Yamaha 650
A little too polished, a little expensive for me? Maybe good choice.

1984 Honda 350 Enduro: 84 honda 350
Dualsport, 6 gears trail-to-highway, one site listed its engine as "bulletproof". Not much space for touring gear, though, and a bit expensive... Maybe good choice?

Would love some advice!

Thanks.