While living in Europe, I have sworn to a HD Sportster for many years. Moving into Asia, I changed my view. I have used several little cruisers (one Yamaha Virago 125cc, two Bajaj Avenger, 180cc, and one Honda Phantom, 200c) for most of my travels.
On other trips I just rented.
And to be honest, my favorite rental has been a 125cc Honda Dream. I think it weighs about 100 kg. I loaded it with a saddle bag, tent and sleeping bag, and a 4 liter jerrycan with extra petrol. Cruising speed about 70-80 km/h, pretty much the maximum you need in SE Asia, behaved well on paved and unpaved roads, can even be fixed with pretty knobby tires too. Got stuck in the mud? Just pull it out. While it might be a bit light to cross the Himalayas, it served its purpose well in all countries that I used it. And literally EVERY technician can fix it, as it is (together with its sister-Hondas like Cub or Wave) the ubiquitous bike found everywhere. And fixing it is a rare occasion, as it is virtually indestructible.
My advice for Asia (at least the southern part): the lighter, the better.
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