You have to realize that the primary thing those movies show you is what it is like to travel the world when you have more money than you know what to do with.

Off-pavement riding is a perfect example. Money solves all problems right? So they got big expensive bikes and loaded them with lots of the most expensive gear. Then they have a horrible time off-pavement and complain about it. What they never understood about the experience is that money does not solve this problem.

The further away you get from good pavement, the more you need a small, light, and nimble bike. To some extent, skill can overcome the difficulties a large, heavy, overloaded bike can cause, but that skill can only be gained with a smaller lighter bike.

My recent experience on the Dempster Highway in Canada (up to Inuvik) is a perfect example of this. It is a road with a bad reputation. One of the days I was on the road there was a lot of rain and the mud was pretty bad. Five people went down that day (and the bike had to be carted out on a truck). One of them died. I only found this out later because to me, the mud so easy it never even occurred to me someone would have a hard time.

The difference? I ride a KLR650 very lightly loaded. Those five people were on BMW GS1200's, and one sport-bike. No clue on the gear, but I'd wager most of those five were carrying far more gear than I am (and I still carry more weight than I want to!). I've also practiced a lot in bad conditions, prepared the bike for it, and planned to travel far more slowly than most people do up that road (I planned up to 4 days each way, most expect 1-2 days each way).

If you know you like to get away from pavement, start off with a lightweight dual-sport bike. Do not get something expensive and heavy like a F650GS or a KTM 990. Get something cheap, light, and nimble. A KLR650 or DR650 is a good compromise between dirt and highway, but is still a bit heavy for off-road. A 250cc is far better if you think you'll focus on dirt.

If you find you like street more than dirt, you will find that quickly once you start riding and you can adjust the bike you use accordingly, or find a different bike. Or you might even consider separate street and dirt bikes initially (I wish I had done this).

Tires: Start riding, then worry about tires. You are putting the cart before the horse. But the short answer is that you worry too much.

Wild Animals: 99% of avoiding wild animals is using common sense. Bears, for example, are attracted to food and anything else with an interesting scent. There is lots of information available on this subject, so just start reading. In the past couple months through Canada and Alaska, I've probably seen 50+ bears just on the road, spent every single night in a tent, and never once worried I would have a problem, even wild camping.

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Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)