What would make good bikes for a RTW for my wife and I, me being 185 cm, and she being vertically challenged at 170 cm?... and maybe with a couple of kids riding two-up???

Preferably the bikes should be of the same make and model, or very similar, like the BMW F650GS Dakar (for him) and the regular F650GS (for her). Less parts and tools to bring, same service intervals, same mileage and fuel stops, same performance, etc.

Personally I really like the following: BMW F650GS Dakar, The newer BMW F800GS, and the new Yamaha xtz Tenere 660 (but this one will be far too tall for her... can it be lowered enough for her? If so, any significant drawbacks?).

The bikes should not be very heavy as she is not the strongest gal in the world, and she is also quite inexperienced, so the bike also needs to be easy to ride and add to her sense of safety and confidence. I would however be sceptical towards anything less than 350 cc.

Reliability is a given requirement, and it should also be a popular make/model so that parts and service is readily available (BMW, Yamaha, Honda, etc). We will be doing some light off-roading - slow and easy. And for the last spec requirement::::: our kids will be riding two up (a few years down the road when they are plus minus 8 yrs of age).

Money is not the biggest concern, but I have no need to be flashy either.

I know that any bike will get us RTW. Next winter me and a couple of pals will be participating in the Budapest to Bamako Rally on a classic Vespa scooters. But, although wiping ones ass with grass will do the job, and maybe offer some novelty also (like on our scooter adventure), soft toilet paper is what my wife and I are looking for on an RTW. We are looking for the ideal bikes!!!


We are also contemplating a side car, but I have really no clue about these things. I've only tried a poor setup on a vintage Vespa - and it was like riding a motorized wheel barrow. I've heard that they can be a handful to handle. But everything is relative. Would an Ural be a great option, or would it be too much to handle? Would it add to the sence of safety and confidence when riding with kids or would the poor handling be more scary than riding on two wheels only?

My greatest concern is to find something which she will enjoy riding and be comfortable with - something that feels safe and easy to ride and something which adds to her confidence (her nerves are a bit fragile).

I am aware of the dangers and responsibilities riding with children. So please don't turn this thread into a moral lecture - I just need the best advice to make it happen.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

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