I have read through a few things on the forums here and I have a few questions. First of let me say that, even though that cannot be too related, i rode BMX for close to 6 years, so im very comfortable on 2 wheeled machines hahaa. I have never really ridden a dirtbike/motorcycle for any great amount of time. Now moving on the meat of the questions here. I am totally obsessed with surf, and being from Texas, we dont get it good often. I just recently returned from a 33 day mexico camping/surfing trip in which i took buses everywhere and it was cheap and great. The problem is, with surfing to avoid crowds at popular, easy to access spots, you need a vehicle and a rental is just out of the question for such a long term trip. I was debating on taking my car and I still am, but now I am exploring the option of a motorcycle. This option is also being explored for much planned future travels of longer duration. What im going to ask is what is a decent, cheap, easy to work on or find parts for beginner bike? I know this is a hard question, but ill take any answer! Offroad will be a good deal of travel, nothing super hardcore, but it could get a little hairy in places. My second question is regarding paniers and trailers. As you can see, my obsession requires that i carry surfboards with me. Luckily, I ride short boards, so my Bag will be no longer than 7ft, around 2.5ft in width, and around 7 inches in thickness. Is it possible to build a racking system on the side of the bike and how stable would this be? Im thinking a maximum of 20lbs hanging off the side. I have seen racking systems for mopeds and mountain bikes, so i figured why not. How difficult would riding be like this? Would wind be a problem at times? With trailers, how limited are these things? Smooth paved roads only? Sorry if these are amature questions, im just very very new to this, and im looking for an easier on the pocket book and possibly more exciting way to travel hardcore. Thanks in advance guys!!!!!