From Paul's Blog:
Good and valid points all!

But ultimately it gets back to your earlier point:
To me, the above is KEY. Is your trip about "THE BIKE"? or is it about "The Trip ... that you happen to be doing on a bike"? :confused1: In years past we've seen riders set out on fully loaded, fully equipped BIG BIKES ... with a budget to match. Many still travel this way. But as Paul has pointed out ... lots of alternate approaches.

More and more we see younger (poorer) riders (and some older ones too) buying a small bike locally and setting out, improvising all the way. The world is big enough for both travel styles. Which is better depends on the rider and his point of view on travel.
Having a positive attitude makes all the difference.

Another good point was the bit about "What is an Adventure Bike" and "What is Adventure Travel". It's all up for interpretation innit? ... ADV Rider.com must have a hundred threads that have discussed this in great depth with hundreds of differing opinions. Too many really. The only one that really matters is your own. But ...DO put it to the test and get out there and DO IT!

Maintaining a good attitude is not always easy on the road. Group travel has iUPS and it's DOWNS too. The group dynamic separates you from locals and limits interaction but gives you support and camaraderie. Some prefer just hanging with mates vs. locals, who they can't communicate with anyway.

But dealing with the group dynamic can itself be challenging and exhausting ... unless you have a Fascist leader in charge so there is NO discussion or alternatives. (been there, done that!)

But even solo riders who speak the language get the travel blues. They tire of the road and their "attitude" can suffer. Riding alone too long can also make you crazy ... when you have long, extended conversations with yourself ... you may be getting there! (yes, this is autobiographical ) Also, see Nathan Millward. (Postie bike guy)
Being alone too much can breed anti-social, xenophobic behaviors.

Maintaining "Group happiness" is a huge challenge. Even with just one riding companion, not always perfect or easy.

What I figured out was that life on the road living off a motorcycle is not ideal for ALL humans all the time. Some, on the other hand, take to it perfectly and can literally live on the road .... Forever ...happy as clams.

Having UPS and DOWNS is normal. Try to maintain the UPS as much as possible. Follow a travel routine that maintains a good attitude, this can make for a happy trip for you and those around you.