Hi,
I was after some advice/ opinions on which bike to get and how to get it for a UK/Spain/Morocco/Europe type tour for 6-12 months as soon as i can get enough cash together (looking like march or so 2010 at this stage!).
Its looking like two options at this early stage.
Option 1. Transport a bike from home (Australia)- I have a 2002 GSXR600 which i absolutely love. Would consider taking it but has a few electrical gremlins (water getting in the plugs i think and loose wire type stuff. Headlight, taillight & ignition etc spontaneously stop working) Frustrating as all hell, particularly on a pitch black night halfway around a corner...but it is true love. I have done some long trips loaded up with tents, camp gear, even fishing rods, and ended up down a few dirt roads deep in national parks but might be pushing my luck taking it abroad. I have no idea what i'll come across, particularly in Morocco. Haven't had too much comfort dramas putting in 700-900kms a day up and down the east coast for a few days on end but doesn't sound ideal long term. Or i could buy another bike and ship it over (maybe skip UK as only going there to buy/register bike. Thought it'd be easier in english speaking)
The advantage of this option is that i can rigg it up and get everything set before leaving. And if i get another bike can practise and get used to it.

Option 2. Buy a bike in the UK and sell it when i'm done. Advantage is saving of shipping but it'd be a pain having to get all the setup done in a real rush. Plus would be starting on a new bike in a new country where everythings back to front.

Which leaves the next question of what bike to get.
Not looking to get too far off the road and definitely love the corners. Want to get along some mountain roads and even like to get on a race track at a few places and the nuremberg ring thing etc. Something more sporty i think. A gixser would be great...
but... then the common sense part of my brain decides to start working and suggests something to take the luggage, panniers etc and more comfortable and durable like a V-Strom would be more suitable.

So how do GSXR's go with hard panniers etc and how well do hybrid bikes(like the V-strom (650 or 1000???More questions, arhh!)) handle the quick corners and sporty stuff? Is there a better bike i should look at that might suit? Buy in Aus or UK?

I know this is a bit long winded and i'm sort of thinking aloud but any suggestions would be helpful.

Cheers,
Jim