Smaller and lighter is the way to go if you're travelling solo, and to an extent even two-up.
The Euro and North American obsession with 1000cc + and mega horsepower is pointless in most of the world. Costs more to buy, carnets cost more, gas costs more, parts cost more and are needed more frequently... etc...
My R80G/S at a mere 50 hp was more than adequate 98% of the time for us two-up, and the very few times it "wasn't", such as the Atacama desert, it was
enough - I couldn't cruise at 150, but so what.
KISS principle prevails - keep it super simple - and lighter. When it falls over, it's nice to be able to pick it up yourself and not need a crew.
If you're going off-road solo a lot, 650 singles are the
top end of the size/weight scale. Bikes like Transalps work well, even two-up.
Lois Pryce (see links page) is currently doing Alaska to Ushuaia on a Yamaha 225 Serow and loves it. Plenty fast enough and easy to ride.
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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com