Trip PreparationThe amount of work involved in doing a long distance overseas trip depends on who you are. I work in a job that depends on good preparation,so have been putting heaps of work into getting everything prepared so I feel that I can do the trip with minimal fuss. ( famous last words, hope not). Horizons site has been most valuable with this preparation.

Trying to figure out what bike was probably the toughest choice. I have ridden BMW's since the early 80s and have always admired their touring ability. But so happened that my wife decided she would get her motorbike license. We shopped around and chose the V Strom 650 as the best bike for her to learn to ride on. The more that we/she rode it and I really enjoyed it. So for our first ride to prepare for the trip we decided to trial the VStrom. I was concerned that the 650 would not be big enough for the 2 of us and all of our gear. We did 6500 kms on that trip, in outback NSW and down the coast. I was amazed, what a fantastic bike. We spent some money since we got back from that trip, upgrading the suspension and building a topbox with a few other minor mods. Then we did another trip to WA ( 5800kms). The bike went flawlessly. I now prefer riding Brons bike more than riding mine( BMW K1200GT). Sure love the power of the BM but nothing comes close to the VStrom for value for money and all-round riding. Living in Ballarat we have been extremely lucky as we have had help from companies such as B & B aluminium who did a fantastic bash plate, radiator guard and topbox for the Vstrom. Ballarat motorcycles have been really helpful with gear and Boltons motorcycles in Kyneton have been fantastic with servicing and helping me to get to know the innards of the Vstrom. ( thanks Trev and Matt}. The blokes from Platatac Melbourne have also been fantastic with soft luggage (army Bags). Last but certainly not least thanks to Gunny for your help with meticulous attention to detailed preparation of me my toolkit and the bike.
VISA's. They should call them headaches. We have been fortunate to have the assistance of the HUBB as well as past travellers. (thanks John and Alanah) As a result of everyone's advice it seems like we are better of getting all of our visa's OS except the Pakistan one which seems to be better to get in AUS.
I will add more info as we get closer to departure. Bike departs March via Get Routed. We depart 26th of April via Air Asia.
I am Typing all of this on an Archos 5 IT powered by Android with a bluetooth keyboard. I will be using this device as my GPS and organiser enroute. Hope it all works out.