Motorcycle touring - what's the first decision?

[Alun]

When I sit here at home thinking of all the places I want to travel the first thought that enters my head is what bike do I need to get there. However, on a more practical note the choice of bike, although not irrelevant, is hardly the critical issue - there's nothing to stop me going around the world on a pizza delivery bike. I reckon the two key factors, as with non bike travel, are; how much time do I have and how much can I afford to spend.

Time and money, eh. Is there ever a time when in life when we get a surplus of both? And if there is, I guess the next question is - will she still be here when I get back? And the answer to that is 'not if I go on a pizza delivery bike'.