Anyone interested in a good read on the subject of long distance touring, I would highly recommend "The Long Way Round" by Ewan McGregor. These guys circumnavigate the globe on a couple of 1200GS's. Totally fascinating read from start to finish.
I've read Odyssey to Ushuaia, (guys who ride to tip of Tiera del Fuego) and Ghost Rider (drummer from Rush who rides N America coming to terms with personal turmoil)
This book blows them away
Yep. Good read. Got the book, got the DVD, all that remains is to do the trip!!
The bikes were BMW R1150GS Adventures as I recall.