Awesome trip; awesome blog!!!

yup, that's the one  ... it's a thumper too!  

That one in your photo is kinda newish (2007?) and they
change a bit esthetically between the different models:
- city
- dual-purpose
- dakar
- different year fairings
- chain or belt, etc

but yeah, that's the one  

- single
- 650cc
- liquid cooled
- adjustable mono-shock & seat height starting from 31in (I'm 5,6"!)

I was thinking specifically of a used F650ST.
Prices start at 2,000 euros for a 97-99' model with about
15-20k miles, they are a bargain for the engineering
you get and not too expensive to maintain or insure!  

http://www.motoscout24.de/Public/Detail.aspx?id=dkigkzoitg


my savage IS by far, flat out the BEST bike I have ever owned,
buuuut, you know ...decisions decisions

C'ya

Great blog!  Hey, for camping, I've got a little one- (or two-intimate-) person tent made by The North Face.  It's called the Lightspeed and you can put it up in 5 minutes and it's small for packing and it feels more secure and cozy than 2 tarps and 2 blankets.  I've used it for several overnighters, of course much shorter than your trip!

Yes. I'm planning on going from The UP Michigan to Fl the first week in August. It's going to be a straight run down seeing as I'm on a schedule to get back quick so, I can't really make a lot of stops unfortunately.

florida - "Depending on the area you are visiting, August temperatures are hot, hot, hot. The hurricane season began June 1, but this month begins to see more tropical activity. Keep a watchful eye on weather forecasts, but know that few storms actually make landfall." courtesy  http://goflorida.about.com/od/allaboutflorida/a/august.htm.

it averages at a very sunny 90° and then rains sporadically throughout the day.. good luck and i'll be awaiting the photos!