A.) A good engine ya don't have to mess with all the time.
Having gone thru a vast array of engines, my 1st & only
choice would be a tanaka PF4000. A 7 year private use
warranty sez it all.
B.) A sturdy bike you don't have to mess with. I'm partial
to hard tail, old school mtn bikes with a comfy springer saddle
foam lined grips. front shocks are okay, but they add weight
& can fail. Simple is good.
C.) Gear? How fast do you want to travel; how comfortable
do you want to be? Tools, you know what you're most likely
to need. A spare clutch, chain, patch kit, zip ties, duct tape,
brake pads, etc.
When I want to travel fast and light, I go with a $15 walmart
fleece bag and 1/2"x24"x42" pad rolled up inside a bivy sack.
no fuss camping, just roll it out on the ground & climb in. In
winter I go with a heavier bag.
I have an in-frame pannier with pockets for sun screen, bug
juice, shades,maps,multitool, first aid, a wire grill.(scoop out
a l'il trench or set it on rock & bild a far).
A tire pump is a must have.
light nylon rain hoody, rain pants, 2 pr shorts, 2 pr sweat pant,
1 heavy wool sweater, 4 pr socks(one heavy), 3 long sleeve
Ts.
These go into a pair of water-proof front panniers along with
telescoping fishing pole, high power slingshot. the bivy ties
over the top.
If you'd rather carry a few more luxuries you might wanna go with
sumpin like dis. note the stealth engine cowling.