F800GS vs new F650GS (plus a few old favourites)

[Lagan]

Hi all,

I just wondering if anyone had some opinions about the above bikes, although there's a caveat to that below. Basically I'm thinking of doing a trip down to India next summer (2014) and I'm trying to find a suitable bike. I've had a few bikes in the past including the new(ish) Yahama Tenere and a 2004 R1050GSA, but due to an ongoing medical condition I sold them and gave up my overland dreams. The medical situation has now been stabilised, and those dreams have started knocking again!

I liked the Tenere to be honest, it had a lot of character and was a perfectly solid bike, but lacked a bit of power, as has been noted. The R1050GSA obviously didn't have that problem, but I really didn't like the weight of the thing - I'm sure other riders with more experience love them, but it's just too heavy for me.

So...basically I'm looking for something with a bit more grunt than a 660 (and preferably not a thumper to be honest), but not as heavy as a 1050. For reference sake, I'm a shade under 6'4" and 88kg (a bit under 13.5 stone), I like to take less travelled roads but at the moment that means gravel tracks, not wading through swamps but I'm not averse to going along a motorway if it makes sense. So, finally...

1. What's the difference between the Honda F800GS and the new F650GS, aside from the money? For a journey of the type I'm thinking of, would either be acceptable?

2. I've also looked at getting an Africa Twin, or maybe an old XTZ Tenere, so thoughts and opinions there would be appreciated for those too.

Thanks - sorry for the extended post.

Alex (Lagan)