Im currently have the yamaha xt660e, im debating should i go for the honda, i want to buy a bike now, base model good condition engine etc and build it from there with racks panniers etc get it ready for touring, learn how to service it and so on, and im trying to keep the initial buying price down as to not get too ripped off when it comes to getting a carnet if and when i decide to take off....i dont want to pimp out a bike and then find its not the one for me....any advice...im trying to keep it around a 600 to 750 i dont think i need to go any bigger for one up touring...any advice would be welcome, thanks for reading......

Hey up,

Being handy with the spanners broadens your options a bit ,
you don,t allways have to go for the new bikes if you can do repairs yourself.
like you say ,have the bike for sometime before your trip , work on it ,get to know it , build up i suppose a bond with it and so its one less thing to worry about , reliability .
t,alp 650 been sound , boringly reliable lump in em , a bit on the slow side if your like me used to road bikes BUT shes not made for racing around on

had a super ten 750 and an xlv 750 , no probs

cheers.