Newbie, which bike twin or alp

[ean]

Hello

Ive been reading the posts on this great website and am going to get either the Africa Twin or the Transalp. At the minute i own a cruiser and have had a XT600 in the past but couldn't handle another single.

I just cant make up my mind they both seem really great bikes.

Does anybody have experience of both these bikes and could give me any feed back. Will be riding two up sometimes, with camping gear.

Cheers

ean

[DaveS]

Personally I would go for an AT but then again I have one so I'm going to be biased.

If you want to buy new the the TA is your only option.... unless you want a Varadero!

[Tikka]

I got a Twin but did ride a transalp a couple of times. I like the Twin better. Nicer engine,felt better, a bigger bike which suits me. But thats my idea. Although the transalp rider liked my twin better than his own bike.

[usatic]

ean,

I used to have a '89 TA before I got my '00 AT.

I don't know how the newer 650 TA ride, but after having ridden both, I would suggest the AT.

The AT has more power (obviously) when hauling a full luggage load and pillion up hill; a more comfortable ride, has a metal bashplate, and looks better IMHO.

Both are great bikes, but you may be wishing after you buy a TA that you would have bought the AT.

Good luck

[robelst]

For just commuting, I probably choose the more economic TA. But since you say you plan to travel with pillion & luggage, the bigger engine of the AT will offer just a bit more grunt to give a more relaxed ride (even when it is not really that much faster topspeed-wise).

In contrast to what I have just said I am using an AT (mainly) for commuting at the moment, but might be tempted the change to a TA when it it's time to do so. It will become more and more dificult to get a decent AT anyway in the next few years because they are not built anymore and, in general, do lots of miles.

[jvaughan]

I have to agree with all the above comments.
The TA is great for one up, riding. Its lighter and easier to handle, but then again, the AT has handling characteristics of its own... everyone that rides mine is shocked that the centre of gravity is so low, it handles like a sports bike.

If you are small of frame though, the TA may be better .. if your bigger, get a AT.

Ride both and decide.

[Lord Stig]

Yeah, I've had both for a number of years, but not the XL650. I'd opt for the Africa Twin if you're looking second hand, but the Transalp will do pretty much everything the AT will. What swings it is the use with a pillion - the AT notices the extra weight far less than the TA.

Stig

[ean]

Thanks for the replies,

Looks like it will have to be the Africa Twin, theres one in a shop nearby for just under £4000, its a 02 model with just under 10k miles on the clock. Seems to be the standard price looking at the market.

Cheers

ean

[ean]

Just got back from my work and put down a deposit on a lovely 2001 blue, red and white model. Getting it on Monday. APPARENTLY its the fastest colour the salesman told me.

I ordered motad desert bars and a centre stand from wemoto only to get one crash bar and not two, is this normal or just my bad luck!

Cant wait to get out on the road with it

[robelst]

Congratulations with this excellent choice, and yes indeed, red/white/blue ATs are much faster: the combination of these colours enhance the Doppler effect. It is all scientifically proven. Your AT even seems to move when it is parked.

Enjoy, and don't crash it on the wrong side