Do I swap my Transalp

[fawcettpark]

I'm throwing myself at your mercy chaps,
I need advice,
I have a 2004 Transalp which I got from a dealer cheap as an ex demonstrator, came with heated grips and full panniers. Love the bike and have had lots of fun on it. I got the Transalp because the wife found it a lot more comfortable that an Africa Twin which was what I was after at the time.
As usual with bikes as much as I love the bike and enjoy pissing my mates on sportsbikes off with the handling I am a little concerned with the lack of impact. (One to**er on a Varedaro even asked me if it was a baby one, took great delight at doing him up the inside at the next roundabout)
There is a black Africa Twin at a local dealer, been there for ages, 2001 with 12500 miles on it. Some Touratech goodies on it and very clean,
The question is do I spend £4395 on it (a swap hopefully)
I have always loved the Africa Twin and its presence, will I do the right thing swapping it for the Transalp.
Please help,
Cheers

[Boxer Dog]

Yes

[LaughingBob]

If you can, get yourself a test ride before you part with any cash. IMHO the @ is the better bike. I love the extra power, looks, road presence and build. When I'm riding an @ it feels like I'm on some huge pre-historic monster that'll go anywhere over anything (even if I don't actually have the abillity to do so!) I like TA's. The motor feels slightly smoother and the gearbox slightly better but, there's not alot in it. £4395 sounds alot for a bike of that age/mileage albeit from a dealer. I bought an 03 with 1600 miles back in August for £4300 but, that was a private sale. LB.

[Chad]

BIG FAT YES

[Dilbert]

The question is do I spend £4395 on it (a swap hopefully)

Doubt you'll get a straight swap unless you TA is worth a lot more, always worth a try and make sure he knows you know he's had it in for ages.
Don't be too enthusiastic, let him in on your uncertainty about swapping, even ask if there's any luggage with it, then let him spiel for a while about why he's doing you a big favour, make him work for it and give you his actual best offer

I hate salesmen, especially Audi driving ones

[BobA]

Of course, none of the answers you receive in this forum are biased; Dear Lord no, never!!

GET AN AT!!

I've never ridden a TA, but it's the AT's distant link to the Paris Dakar racer that gives it the appeal to me.

Don't jump at this particular bike, there are loads out there, and it's now winter, with Christmas arriving, and there just ain't a better time to haggle for any bike (although January is quite good too!!)


Good Luck

Bob

[Maverick]

There is four Africa Twin's on ebay with little mileage for much less £££ at the moment. There is alot of deals to be had and personally would not worry to much about the mileage factor on the Africa Twins.

[Recycler]

I am a little concerned with the lack of impact.

Concerned about our size are we?

Seriously though - if you've tried an AT and prefer it then there's your answer.
You'd probably do better money-wise by buying/selling privately - a nearly new for a 4 year old is not a good deal, despite the differing costs of them when new.

I've never tried an AT, if I did I'd probably prefer it - but I couldn't justify the hassle and cost: I wouldn't get anywhere any quicker or in more comfort. Plus I've been right through my Tranny now and know it's ready for many more tours.

[DaveS]

I've ridden both.

They're not that far apart performance wise.
The difference for me was that the TA was more road orientated I felt.

The AT seems to look more the part of an off-road bike that have been converted to work on the road. It just looks fantastic. Its different and that's what I like.

[Dave]

Chris

I'm sure you wont regret it but I reckon the reason the bikes been in the shop a while is that it is way over priced.

My '03 with 5000miles on the clock, in immaculate condition, with Givi luggage, otherwise standard AND from a dealer was only £4695 6 months ago.

Dave