Baggy
27-08-08, 12:43 PM
Hello.
Right, that's the formality out of the way :)
Been lurking for a while since making the decision to buy a 700 TransAlp ( which I've now had for a couple of months ) and figured it was time to surface.
Getting the TA was a return to the fold - bike history going back in time is Suzuki SV650, 650 Transalp, CBR600F, VFR750, NTV650, CBX550, Guzzi V50, CG125 ( on which I learnt to ride ).
I also have a newer CG125 which is my daily commuter... I only have a short commute and it's easier to look after the CG in winter - and is somewhat cheaper to run
The new TA is in grey, supplied with centrestand. I fitted a Givi toplate adapter ( which occasionally carries an E36 box ) and most recently a lower seat. I'm still using the standard screen and it feels as if I get a little less buffeting with the lower seat compared to the original ( I'm 5'10" and wear a BMW system 4 helmet with the 'jet' open face option ). Legs do feel a little more cramped though but I'm now not so worried about unplanned halting before I've had time to survey the road ahead ( it seemed to be a case of choose lower seat or 'crash' bars :roll: ).
I went for the 700 TA after reflecting on the fact that the 650 TA was the bike I'd enjoyed riding the most ( and I also wanted to get back to a Honda ). The 650 I bought with centrestand, lower seat and panniers ( plus adaptor plate for Givi ) and later on changed to braided lines on the front brakes. I decided this time to go lighter on the luggage and I don't think the 700 will need braided lines as the braking seems OK to me whereas the 650 did feel 'soft'. When the tyres on the 650 wore down I changed to Pirelli MT90 Scorpions ( I freely admit I'm not an off-roader by intention ) and I think I'll do the same on the 700 - I'll be glad to get away from the 'thrumming'. Having said that, the OE tyres aren't bad - cornering with the bike on it's ears is certainly OK in the dry and I haven't had any moments in the wet ( yet ! ).
That's about it really. My better half ( hereafter to be known as Mrs Baggy ) rides a 1050 Speed Triple. She used to ride a BMW F650ST ( also Kawa W650 and Suzi SV650 ) but still shows signs of changing to something trallie - it will probably be a 1050 Tiger but we shall see.
And I'll endeavour to dig out a picture.
Cheers :thumbup:
Keith.
Right, that's the formality out of the way :)
Been lurking for a while since making the decision to buy a 700 TransAlp ( which I've now had for a couple of months ) and figured it was time to surface.
Getting the TA was a return to the fold - bike history going back in time is Suzuki SV650, 650 Transalp, CBR600F, VFR750, NTV650, CBX550, Guzzi V50, CG125 ( on which I learnt to ride ).
I also have a newer CG125 which is my daily commuter... I only have a short commute and it's easier to look after the CG in winter - and is somewhat cheaper to run
The new TA is in grey, supplied with centrestand. I fitted a Givi toplate adapter ( which occasionally carries an E36 box ) and most recently a lower seat. I'm still using the standard screen and it feels as if I get a little less buffeting with the lower seat compared to the original ( I'm 5'10" and wear a BMW system 4 helmet with the 'jet' open face option ). Legs do feel a little more cramped though but I'm now not so worried about unplanned halting before I've had time to survey the road ahead ( it seemed to be a case of choose lower seat or 'crash' bars :roll: ).
I went for the 700 TA after reflecting on the fact that the 650 TA was the bike I'd enjoyed riding the most ( and I also wanted to get back to a Honda ). The 650 I bought with centrestand, lower seat and panniers ( plus adaptor plate for Givi ) and later on changed to braided lines on the front brakes. I decided this time to go lighter on the luggage and I don't think the 700 will need braided lines as the braking seems OK to me whereas the 650 did feel 'soft'. When the tyres on the 650 wore down I changed to Pirelli MT90 Scorpions ( I freely admit I'm not an off-roader by intention ) and I think I'll do the same on the 700 - I'll be glad to get away from the 'thrumming'. Having said that, the OE tyres aren't bad - cornering with the bike on it's ears is certainly OK in the dry and I haven't had any moments in the wet ( yet ! ).
That's about it really. My better half ( hereafter to be known as Mrs Baggy ) rides a 1050 Speed Triple. She used to ride a BMW F650ST ( also Kawa W650 and Suzi SV650 ) but still shows signs of changing to something trallie - it will probably be a 1050 Tiger but we shall see.
And I'll endeavour to dig out a picture.
Cheers :thumbup:
Keith.