Back from France - did I miss anything?

[micksylver]

Been in France for a week with a a couple of mates on a TDM900. Really enjoyed the smooth empty roads, saw some fantastic scenery, visited some really interesting places and stayed in a great BnB run by a lovely couple from Sarfend (Southend, UK).

Will be posting full ride report n piccies later in week.

Chasing a TDM900 across France raised some issues re Transalp 650 as a 2 up touring tool - power, fuel consumption, pillion comfort, handling heavy crosswinds all raising some questions! Could be in danger of a "PhilW experience" ?!

[StumpyFingers]

you only missed about 1000 posts about how quite it was.:::

[alpslapper]

Did you miss anything - cor now you ask...

Whealie sorted out a years free insurance for all xrv members - deadline for signing up was yesterday.

PhilW did not buy a new bike.

James Toseland donated a track day with him for everyone taking part in next years Longestday ride - sign up date was friday 24th.

Nope you missed nothing really - all quite here

Glad you had a ball in France - the alp is not a great two up tool is it

[phil w]

Been in France for a week with a a couple of mates on a TDM900. Really enjoyed the smooth empty roads, saw some fantastic scenery, visited some really interesting places and stayed in a great BnB run by a lovely couple from Sarfend (Southend, UK).

Will be posting full ride report n piccies later in week.

Chasing a TDM900 across France raised some issues re Transalp 650 as a 2 up touring tool - power, fuel consumption, pillion comfort, handling heavy crosswinds all raising some questions! Could be in danger of a "PhilW experience" ?!

The 650 is a strange beast good at lots of stuff yet not quite good enough. Just back from France myself and the 600 has been far far better than the 650, yet still suffering from poop motorway cruise speed, but then a TDM cant do the off road I did.

[winxp-master]

palerider loves his transalp, he sometimes says the only thing missing is the lack of top-end but thats only when ppl start doing eleventy zillion mph and if you stick to 80 or 90mph it seems to cope fine.

p.s. to the rightous brigade...i know 80 and 90 are over the limit so don't bother, i don't care.

[Jacqueslemac]

... raised some issues re Transalp 650 as a 2 up touring tool - power, fuel consumption, pillion comfort, handling heavy crosswinds all raising some questions!

When we were in France earlier this year both CookingFat and SteveR on Transalps complained about handling in strong crosswinds.

Maybe it's only when you're heavily loaded?

[micksylver]

Did you miss anything - cor now you ask...

Whealie sorted out a years free insurance for all xrv members - deadline for signing up was yesterday.

PhilW did not buy a new bike.

James Toseland donated a track day with him for everyone taking part in next years Longestday ride - sign up date was friday 24th.

Nope you missed nothing really - all quite here

Glad you had a ball in France - the alp is not a great two up tool is it

Bugger! Missed out on free insurance!

Sod! Too late for JT trackday!

PhilW didn't but a new bike? No, sorry not having that! Do you think I'm stupid?




Dur, OK it's a fair cop.

[micksylver]

The 650 is a strange beast good at lots of stuff yet not quite good enough. Just back from France myself and the 600 has been far far better than the 650, yet still suffering from poop motorway cruise speed, but then a TDM cant do the off road I did.

Horses for courses I guess. Maybe just a matter of deciding what my priorities are? Not particularly lusting after a TDM, although the same motor in an adventure bike would sure be tempting.

palerider loves his transalp, he sometimes says the only thing missing is the lack of top-end but thats only when ppl start doing eleventy zillion mph and if you stick to 80 or 90mph it seems to cope fine.

p.s. to the rightous brigade...i know 80 and 90 are over the limit so don't bother, i don't care.

Two up with luggage and over 75, I find my fuel consumption goes sky high. Just mine? Also kept looking for that missing 6th gear! 80 / 90 OK in France

When we were in France earlier this year both CookingFat and SteveR on Transalps complained about handling in strong crosswinds.

Maybe it's only when you're heavily loaded?

Certainly seems more noticeable two up with luggage, so could be.



Not going to be making any sudden changes just yet, but maybe having a rethink at some point. I know there's no such thing as a perfect bike for all situations, but maybe I can cover all bases with the right 2 (or 3 ) bikes? Or just find the best compromise? Hmm, decisions, decisions.

[Frad]

Hi Mick

Catherine and I have just got back from 10 days in Ireland fully loaded on the Alp, had a great time.

Before we went I wound the rear shock up to a spring length of 185mm and the little screw on the side to full hard, we had NO problems with the handling at all in fact it felt better than ever before.

The front was stable and felt solid, it did move a little in side winds but dosn't everything ?

I came back feeling very happy with the bike, I had my concerns before but it did everything we wanted and still returning around 50 MPG

Wound up to 80 on Mways dropped a little but still cheaper than my truck

Glad you had a good time

Cheer Frad

[StumpyFingers]

I remember, years ago when I first stared riding I was returning from a Hospital visit, with my mum on the back of a Kawazaki 250.
Leaning into a turn I got caught by a side wind which lifted the bike upright.