One out... One in...

[Sohoeasy]

New Transalp.

Aye There must be a story here

[Wee Jack]

Why does changing a fire breathing , rip snorting , performance beast - for a more sedate everyday commuter/general purpose bike , indicate there is a "story" ?

The KTM is a fine machine and probably (based on performance and all round ability) the best bike I ever owned - without doubt.

I just fancied a change - I had bunged 18000 miles on the KTM , enjoying every single yard !!.

I previously owned a 650 Alp and tested the 700 and found it fine for my requirements. I also tested a BMW800GS.

So guys - sorry, no story - just an everyday biker - who changes his bikes every couple of years and fancied an Alp again.

Do we have to change a bike for a faster, bigger, more powerful, more expensive bike every time we change?? or is there latitude for a bloke to purchase a bike that ticks the boxes he considers important??

[doglegdon]

Do we have to change a bike for a faster, bigger, more powerful, more expensive bike every time we change?? or is there latitude for a bloke to purchase a bike that ticks the boxes he considers important??

Very true WJ, and at least it wasn't Beamer! (As a matter of interest, what convinced you that the trannie was more applicable than the F800GS? Price? Actually, I hate to admit, that would have probably been my first choice, had one been available over here, last year.

[Wee Jack]

Very true WJ, and at least it wasn't Beamer! (As a matter of interest, what convinced you that the trannie was more applicable than the F800GS? Price? Actually, I hate to admit, that would have probably been my first choice, had one been available over here, last year.

The F800 is a damned fine machine , and as everyday transport would be very practical, but there were a couple of minor issues that would have irked me over the long term - those stupid stupid stupid BMW indicator switches with the cancel button on the right hand bar - made for jerky throttle control just at the time when you needed it smooth , maybe this is something that you would master with time, but in the 2 hour test ride I had , I was doing the bucking bronco routine at turns and roundabouts. Also it had the bottom half of my legs covered in road sh1te , on a test run on a dry day in summer !!!! I can only imagine what that would do to my breeks on a salt laden road in January !!!

The BMW is also about 2k more for the same spec as the Transalp - not that that was a major issue as both bikes were cheaper new than my second hand KTM.

[Dave J]

Fair comments Jack, at times we all just fancy a change!

Wish you well to use it.

DJ