PD 06 or PD 10 - what to choose?

[Meat]

Hi folks,

A friend of mine is coming from Portugal to Norway in May for a 9 days roundtrip in the southern part of Norway. The plan was that he should bring his own 1150GS, but in the end that was considered a too long journey given the available time.

So, instead we decided too buy a bike (German import) and have it ready for him when he arrives by plane. After the trip, the bike will be sold to a friend of mine (at least that is what I have told my wife....).

Since the Norwegian taxes are terrible, we have to look for an "old", reliable, bike. After some consideration we landed on Transalp 600 or BMW F650. The Transalp 650 or the F650GS will end up too expensive.

With regards to the Transalp, I need your vast experience on following:

Shall we choose the PD 06 (-96) or the PD 10 (97-) when we consider the reliability and build quality?

The F650 input will be requested in another Forum, but if you can give me good reasons not to buy it, I will appreciate it..

Thanks.

[The Pheasant]

I'd go for the PD10, if only 'cos it is going to be newer.

Not sure which models were affected, but the CDI mount can need modifying on some earlier bikes to avoid breakage.

On the other hand, the later bikes were built in Italy and some people suspect the build-quality of Japan-built bikes was better. I had a PD10 which was faultless.

Either way, I'd prefer an Alp to the BMW. Performance is about the same, but the Alp motor is bullet-proof and fed by carburettor.

[Meat]

I'd go for the PD10, if only 'cos it is going to be newer.

Not sure which models were affected, but the CDI mount can need modifying on some earlier bikes to avoid breakage.

On the other hand, the later bikes were built in Italy and some people suspect the build-quality of Japan-built bikes was better. I had a PD10 which was faultless.

Either way, I'd prefer an Alp to the BMW. Performance is about the same, but the Alp motor is bullet-proof and fed by carburettor.

Thank you Pheasant,
The age is of course important. But the model change was 96/97 so I don't think a couple of years either way will make the big difference. They are "old" anyhow. I am of the opinion that it is more important how the bike has been maintained, number of owners etc. And there are a couple of old mints in Germany.

The Italy/Japan issue is one of the important issues I want input on. Any of you members having experience with both models? Keep it coming....


Prior to buying my AT, I had a TA 650 for two years. No problems whatsoever - and I think that was Italy assembly.

The earlier F650 (-00) were carburettor bikes (as far as I know), so that can not be the one reason to choose the TA instead of the BMW

[idefix]

Think the PD10 had double disk on the front brakes, my PD06 has single disk. It is no issue with steel braided hose, but with a lot of gear loaded up it would be better with more braking power. I am very happy with my german pd06, it looks not too maintained, but after some maintenance this winter it is not actually bad at all.

Look for this:

Service history.
How is the reflector ( is it very brown or shiny)
How is the chain and sprockets? look at how much left before replacing ..elongation.
KM of course ... and have storage been in or outdoors.
Tyre wear
Brake wear
Is the rear brake caliper freely moving on the pins (able to self adjust)
Must have crashbars.
Any marks on the left crashbar and fairing (has it fallen over ?)
Is the dimming switch on the left control sometimes getting stuck ?
Condition of silencer.
How loose is the clutch lever up and down, and how worn is the clutch (test drive).

The positioning of CDI units on these versions should be ok, they are not standing up on their short edge, but on their long edge in rubber holders.

[The Pheasant]

The earlier F650 (-00) were carburettor bikes (as far as I know),

They sure were, and were called Funduro. An even better reason to choose the Alp. As I said, my PD10 was an excellent buy. I can't say there was any sign of it being less well built than an earlier bike.

[@lf]

Hi

The 96 model was the last model of the TA that was made in Japan.
From 97 it came from Italy
I have read some forums and many says that the 96 model was the best.
Regardless of brakes etc.
More to service when double brakes.
Also i`ve read that there where some issues with poor build quality on 97 and newer.
Rims and spokes etc was`nt as good as on the 96 model.

I would go for the 96 model.

[Meat]

Thank you all for inputs.

It was more or less in line with my own opinions. The PD06 is tempting, but unfortunately I also have to liten to the (possible) next owner. And he want a F650...

However, I still have som time to teach him right from wrong

Mr Honda - here we come......again

[Lord Stig]

Meat, I had two pre-1996 TAs, one from 1989, the other a 1994 vintage. Both dealt with winter and hard use very well. A friend bought a 1998 PD10 brand new, and the thing rusted before both our eyes - I've never seen anything like it. And it was garaged, whereas mine have never been. It could have been an extreme case, though I've heard similar about many of the 650sThe brakes weren't so much better that the extra weight and (@lf mentioned) extra complexity was justified.

If you really can find a mint PD6 in Germany, go for it - thanks to TUeV those bikes are often better kept than, for instance, many of the bikes you'll see on the road in the UK. I would even swap my 2001 RD07 for a good pre-96 TA; that would be a case of old age (TA) for high mileage (mine), but it shows how well I think of those bikes.

[Meat]

Meat, I had two pre-1996 TAs, one from 1989, the other a 1994 vintage. Both dealt with winter and hard use very well. A friend bought a 1998 PD10 brand new, and the thing rusted before both our eyes - I've never seen anything like it. And it was garaged, whereas mine have never been. It could have been an extreme case, though I've heard similar about many of the 650sThe brakes weren't so much better that the extra weight and (@lf mentioned) extra complexity was justified.

If you really can find a mint PD6 in Germany, go for it - thanks to TUeV those bikes are often better kept than, for instance, many of the bikes you'll see on the road in the UK. I would even swap my 2001 RD07 for a good pre-96 TA; that would be a case of old age (TA) for high mileage (mine), but it shows how well I think of those bikes.

Lord Stig, thank you. Advice well received and will be taken into due consideration.

Meat

[Meat]

Looks like I have been able to grab a -95 PD 06 - approx 3k miles on the clock. According to the Owner, the condition is "as from the shop".