XL700V test ride

[Nareef]

Hi Peeps,

I took the new TA out of a test ride yesterday, me like!

Feels quite a bit different from my 600, suspension a lot firmer but then my bike is 9 years old and had 43500 miles on it, so not a shock there

Quite comfy on the demo bike, seemed firm on the unridden bike I sat on.

ABS seemed good with linked brakes, new to me. A lot better than my TA. Was told hardly any non ABS bikes have been made.

The thing that really struck me was the noise. At idle nice and quiet, at mid to high revs just fine but mid to low revs it's very... err... bangy... for want of a better description. Do they all sound like that? Could be quite good for filtering if they do...

Oddly I think the gold one looks the best in the steel and plastic too...

[alpslapper]

Do they all sound like that? ...

Oh yes they all sound that way sir - its a honda New engine - not run in properly yet?

[Nareef]

Yeah I wondered about running in... still it would be good to have a slightly noisier tone for filtering...

People might complain about the lack of sixth gear but as it stands it's very good at overtaking at speed! you get well above 70 quite easily if your not keeping an eye on the digital speedo (which I want to check with my GPS sometime as I'm not convinced of it's accuracy...)

[donkster]

I had a test ride, and yes it was quite 'bangy' between 2-4,000rpm, loved the sound infact, and after years of highly strung honda 4s felt really nice and torquey.

Going to have a look again tomorrow - pretty near to buying one

[Nareef]

Hi Donkster good luck if you get one! Are you thinking about getting any extras for it?

[Noah]

Hi just taken the new Transalp out for a test ride, liked is so much i am trading my CB1300 in for one !!!

[donkster]

Hi Nareef, I'm just going to get the heated grips - the honda ones although pricey are really good.

I was thinking of the luggage, but will for now get a GIVI top box with intergrated stop lights, cheaper and better quality than the Honda. I'll see if thats enough space for me before considering some Givi panniers or go for some Ali boxes if I can get to Iceland soon.

I went to a few dealers and some discounts were to be had, although obviously not much - I got different answers from different dealers, is it true that the official launch date isn't until Feb 21st and no sales until then - I was offered one there and then when I was originally looking in Jan 2007.

[donkster]

purchased

arriving 1st March

[Noah]

Me too, collect on 1st March in yellow ( the best colour i think )
The Honda Accesories are expencive but the quality is good i think i will be going for heated grips and centre stand....

[Lutin]

Good for you Noah and Donkster. I just hope that the wait is not too unbearable.