Which bike to go to from Transalp 600? Transalp 650?

[babybadger]

regrettably , just sold my 1995 Transalp 18kmiles for £1200 odd quid , which I consider was a bargain for him and a fair price for me.

Question is which bike next? Some of my mates say get that Buell you have always wanted, although I only do mainly town riding and odd jaunts on A roads. The trouble is the Transalp did everything well , but nothing superbly in particular.

My direction has always been trail bikes in the past.....

Help? Suggestions?

[The Pheasant]

If you liked the 600, I'd guess you'll like the 650 even more. IMO, having had both, the later bike is better in most areas. I didn't like it when it first came out, but have to say now that I am a big fan.

[Steve C]

Have you had a look at Dilbert's project 650? It's for sale...

http://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23710

RD03 Africalp

[babybadger]

Have you had a look at Dilbert's project 650? It's for sale...

http://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23710

RD03 Africalp

Looks great, but not after a project at the moment as I have no garage.

Would love to get something along those lines. What is the Varadero like?

[harrisphil]

you need to weigh up all the pros and cons of each bike
make a list of what you want it to do
work out a % usage of each type of riding
rate your prioritories in a list 1-10
add a fudge factor to take into account your weightings
do this on all the bikes you think might suit your needs
(If you do this before you sell your old bike then you wont need to change bikes)
then you will find the best bike for your needs
and buy a hardly ableson
or





*




*




scrap the list and buy the first bike that makes you smile so wide the owner wont take an offer on the bike

[Steve C]

Looks great, but not after a project at the moment as I have no garage.

Would love to get something along those lines. What is the Varadero like?

I got close to buying a Vara in place of the At I did buy. I reckon you get a lot for your money from a Vara. I'm not really sure I'd want to do too much commuting on one though as it'll be quite a beast to manhandle at very slow or wlking pace around the jams and snarlups that ATs handle relatively well and TAs even better.

But if you're after an economical mile muncher with good performance and touring capability to make an AT look a bit on the light side...

Lord Vadar's is for sale; unless it's already gone

[BigEd]

Hi,
Just a quick notes on Buells, avoid Warrs harley davidson for your servicing etc (i see your also in se london) . Ive used them once on my old xb9s and they are VERY expensive, no issues with the service tho. I went to shaw HD (another main dealer) and they were half the price.
Dont know what model your after (ulysses as this is a ds forum?) but check how heavy the clutch is, the one on the xb9/xb12 is far to heavy for much town use.

Ed

[z-weiser]

Varaderos are great - big comfy and loads of ooomph!

i love mine as it suits me!

they can be ridden as fast as you like and can really hustle through the bends too!

mine spends most of it's time wandering the roads of this island at around 60-70 and it is spot on, need to overtake, just roll on the throttle need to slow up just roll off - it's so torquey its like riding a huge twist and go!

i commute on mine to and it is big and heavy but very well balanced so you don't tend to notice it!
(but that said i'm a big lad and can get both my feet down flat!)

i had an AT before this and that was awesome too - with the AT i felt it was like riding a big BMX and could be thrown around or cruised around - depending on mood!

i think either of the bikes will do everything you want as your mood takes you - as will a 650 Tranny!

for lots of two up go for the Vara or Tranny (comfier seats) - for mainly you go for the Africa (most versatile)

test ride them all - pick the one that feels best!

do not under any circumstances give in to any other influences around here and look at anything in orange or with a blue and white badge!
(although they do make some nice bikes!!)

the hondas will be most like what you are used to and give you the 'favourite jumper' feeling every time you get on - they feel right and you know you could set off and not stop until you get there - wherever that may be!

Z

[Austin]

I have just got a Vara and it is very very good. If you want power and comfort get a Vara (it is physically big though), if not, well, there's loads out there