Thinking of buying a Transalp

[bikderdude2006]

Hi,

I am considering buying a Transalp 650 2003 model, and would love to hear your views on this bike. Also what it is like compared to the Africa Twin.

Look forward to your reviews. I have been riding a Honda Shadow vt600 so use to the custom style of riding. (does anyone want to buy one?)


Ride Safe

Duncan

[Sharribee]

Hi Duncan, I've not ridden an @t to be able to compare it but I love my transalp. It is economical but quite nippy through traffic. Light enough to commute but has enough power for me on long rides. the only thing that I find frustrating is the fuel range, after 150 miles I have to fill up which has caused a few problems in remote areas.

Done a tiny bit of green laning with no (cough cough Bob and Bartone stay out of it) problems apart from maybe one little slip


When the time comes to change my bike it's going to have to be a farily spectacular bike to even come close to the transalp. In my opinion

[StumpyFingers]

Hi Duncan, I've not ridden an @t to be able to compare it but I love my transalp. It is economical but quite nippy through traffic. Light enough to commute but has enough power for me on long rides. the only thing that I find frustrating is the fuel range, after 150 miles I have to fill up which has caused a few problems in remote areas.

Done a tiny bit of green laning with no (cough cough Bob and Bartone stay out of it) problems apart from maybe one little slip


When the time comes to change my bike it's going to have to be a farily spectacular bike to even come close to the transalp. In my opinion

Having ridden Armstrongs Harleys and Honda XL bikes I find the Transalp as Sharribee, it seems light extremely nimble and fun to ride but as mentioned the fuel range is suspect, not used to tanks smaller than 22 litres the TA has a tank of 19 litres even at a reasonable 9 MPL it still falls short of 200 miles per tank. My 900 does 225miles per tank with 23 litres

[mikepotus]

Hi,
I sold a 96 AT to buy the 650 TA. The AT is a great bike, looks the biz, especially in the RWB colours.
The AT will obviously have a little more grunt but certainly the 650 has ample for my needs. We recently had a trip to Spain/France, my brother had the 650 and I had the 750 AT, neither bike struggled anytime on the trip. I'd say the fuel economy was a touch better on the 650 too.
If your planning any off road, the extra weight of the AT is something to consider, the transalp feels noticebly lighter than the AT.
My current TA is the 650, am very pleased with it but the headlight doesn't match the Africa twin thats for sure.
Whichever bike you decide upon, either one you will be happy for sure.

cheers
Mike

[Recycler]

They're a good, usable, practical tool.
Ideal for commuting and touring - but maybe a bit cramped 2 up if you pack the kitchen sink. I find it just powerful enough and it'll sit at the ton (on the clock) on the M-way. I get 200 to a tank commuting (twisty backroads) but only 150 if blasting down the autoroute. I really like the comfort and enjoy the handling, but it's the only bike I've ridden in 4 and a half years.

If you're into home servicing it can all be done in the shed - so my servicing costs are parts only.

In about 23k on a 600 and now another 24k on the 650 they've never broken down. All that's gone are 3 bulbs and a speedo cable.

BUT - they're not exciting or particularly powerful, so it depends if you want a tool or a toy!!!!