Newbie says hello!

[Haggis]

Hi folks

I'm new here, stumbled across this site while looking for info on the new XL700 Transalp. Seems like a good place to discuss info, so if it's ok with you i think i will hang out for a while and try and increase my knowledge!

I'm 32yrs old, live in Scotland and passed my DAS course yesterday! So now i'm on the hunt for a bike. I'm 6'4" and 17st so not the smallest of chaps.

To accomodate my height and weight i think i will need a trail sort of bike and the new Transalp caught my eye, along with the VStrom 650. Do you think that this sort of bike will be ok as a first bike? Also, do you have any tips/advice for when i go to dealers for test rides/haggling prices etc as this is all very exciting for me, but a bit scary at the same time cos i don't want to get shafted!

Cheers

[tonyk]

Hi Haggis,
Welcome,friendly bunch here,(mad) good few from your neck of the woods as well,Iv met some of the crew in Wales and there's a few eerm lanky members too!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure they'll be along with suggestions and recommendations re best bike to suit you and so on

oh yeah have you seen the threads on "THE LONGEST DAY"John O Groats to lands end on 24th June so well be all over your place

Cheers,

Tony K

[BuckarooBanzai]

Hi there, and welcome. A Transalp 650 was my first bike after I passed my test five years ago, and I still own it. Whether that means I have a limited capacity for excitement, or that the TA really does make sense, I leave you to judge.

[MR.T]

Hi Haggis, welcome to the forum, you will find the members friendly and very helpful.

I'm 6' 2 and the 650 is fine for me, i don't know if another 2 inches will make a difference, although the wife tells me it would ...

Because there is a new model out, the XL700,there are some deals to be had regarding the 'old' 650. Ex demo bikes, old stock etc. Well worth keeping an eye out.

Take a test ride on the Alp, i'm sure you will enjoy it.

Have fun.

[Sharribee]

I love my transalp, I couldn't have ridden it as a first bike as I ride like a girl

I needed to have the confidence to put both feet down so had a CB500 as my first bike, getting that confidence I moved onto the transalp and love it.

[Hendy 73]

Hi Haggis i passed my DAS Last Oct ok im only 5 10" but i think the TA is a great first bike to own.I bought mine from Two Wheels in Edinburgh and found them great to deal with

http://www.twowheels.co.uk/index.php

Here is another place in Glasgow...

http://www.victor-devine.co.uk/index.php

[stuart]

The wife bought me a DAS course for christmas so on the 2nd of Jan I ordered the 700 transalp It was delivered to my house ( no charge for delivery ) by wider honda at preston on the 29 th feb with an 08 plate on ready for the following morning and I've never looked back (eccept the odd life saver glance) I'ts less than a month old and I've covered over 1200 spare time miles dodging the wind and showers, My advice buy one and enjoy !

[LUNLUNZAI]

To accomodate my height and weight i think i will need a trail sort of bike and the new Transalp caught my eye, along with the VStrom 650.

Cheers

What kind of riding do most ?

If you do mainly road and motorway, buy a strom

If you do 50/50 or even more off road, then buy an Alp, better the 650 version.

The strom is more advanced in techonolgy than the alp (600 & 650) and it goes faster. But being a Suzuki owner, you will soon become a master in cleaning. But the strom is as reliable as the alp.

Do you care about the badge on the tank too much ?
Then this is something I cant help.

[russh]

Hi Haggis,

I'm 6'2" and find the 650 Transalp fine, however if I leave the knee body armour in my leggings I find I can't tuck my legs into the knee cut-outs in the tank, so if your a bit longer legged this could be a problem.

This isn't a problem on the 700. However when I sat on a 700 at the NEC bike show although there was plently of room in the tank cut-outs for knees it felt as if the distance between the saddle and the foot pegs was a little shorter than the 650, to me feeling a little cramped. Best would be to sit on both and see how they feel.

I've sat on the V-Strom, this feels a lot roomier, however it also has a fair amount more power too.

As for riding, I don't think many bikes come much easier than the Transalp, with the most docile of power deliveries, mild brakes and light handling once moving.

[idefix]

Hello,

yes it is a great site. And yes honda is a great, solid bike. Don't like the Suzuki quality. Lucky you can get them cheap ... (i've got double the price over the lake).

Check the prices on internet and by sending around some emails to enquire price, ask for good offer incl. VAT and so on and ask them to specify any extras. Read up on the bikes and test reviews. Then go and talk to the selected dealer .. if they're no friendly .. do another. Get price and ask them to throw in some extra discount on equipment etc. Say you are good for the money and ready to pay here and now if they'll give a good offer. They love money ... you might wanna get a 600 Transalp as a first bike if it is well maintained or a AT. They are taller than the new ones, and lot cheaper, low km and well maintained ... little problems.

Transalp
Varadero
Triumph Tiger
Yamaha TDM
BMW GS800
Pegaso 650

I am also quite tall 187cm, have a 600 TA. Did test on the CB 600 (very cold knees...) and tired legs. Find the TA easier to drive and more stable (direction wise, not so when no speed (get crash bars)) Get one with some fairing on it if you plan to drive far. Really want abit more powerful bike 700-1000 ccm.