Info needed pease !

[nt1]

Hi folks
I' m looking at downsizing my FJR1300 to a Transalp, I tour a lot on the continent ( sometimes two up ) but I'm looking for something that I can get off the beaten track with as well ( not totally off road but roads and tracks that wouldn't be suitable for my current bike ). How does it perform two up fully laden? I'm restricted to the size of traillie due to my height ( 5' 6" ) so the varaderos and big BMW s are a no no . I've sat on a TA but only touch with my tip toes,does anyone else manage one of these with a similar height ?

Thanks for any advice

[Yeti]

You should be fine on one of these. They are more than manageable at that height. Lowered seat is always an additional option?

Drop me a line if you want a 700TA as friend has one sat in his garage (Darlington).

He is getting rid for opposite reason. He wants a taller bike.

[YEN_POWELL]

You won't be on tiptoe when carrying a pillion and luggage so it'll be quite easy to manage. I went from an FJ1200 (owned that about 5 years I think) to my first Africa Twin and was expecting it to be quite gutless in comparison but it gets by on the whole. Went back to an FJ12 for 6 months in 2000, didn't like it any more and switched back to my 2nd AT, now on my 3rd.

Your biggest problem may be seating room unless you are both small.

[Steve T]

At 5'6" & with a 29" inside leg measurement, I manage to ride my '02 Varadero just fine. And the @'s that I had before the Vara as well.
Don't know how either the 650 or 700TA's would suit your needs, as I've never had either, but the Vara is a superb 2 up tourer (or so I've heard - I only ever wander with just me on the bike ).
The big twin can be taken off the black stuff, just don't head for anything to slippy, sticky or wet - it's a lot of machine to paddle around and ultimatly pick up .
Take a test ride on one, to put yer mind at rest. You'll be suprised how easy they are to manage.

Just my ramblings. Right, I'm off into the garage to fettle something

Steve T

[Warthog]

My old GS1150 looked enormous, but i could sit on it feet flat, knees kinked, and I'm not much taller at 5'9.

So in a nutshell, sit on or, ideally, test ride, any and all bikes that you would consider owning, before discounting them from you list of potentials.