Thoughts on my Trans(Alp)formation from a Blackbird "Pilot"

[Middle aged macam]

Collected my 2003 Alp earlier this month with 12500 miles on clock. Now showing 12950, would have been more but I had to accompany She who must be obeyed ( SWMBO ) to the NEC for three days to assist in her dogging hobby ( Ahem! ) So far I have discovered that:
Overtakes need more planning, some are just not on, I have to ensure my CBR1100xx head is not on. Some cars actually overtake me ( Shriek ! ) this never ever happened on my Blackbird. Bovvered? Nah ! This bike is the Mutts Nuts! I love it! The handling is confidence inspiring, filtering is a doddle and I love the V twin power plant. Have not missed my old bike at all, however the proof of the pudding will be in the summer when SWMBO and I load up and hit the touring trail, she thinks the room aboard is going to be a lot less than she was used to, I am wondering about the performance also.
I have ordered some Givi engine bars, are they easy to fit?
I have a Bridgestone Trailwing on the back and a Conti escape ?? on the front. Is this normal. When I checked the front this morning pre ride found it at 11psi !! dont know how long it had been that low, it was my first check ( Yes I know, lazy ! ) It's now at the 29psi reccd.

So glad I got this bike

Tom

[pdsquire]

Great to hear you're enjoying it, Tom. There's plenty of room on the back of an Alp and the position of the pillion pegs mean it's a more comfortable ride and the pillion is better able to shift position from time to time to ease aches in the arris. If she toured on the back of a Blackbird, SWMBO should like the Alp muchly.

I don't notice much difference in performance with or without a passenger on my Alp and compared to my other two, the difference in cornering is minuscule: you can still embarrass badly ridden sports bikes, though whether you'd survive the subsequent tongue-lashing is another matter...

[Dogmatick]

So is there to be a Cartman Custody Case.......

[Middle aged macam]

No case, I know where he is! See my profile page and album.

[pale rider]

Hi Tom cant resist threads that praise the transalp and i expect stumpy will be along in a minute as he loves his as well

your right about the overtaking i came from a (not paerticularly lightening fast) sports tourer and the overtaking prowess was a lot sharper

that said you just need more planning as you say

another thing i noticed was the alp was much stiffer so riding two-up into a corner the bike doesn't seem to flex as much giving a feeling of increased confidence

but where the bike really scores is tight twisty gradients the likes of which can be found in the lake district amongst other places

the term 'power plant' really does describe the engine in those conditions

Derek..

[pdsquire]

Don't listen to Derek. Put him near a Transalp and he goes all misty-eyed. It's a wonder he doesn't ride into things!

You need to post on this thread, Tom: I love my Alp

[sr70]

Tom,

Coincidence - I just bought 03 Transalp with only 13k on the clock, but I'm keeping my Blackbird (10 years old), feels like the best of both worlds.

Been riding the Transalp since the snow thawed and agree with all you say, plus it goes through fords and puddles no complaints. As soon as I see a lane with not suitable for over 3 ton sign I go and explore. It's a great way to find new places, in N warwickshire there's plenty to go at.

Bought it with heated grips fitted - great - riding round at midnight in February completely comfy. Got the Bagster tank cover, now need a new seat and mounts for GIVI boxes and I'm set.

[Middle aged macam]

Hello
Where did you source your bagster? I had one for the Blackbird which I was lucky enough to get on e bay. If I could have kept the Bird I would have but " Say Lavee " as the Francaise say. Welcome to the newbee club

Tom

[sr70]

Bagster - Went to London Bike show and bought it from Baglux based in Wales and do free post in UK. Check out the website if your looking to fit a tank bag, the Blackbirds take a long bag and the Transalps a short bag and don't swap easily.

Second hand tank covers are like rocking horse **** but hoping I can pick up a small bag a bit cheaper.

Tank cover easy to fit, needs care round the headstock. I did it on a cold day then tightened it a week later after leaving it in the sun to warm up, looks smart

[Middle aged macam]

Ordered a tank cover last night should be here in a couple of days. I had noticed some fine scratching appearing on the tank almost certainly from the tank bag I currently use. As my bike is the black and silver colour scheme it shows up probably worse than some. Didn't get free postage however, seven quids p&p to my address.

Regards
Tom