Old XLV650 TA or newer XLV700 TA?

[orangekiwi]

any major +/- between the older XLV650 transalp and the newer XLV700 transalp ?
i believe technically the newer version has fuel injection, smaller front wheel (?)
for x budget, better of getting the older model ie 2007 or older or the newer 2008 model? my thoughts are that the older model is "well & proven" and there must be many spare parts/add-ons available out there. Newer model, hmmm..

your thoughts ? cheers

[Creeper]

just brought a 08 650 TA with 5k on the clock, great bike. at $10k it was a bargin compared to 16500 for a new 700 TA. also did not like the looks of new 700

[Frodo]

We rode three 650s and two 700s through Patagonia - all reliable.

You've noted the differences, plus the heavier weight of the 700 makes that a more road oriented bike than the 650 (but a Wee-strom is a better road bike).

I agree with Creeper - I would save the money and get a good 650.

If I had the $s to buy a new 700TA, I'd get the BMW F650GS (the 800 twin that is) instead.

Cheers

[drbandit]

We rode three 650s and two 700s through Patagonia - all reliable.

You've noted the differences, plus the heavier weight of the 700 makes that a more road oriented bike than the 650 (but a Wee-strom is a better road bike).

I agree with Creeper - I would save the money and get a good 650.

If I had the $s to buy a new 700TA, I'd get the BMW F650GS (the 800 twin that is) instead.

Cheers
Got my TA 700 at the right price, Great bike, way shorter wheelbase than the wee-strom. (Why dont Suzuki do a proper 650 V Strom..not just change motor?)
If you can get new technology go for it..
Need to test ride bikes so you can evaluate what is best for you..

[Frodo]

Got my TA 700 at the right price, Great bike, way shorter wheelbase than the wee-strom. (Why dont Suzuki do a proper 650 V Strom..not just change motor?)
If you can get new technology go for it..
Need to test ride bikes so you can evaluate what is best for you..

The wheelbase of the wee-strom is only 25mm longer at 1540mm. However, it does feel a larger bike, which for a road bike is not such a bad thing, e.g. carrying a pillion.
The TA700 is a fine bike. Its just not worth the significant extra price over a used TA650 or a wee-strom.
But drbandit is right - you need to test ride them.
Cheers

[GPS MAN]

After reading this: I'll stick to my old school KLR....Old and Slow > just like it's owner! Ha:bye:

[Padmei]

(Why dont Suzuki do a proper 650 V Strom..not just change motor?)
..

What you mean fella?

[Paladin]

any major +/- between the older XLV650 transalp and the newer XLV700 transalp ?
i believe technically the newer version has fuel injection, smaller front wheel (?)
for x budget, better of getting the older model ie 2007 or older or the newer 2008 model? my thoughts are that the older model is "well & proven" and there must be many spare parts/add-ons available out there. Newer model, hmmm..

your thoughts ? cheers

Good info here which may be of interest:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39170&highlight=Transalp+mods

I'll be havin a good read thru now I'm a T/A owner!
:2thumbsup

[Paladin]

Have a read here too:

http://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/transalp/

[drbandit]

Dl650 In answer to Padmei... forgot to tick box!!
Why not design a 650 adventure bike around the great 650 motor rather than using the DL1000 platform and put in smaller motor..etc
Probably cost saving etc...

I would have bought one.

[Padmei]

Dl650 In answer to Padmei... forgot to tick box!!
Why not design a 650 adventure bike around the great 650 motor rather than using the DL1000 platform and put in smaller motor..etc
Probably cost saving etc...

I would have bought one.

Aah yes. It certainly would be a great machine with that motor in it. Anyone made a custom one? I could google it but too lazy

[dino3310]

Dl650 In answer to Padmei... forgot to tick box!!
Why not design a 650 adventure bike around the great 650 motor rather than using the DL1000 platform and put in smaller motor..etc
Probably cost saving etc...

I would have bought one.

whats wrong with the DR formular

[drbandit]

whats wrong with the DR formular
Im not saying they are not a great bike, but even after fitting IMS tank,Corbin seat,Eagle screen, etc,etc, it was still not a comfortable ride to get to the metal. (maybe im just getting old.)
Im thinking Suzuki should do an updated Freewind with the DL650 motor.
My DR was good in the rough stuff but not great on the road. We have lots of road sections leaving Taupo.
The transalp is not as good in the rough but the whole ride is an enjoyable adventure...

[dino3310]

na we all getting old mate :lol: , remember the days(around teenage years) when we would ride 'what ever' 'where ever' and in rain hail or snow wearing wellys and yellow pvc. :2thumbsup

i was on a DR500 in those days, aahhhh what an adventure that was.

[dino3310]

any major +/- between the older XLV650 transalp and the newer XLV700 transalp ?
i believe technically the newer version has fuel injection, smaller front wheel (?)
for x budget, better of getting the older model ie 2007 or older or the newer 2008 model? my thoughts are that the older model is "well & proven" and there must be many spare parts/add-ons available out there. Newer model, hmmm..

your thoughts ? cheers

sorry mate weve been creeping of topic.
i agree with frodo and creeper,
i'd go for the 650, i think they handle a lot better off the tar.

[Old Grant]

I've recently stepped up from a 04 650 to a new 700. The 700 is a far superior bike on the seal and inspite of my reservations not a lot less capible on gravel.The most noticeable differance is the 19" front wheel is not that good at changing from one wheel rut to another on marbley gravel. The new model has a better riding position and is very comfortable for longer trips. The injecterd engine is very smooth with a wide power band. I absolutley love it and would not swap back.

[drbandit]

I've recently stepped up from a 04 650 to a new 700. The 700 is a far superior bike on the seal and inspite of my reservations not a lot less capible on gravel.The most noticeable differance is the 19" front wheel is not that good at changing from one wheel rut to another on marbley gravel. The new model has a better riding position and is very comfortable for longer trips. The injecterd engine is very smooth with a wide power band. I absolutley love it and would not swap back.
The more I ride mine in the metal the better it gets.. as you say on the seal it is a great road bike.. have just done this loop.. http://www.everytrail.com//view_trip.php?trip_id=450681&code=3bf9eb2b80a100b29f9f1f2ebfa785bf

[Paladin]

The more I ride mine in the metal the better it gets.. as you say on the seal it is a great road bike.. have just done this loop.. http://www.everytrail.com//view_trip.php?trip_id=450681&code=3bf9eb2b80a100b29f9f1f2ebfa785bf

Looks fun! Benjah & I are heading northwards Jan 2nd passing thru part of your loop - we're going up the Whanganui River valley as we head on the Coromandel/BoP/East Cape/Hawkes Bay loop.

I'm REALLY looking forward to 5 days on the T/A; have been loving it on the seal since buying it 2 weeks ago and eager to see what it feels like on some gravel. 5 days away should be a nice little test for it!

[Aslan]

Looks fun! Benjah & I are heading northwards Jan 2nd passing thru part of your loop - we're going up the Whanganui River valley as we head on the Coromandel/BoP/East Cape/Hawkes Bay loop.

I'm REALLY looking forward to 5 days on the T/A; have been loving it on the seal since buying it 2 weeks ago and eager to see what it feels like on some gravel. 5 days away should be a nice little test for it!

have fun Dave - all the best for 2010 - keep the shiny side up Ciao Aslan

[Paladin]

have fun Dave - all the best for 2010 - keep the shiny side up Ciao Aslan

You too mate!

:niceone:

[drbandit]

Looks fun! Benjah & I are heading northwards Jan 2nd passing thru part of your loop - we're going up the Whanganui River valley as we head on the Coromandel/BoP/East Cape/Hawkes Bay loop.

I'm REALLY looking forward to 5 days on the T/A; have been loving it on the seal since buying it 2 weeks ago and eager to see what it feels like on some gravel. 5 days away should be a nice little test for it!
Im sure you will have a big smile on your face... (just watch out for locals coming the other way.)
We are doing a 10 day trip down south end of january so hopefully will still feel the same.. (Are going to put Mitas E07's on for trip..just need more grip,especially braking into corners, over the standard tourances in the metal.)

Have a great time..

[Paladin]

Im sure you will have a big smile on your face... (just watch out for locals coming the other way.)
We are doing a 10 day trip down south end of january so hopefully will still feel the same.. (Are going to put Mitas E07's on for trip..just need more grip,especially braking into corners, over the standard tourances in the metal.)

Have a great time..

Cheers! With the Severe Weather Warning it may have just become a 2 day trip LOL!

Will be interested to hear how you find the T/A handling with E-07's on; they are what I plan to put on mine next. I know all the DR650 guys really rate them, particularly on the rear, for gravel and dry offroad conditions but still decent on the seal.