Old XLV650 TA or newer XLV700 TA?

**orangekiwi** · 15th December 2009, 12:05

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** · 15th December 2009, 16:04

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** · 15th December 2009, 18:30

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** · 15th December 2009, 21:25

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 16th December 2009, 05:25

Originally Posted by drbandit

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** · 21st December 2009, 19:17

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

**Padmei** · 21st December 2009, 19:36

Originally Posted by drbandit

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

What you mean fella?

**Paladin** · 21st December 2009, 19:43

Originally Posted by 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

Good info here which may be of interest:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...=Transalp+mods

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

**Paladin** · 21st December 2009, 20:25

Have a read here too:

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

**drbandit** · 21st December 2009, 21:52

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** · 22nd December 2009, 07:24

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 22nd December 2009, 07:45

Originally Posted by 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.

whats wrong with the DR formular

**drbandit** · 22nd December 2009, 13:55

Originally Posted by dino3310

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** · 22nd December 2009, 21:19

na we all getting old mate

, 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.

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

**dino3310** · 22nd December 2009, 21:27

Originally Posted by 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

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.