Old XLV650 TA or newer XLV700 TA?

[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...9f1f2ebfa785bf

[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...9f1f2ebfa785bf

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!

[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.