1997 Honda Transalp

[Skinny_Birdman]

hi guys, I am looking for thoughts and experiences on these bikes. I am riding a 1997 BMW F650ST single Cyl as a commuter from Waikanae to Welly every day. Love the bike but it does have some drawbacks.

Out of the blue I had a chance to ride a 1997 Honda Transalp and absolutely loved it. It was smoother, faster, more comfortable and handling was significantly better than the F650 IMHO.

I am looking for some thoughts and experiences with the transalp please , particularly if you used in as a commuter.


thanks

Amazed you thought the TA was faster, but otherwise I reckon you are right, having owned both. Having also had a 650 transalp, I would choose the 650 if you are mostly on the road, but the 600 if you are keen on adventuring. The 10000 mile minter is a bit over priced IMHO. Still a 17 year old bike eh?

[DrDarkMatter]

. The 10000 mile minter is a bit over priced IMHO. Still a 17 year old bike eh?

ya it is, but isnt that always the way at a dealership?

[Skinny_Birdman]

True, but if you mainly want it for commuting, buy a 650 as they don't command such a premium price so you will get a newer bike with better brakes and slightly longer legs for the same money.

[caseye]

i know a chap in auckland who can get hard to get carb parts

You do????! could you Pm me some details.

[dino3310]

this fella here http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Pro...?member=106097
his names alec saunders.... top bloke and he nows his stuff

this is his website, some off it is still under construction so theres a lot of stock not on there, but flick him an email and he'll sort it
http://www.smebike.info/

last year some chap in the usa couldnt find a part over there so after seeing his post on ADVrider i put him on to alec and 2 weeks later he had his part

[whatastoner]

If the TA in the Hutt is still available, don't hesitate, buy it. We saw it on the way to the TT2000. Beautiful bike. They put new tyres on it too!

[Waihou Thumper]

If the TA in the Hutt is still available, don't hesitate, buy it. We saw it on the way to the TT2000. Beautiful bike. They put new tyres on it too!

I was e-mailed with an option of buying...I would definitely grab it .....
Of course I said no thanks....I only have one kidney left so decided to make do with the aprilia etc...

[Motu]

his names alec saunders.... top bloke and he nows his stuff

He used to have a bike shop in Marua Rd, shut down many years ago. He invented a vacuum valve grinding tool, but of course in this day and age they are little used, a classic case of a good idea at the wrong time. He has them on his website - I've had mine for many years, and only used it a handful of times....but it's good when I do use it.