Any opinions on a honda Transalp

[fishb8nz]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to check out a 2003 Suzy Freewind (6500 km) as the seat height is adjustable. It's not as good a bike as the TA so it's going to be a close call.
Can you lower the ride height on a Transalp - that could be a decider as I can only get my feet on the ground on tip-toes (being a short-arse) and that makes around town work a struggle.

[XP@]

I have a friend in germany (works for BMW) with a transalp. it has 240,000+ km's on the clock and still going strong. It has been ridden in more countries than I can name and he is a clutz when it comes to repairs / maintenence.

Go for it, it will be a lot stronger than the freewind.

edit: if the seat seems too high, get some crash protectors, then learn to pick it up, after a while using tip toes is not too big an issue

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ahh. The V-Strom. The forgotten Suzuki.

Whats a "Strom" again?

[XP@]

Whats a "Strom" again?

a village in sweden
http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichel...=1&strChoice=1

My ex's mum & dad used to live about 5km's west, and it is the only place i have ever ridden a Harley

[Bonez]

Just keeping my options open. This bike is a possibility for a commute/tourer - is it?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-35558656.htm

Go for it. If the seats too high you should be able to have it reshaped. I see the trumpy triple is still in the shop. What do they want for it now? It was $8000 last time I looked.

[Macktheknife]

I rode a transAlp not long ago and it was a bit older than this one with much higher Ks, super comfy ride but lacked a bit of power for my taste. I also rode the Vstrom 650 and found it even more comfy with a respectable amount of power. If you want super comfy and power go for the Vstrom, if you want super comfy and real off road ability go for the T/A. Vstrom is ok off road but T/A is better by all reports.

[inlinefour]

Just keeping my options open. This bike is a possibility for a commute/tourer - is it?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-35558656.htm

go for it. Plenty of people who are happy to tell you what they think you should ride...

[ducatilover]

buy a bros 650 or an nt650, i like them and they are very good handling[compared to a gpz400r ninja and a gn250]

[Motu]

It's not so much about power with these bikes,but about pace - point to point you can attain a higher average speed over a variety of conditions,you don't need to back off for anything,it just does it.

[XP@]

It's not so much about power with these bikes,but about pace - point to point you can attain a higher average speed over a variety of conditions,you don't need to back off for anything,it just does it.

Totally agree with you there! the first time i did a rusty GC (1000 miles) I was amazed to see an MV Augusta F4 taking exactly the same time (well within 2 minutes) as me on my faithful F650.

And then there are all the times when the seal and turned in to gravel, the gravel had run out and turned in to mud and the mud has run out and turned in to sand and the sand has run out ...

[fishb8nz]

The CEO has decided I want to spend more than she's happy so I'm deferring my purchase until next (2006) spring. This way I can save up and have enough to buy a bike, possibly new, and all the toys such as centre stand, heated grips, high level screen, chain oiler and good riding gear. Just hope I'm not dead by then!