[Closed] Opinions - Transalp or F650GS?

Depends on colours!!
Go for the one thats been serviced best with least miles.

What engine in the beemer, if its the single go for the trannie.

Condition is key, miles are pretty irrelevant - seen many knackered 10k bikes.

Check consumables as a pair of tyres, pads, C&S and a service can easily see £500 spent.

And at that age I'll guess that the LH fork seals are past their best too.

I test rode the new G650GS and the engine was bloody awful. I was expecting thumping vibes, yeah, but it was just harsh and revvy, and sounded like a skeleton having a w**k in a biscuit tin. I can't imagine the older ones are any better. I'd get the Honda out of those two TBH.

Is there a reason why you've narrowed it down to just the Transalp and F650GS?

Not the BM please

Atrocious reliability on some bikes and expensive to fix

How about an ER6 or a Versys?

Is there a reason why you've narrowed it down to just the Transalp and F650GS?

Where I live is rural with plenty of gravel strewn lanes. Always liked the transalp style of bikes and that would be my first choice but there is a F650GS (a 650 version, not the later 800) locally - '04 plate with 23000 miles on it. Better fuel economy but don't feel it's as bombproof as the Honda.

The bike is going to be stored outside and will be day to day transport, not a fair weather "toy".

The Rotax lump in the BM is quite good. Though I reckon you'll get bored of the vibes with any single after a few months. Transalps always seem to be ridden by a particular sort of person. We ran into one in the queue for the ferry in ijmuiden once. He'd just ridden up to Cape Town. Alone. He had a goat skin saddle cover which he'd removed from the goat himself, presumably with the spork he carried as a key ring.

Have you looked at a ktm 640 lc4 in supermoto or enduro guise?

Transalp every time

The engine is totally unstressed (as are most Transalp riders) and will go on for ever, 100k no problem - plus its more tolerant of bad servicing and consumables are cheaper

The bike is far more comfortable and will be less irritating day to day on the commute

PS, while you're in here, I'm considering making an NC700 my first big bike later this year. Which model do you have, S or XA? Anything important distinguishes between the two? Although the seat looks a good height on paper at 830mm ish, do you think a lanky bugger like me might need to lower the pegs?

Anything else I should bear in mind?

I'm hoping to get some demo rides at the local Honda dealer but I can get comparable s/H bikes privately for £1k less than they want.

Am also considering a transalp, but not a huge fan of v twin.

The X has a taller seat with a more upright riding position and more styled towards the 'dual look' market

They're a nice enough ride but you'll become bored of it quickly IMO

The Yamaha MT-07 is a much better option in that class IMO

sorry, "PS" was meant to be "PP", PeterPoddy, as I think he has one.

Thanks for that jota. I didnt realise the riding position differed as well. So def X is what Im after isnt it.

I'm quite sure I might get bored eventually, but Im after something fairly steady. Commutes, and light touring.

The MT-07 is a great looking bike for the money, but Im a sucker for Honda engines 😉

[i]

The MT-07 is a great looking bike for the money, but Im a sucker for Honda engines
[/i]

Historically they've made some good/great ones but also a lot of mediocre ones with 5h1t mpg.

My current runabout is a Triumph Tiger 800

Now that has got a peach of an engine and pretty much does everything well

Get a Tenere 660 mine is for sale 😀

Of the two I would go for the Transalp, that BMW single is a horrid engine as Podddy says no grunt at the bottom and really rattly when reving it.

If it's being kept outside I would imagine the Honda will fair better in the deterioration stakes too.

XT660X

I have one... although I may sell it on a whim today and buy a Gen 2 Tuono.

If you're going to keep it outside
Clean it thoroughly and meticulously apply ACF-50 almost everywhere

Do Aprilia still do the Pegaso? Loved mine. Rotax single with an Aprilia 5 valve head I think?

Going from memory here, but another possibility would be the V-Strom, IIRC it was one of the best of the bunch 10 years ago. The Transalp was getting a bit long in the tooth, I don't think the newer model had been released in 2003.

BMW single is a horrid engine as Podddy says no grunt at the bottom and really rattly when reving it.

Its over geared low down and could do with a 6th up top. I have dropped the size of the front sprocket which livens it up a bit but anything over 70 is a trial. Mines the older carb engine. Bought for 900 quid five years ago and still going... well.....slowly 30 000 miles later. Kept outside till this last year, daily commuted on and almost never washed too.

To the OP if you look at the F650 check the head bearings its a major weak point, if they havent been replaced in the last few years they will need to be soon. Bearings themselves are less than 20 quid but labour costs if you dont DIY.

Having said all that I'df still buy the Trannie

XT660X

I have one... although I may sell it on a whim today and buy a Gen 2 Tuono.

you could give it to me

@Stoner
The late Kevin ash could always be relied on to give good, reliable reviews.

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/honda-nc700s-review

On the Honda Vs BMW debate, there's always .............

Jota - I'd read the Ash review. I think most of the negative points come from an experienced rider point of view - and I dont mean in a "I know better" kind of way, but in a "I ride fast bikes and this isnt screamy, revvy, fast how I like my bikes"

I actually want a low rev/sensible bike for a first bike.

I actually want a low rev/sensible bike for a first bike.

Add the Kawasaki Versys to your review list, a well sorted and supported bike

Kawasaki Versys

IIRC too small for a 6'4" Orang-utan like me! Bit like that hateful SV!

Be done with it then and get a Tiger 800

Easiest bike in the world to ride - no, really

Of the two, Transalp. Reliable, smooth and easy to ride. I bought the first one in the UK in 87, had 2 others, plus Africa Twins and my favourite of all was an old XLV750R air cooled V twin trailie (which I just spotted someone is selling on ebay now, my old bike sniff sniff)

Tiger 800 would be a cracking bike, but I'm sure that would be over budget!

Not ridden an NC700 but I've heard them to be rather dull and boring (thought practical, sensible and economical), like the Honda Jazz the engine is derived from...

Aye, Tiger 800 is 25% over Honday NC700 pricing.

thought practical, sensible and economical

Honda has much better build quality than BMW.

Ahem ahem ahem 😆

[img] [/img]

sorry, "PS" was meant to be "PP", PeterPoddy, as I think he has one.

Yeah I do. 🙂
I've got an X, a manual one.
Firstly, be aware all the 'proper bikers' hate them because they're 'slow and have no top end and you're always hitting the rev limiter' and 'they're not what biking is about' and other such drivel, despite never having ridden one.
If you want a bike to use as transport, for commuting etc, then I can seriously think of no finer all round commuter bike than an NC. Very light and easy handling despite the weight, certainly more manoeuvrable than the maxi scooter I had before it, and the height makes them great in traffic. ABS as standard is a must for me too. The storage space in the 'tank' negates the need for a top box for me too.
I'd certainly tour on mine too. The engine purrs along at 3500rpm at 70mph. I'm averaging a smidge over 80mpg over 6000 miles done since 2nd January. Rear tyre should do 8000+ miles I think.
Disadvantages? The swapped over indicators and horn take some getting used to. The suspension is firm, but I prefer that to mushy, it's not fast..... But you don't buy one as a weekend toy! It's NOT an off-road machine either. But that's about it. I fitted a scottoiler, Handguards and a Puig touring screen, all practial stuff
You always feel like you're short shifting but that works well, as there loads of torque. I rarely go over 5000rpm in all honesty and I've only hit the limiter twice in 6000 miles, you get used to using lots of throttle from very low revs if you want to make progress, and that works well.

To be honest I've formed quite a bond with my NC. It's got a lot of the best bits of all my previous bikes rolled into it. I can chuck it around with ease and it blats in and out of corners with glee. It's a great bike with real character IMO. 🙂

Transalp +1 for me. They hold their value quite well though. I was looking at getting one but ended up with a V-Strom instead as 2nd hand they were (locally) around the £5k mark (3 month linited warranty) and the V was just over £6k brand new, 2 year manufacturers warranty... Private sale should be a better price mind.

Vee Twins are ace. Like the way the engine brakes for cornering, etc. And they sound waaaaaaaaaaay better than yer 4 cylinder rice burners...

BM's, er, have a bit of a reputation. Honda has a better on for reliabilty.

Stoner - Versys too small? Jeez they are pretty tall, at 6' I could barely get my leg over the seat... ER6's are pretty small though.

ah, maybe I was thinkin ER6, tried one at the motor bike instructors and had to go for the SV as the kwak was too small.

ANnway, I think Im sold on the NC700x. Cheers PP.
I think pretty much the way you describe it is exactly my thoughts on how I want to use it. Im not a "typical" bike rider. Im late to the game. I like to ride sensibly and I think it's the bike for me.

Will double check with some try-outs on the Bransons demonstrator later in the summer. Just waiting for a job fee to come in and I can go shopping.

was thinking of heated grips, touring screen and possibly a hard pannier set for but I might leave that for a bit.
I do still need a top box though as I need to leave helmet & wet kit/jacket at the bike when I go to the train station.

Honda are due to change their current offers at the end of June [currently a finance deal] maybe worth seeing what that throws up?

Not unkown to offer a selection of farkles

I got my PCX on Honda finance. Pretty good deal, but I reckon for the NC700 I will get a s/h one through the honda dealer, trade in my PCX, and rest in cash. Their own demonstrator is for sale with a few miles on the clock for only £4.5k.

Blade Honda had 0% for five years on last years model nc750x and cb500x a few weeks ago. They text me everyonce in a while with these deals. I am going to test ride both in july and wait till another deal comes up. Having knee op in august anyway so hopefully the F650 holds together for another winter. Its 20 years old now so not sprightly.

New model bike launch & 5 Yrs 0% this Sat & Sun - Blade Honda Abingdon see http://tinyurl.com/l65v5ug or Tel 01235 952902 for details OptOut STOP to 07443870913

...sounded like a skeleton having a w**k in a biscuit tin

rwamartin - Member
Is there a reason why you've narrowed it down to just the Transalp and F650GS?
Where I live is rural with plenty of gravel strewn lanes. Always liked the transalp style of bikes and that would be my first choice but there is a F650GS (a 650 version, not the later 800) locally - '04 plate with 23000 miles on it. Better fuel economy but don't feel it's as bombproof as the Honda.

The bike is going to be stored outside and will be day to day transport, not a fair weather "toy".

Only just managed to get back on the computer after last night, but as others have said; the Yamaha Tenere would be ideal if you like that style of bike.

I really wouldn't rule out the likes of CB600 Hornets, Bandits and Fazers though unless you want to do a bit of green laning. They would be far better on the road.

Maybe a happy medium would be a Suzuki Vstrom 650 or Kwak Versys 650.

Any bike left outside will soon suffer from the elements. It's well worth looking at the likes of ACF-50 and FS365 to protect it.

[i]Only just managed to get back on the computer after last night, but as others have said; the Yamaha Tenere would be ideal if you like that style of bike. [/i]

tbh The last type of bike a new rider ought to be looking at is a too-tall Enduro look-alike on (semi)knobbly tyres.

Far better to start with a normal road bike and learn the ropes and probably the best place is an UJM in sub-600 format (with ABS if you can find one).

b r - Member
Only just managed to get back on the computer after last night, but as others have said; the Yamaha Tenere would be ideal if you like that style of bike.

tbh The last type of bike a new rider ought to be looking at is a too-tall Enduro look-alike on (semi)knobbly tyres.

Far better to start with a normal road bike and learn the ropes and probably the best place is an UJM in sub-600 format (with ABS if you can find one).

Tenere's are very well respected adventure bike and it would really depend on what the OP wants to do with it. A pure road bike might not be ideal depending on use.

I think with bikes your heart needs to rule over you head. Buy a bike that hits the spot with both its ride and looks. There is so much choice out there now, in someways it's pretty hard to decide on the ideal bike. I'd definitively recommend getting test rides if you can. It might make you change your mind on what you thought would have been your perfect bike.

Stoner, get a test ride, Honda dealers are very accommodating.
I tested the new 750 and bought a used 700. There's not a huge difference between the two that I remember. Bit more power and some extra functions on the clocks (fuel computer, gear indicator)
I also tested the CB500X which was revvier and more fun, but smaller and slimmer. The NC was very similar, just more stable and solid, with all the power low down. At the time I preferred the 500x but thinking back m glad I bought the 700x as it's better on the motorway where I spend most of my time and the storage box ("frunk" as they say on the USA forum) is a major boon.
It nursed me through rain-mageddon Jan/Feb on the M3 with ease.

thanks PP. will do.

On paper I reckon it's the right bike for me. Will check with some demos.

I now know what a "farkle" is.
Everyday's a skool day 😉

b r - Member

tbh The last type of bike a new rider ought to be looking at is a too-tall Enduro look-alike on (semi)knobbly tyres.

That is really excellent advice tbh. But yep let heart overrule head if you want, I did, just make sure you know you're doing it!

Stoner I was going to suggest the 750 rather than the 700 but if you're going for 2nd hand then you'll probably have to go for the 700. I got a 750 earlier this year after not having a bike for a very long time. It's a ridiculously easy bike. I'd echo pretty much everything that PP said although my mpg is a bit lower (70 ish) than his as I'm generally blatting around B roads in the NE Scotland so it's bound to be a bit less. One thing that the 750 has over the 700 is (apparently) longer gears so I can get to 60 in 2nd gear without red lining it. Whether that is important is up to you. I'd have liked a bigger fuel tank though!

Thanks gone fishing. I'd love the 750 but it's £1500 more than a 700 when I'm hoping to drop only £3k over part exchange in the first place.

I'd have liked a bigger fuel tank though!

I know what you mean, but does it really need it? Buttons to fill and I easily get 200 miles per tank (4 round trip commutes) and I once had 200 miles before reserve! 🙂
That said I'm a right old plodder on mine. it's not often I go over 75mph and usually cruise at 71-72. 🙂

I'd have liked a bigger fuel tank though!

I'm not a fan of overly large fuel tanks, you tend to fill them right up [I know it's not mandatory, but you do 🙂 ] and it slows the handling down, even on low slung tanks.
90 mins - 2hrs in the saddle and I like a break, so as long as the tank can cover that and a bit more for safety, I reckon it's about perfect

Well I was planning on some tours to the NW highlands so a bigger range would be good for me as 200 miles between petrol stations isn't unknown. Then again the front storage will take a 5l can so I guess that would be compensation.

That will have to wait until next year though as a shoulder op is beckoning.

Thanks for the replies. Had a chat with my local bike shop owner this morning: "Honest opinion - the '04 BMW F650GS you've got in the showroom or an '03 Transalp with 40,000 on the clock?"

"I'd have the transalp even if the BMW had only 1 mile on it - they're rubbish".

So, bought the Transalp.

Rich.

Good choice - enjoy

excellent choice. v jealous, always wanted a transalp but head over heart is looming.

The big new GS are amazing though - There's a chap comes into the pub occasionally who has done 150k on his without any rebuild. But I dont want to be a another middle aged man on a GS 😉

PP - I'm booked in at the local Honda dealer this lunchtime for a test ride on a transalp 700, and an NC750 (he knows and I know I am more likely to go for a s/h nc700, but he said it's worth comparing the nc750 and nc700 as the newer one has a lot more "go" apparently, but he'll get the 700 demonstrator up from their sister shop later in the week for me to go back to try as well. Will see what he will offer me for my PCX too.

The big new GS are amazing though - There's a chap comes into the pub occasionally who has done 150k on his without any rebuild. But I dont want to be a another middle aged man on a GS

I had one of the early ones R1100GS and the build quality was absolute rubbish - rust appeared everywhere on it, whereas my older VFR750 looked immaculate.

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/5/10422127_1b226d976c_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/5/10422127_1b226d976c_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Vq8R ]My old BMW R1100GS[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]brf[/url], on Flickr

Well that was an entertaining way to spend the day.

To my extremely naive, inexperienced, amateur, non-biking mind the trans alp was definitely more fun to ride than the nc750. The cockpit was more comfortable and it was much freer revving, more eager to get a move on. BUT the ride quality wasn't as good, it will do half the mpg of the NC, and being an eager twin if the throttle wasn't sitting dead still there was a constant feeling of acceleration /deceleration from the tiniest throttle inputs, which were unavoidable thanks to a slightly rocky ride. None of that is a problem for now and then fun and shits and giggles but for everyday and long range stuff I reckon it becomes tiresome

The NC however rides more like a diesel car, just enough throttle lag to iron out over twitchy fore and aft, but when you open the throttle intentionally there is a nice big grunt of low rev torque . engine breaking was much more sedate. The TA though was so much nicer engine braking than the hateful sv650 I did my test on.

The storage on the NC is a big plus, nothing on the TA.

I'm in Yeovil later this week so I can get a test ride on the sister shops nc700 demonstrator which is for sale and will be an interesting comparison.

But I think I will go for the NC it just depends on whether I get a new 750 on finance for 6-7k with farkles less PX , or a s/h 700 for 4,500 cash less PX plus some more cash for farkling.