TA650 or an F650GS?

[Jelly]

Hi guys and gals, due to a back problem I've decided to flog my beloved (but heavy) Varadero in the spring and replace it with something similar but smaller/lighter.

In an ideal world I'd have the new Honda NC700X but simply can't afford to buy one and don't wanna go down the finance route.

So I've narrowed it down to the 2 bikes in the thread title.

My riding is about 80-90% road riding, usually on a weekend and I don't do much in the way of travelling/travelling tbh apart from maybe 1 trip a year with a pillion and luggage, usually UK based.

Any views, hints, tips and the like from previous and current owners of the 2 bikes would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't ruled out all other bikes as I've probably missed a few good candidates for what I do, I like the look of the Kawasaki KLR but can't find many for sell.

[Tramp]

ey up lad hows it going :laugh: :laugh:

After riding a few big single recently the TA650 Honda v twin is so smooth and effortless it wins for me , yes not as fuel efficient but then its old Dog :whistle: but they work and known problems can be sorted cheaply by anyone bit like your old vara.

most 650cc Dual purpose bikes are fine solo but two up are underpowered the Alp has real soft suspension and is scary too up and needs some winding up but back seat is comfy..

I`d sit and ride a few different bikes as with your bad back etc riding position and comfort is everything..picking them up should be easy as they are 50-80kg lighter than a vara..plenty of bargins to be had at moment too.

no xrv members down your way with a Alp to try...

[mikeyboy]

i bought a nearly new transalp a few years back,i owned it for a year or so and the "ONLY"complaint i had was it made my fingers go numb so i had to sell it.i have owned many bikes and have never had this problem with anything else,i currently own a couple of f650 funduros and they will do every thing required of them from long distance solo tours to weekend green laning, i have ridden a few 650 gs/dakars and would say that they are probably slightly better than a funduro but are more money, the transalp is more refined and if you are mainly a road rider would more than likely be a better choice, but have a good road test as my numb finger problem would only occur after an hour or so riding.

[desertraider]

I enjoyed my honda 650 alp did most things well and for what you want it will be spot on as for the f650gs its a real good bike but for the money i would go for the transalp

[markyt]

Transalp for me too but having had a TA the grips are a bit narrow so i would fit thicker grips.

[Jelly]

Cheers guys, it all helps.

I'm a tad biased towards the Alp tbh for 2 reasons,

1, it's a Honda and I've had few now and they've all been brilliant. In fact my first bike was a toss up between the Alp or the Deauville but I chose the Deauville, same engine I believe?
I love the Vara and the Alp seems like its little brother.

2, servicing and running costs of a BM. :dry: maybe I'm wrong?

So you guys have edged me that bit closer to the Alp

@Tramp, I stopped frequenting the XRV forum after finding this place, so tapping up someone I don't know for a ride on their Alp is not really cricket. I'll go back and have a dig through their archives for Alp threads though, I always enjoy researching my next bike. :woohoo:

Anymore views, opinions and experiences are still welcome btw.

[andymac]

beemer,,,,,,,,,,simples :whistle:

[Jelly]

Go on then, convince me, I'm all ears.

[LargeWayRound]

TA 650 Simples ..


But I would say that ..

Only to happy to help if you do get one or need any further advice .

My TA has done 35,000 with nothing more than consumables , chain, brake pads, sprockets / tyres.

Always starts on the button, An excellent bike , so good I would buy another tomorrow if I needed too!

Plus lots of extra stuff to Farkle It and make it your own.... :laugh:

[andymac]

gr8 engine,,ease of maintanance,,,parts/dealer availability & choice of "road" or dakar "off road" version to drool over