I need some advice, I'm considering to buy a Transalp. I can get a 2007 model 650 and a 2009 model 700 both with low mileage. Which one should I go for? I currently have a 2006 KLR 650 with only 6300km on the clock which I want to sell. Reason for the change is that I also want to do some tar travelling and reckon a twin will give a smoother ride. My rides does not include serious technical terrain, just good gravel roads.
Any advice will be much appreciated.

Get the 700 - fuel injected more modern bike with more power and likely better mpg.

I'm still very undecided about this, I prefer the look of the 650 and the simplicity of the carbs. Suppose a test drive of both is all that is left now.

Get the 650 then.

Nothing simple about carbs compared to FI; actually FI is simpler once one understands it. Forget that BS about 'carbs are simpler to fix' - no they ain't. And FI hardly every goes wrong anyway. No adjustment for altitude riding is an added bonus for FI.

Still, you pays your money and you makes your choice.....

Never thought about it like that but you have a very good and valid point come to think of it, thank you for that. The self adjusting of the FI is a definite bonus, I fully agree.

I understand your hesitation about moving to FI bikes; I was like that too, having been raised on carbs and all that. But once you get one and see that there really isn't an issue (BMW aside), there's no going back. They really are so much less hassle and very, very reliable; even when the fuel system goes wrong, it's pretty easy to fix (if you can get the bits).

Both excellent Bikes. I have had a 650 for 7 years and over 100,000miles. My wife had a 700 for about 18months.

The 700 is significantly heavier and in a bad way - high up. The nice big under seat space on the 650 has been sacrificed for the pumps and stuff for the Fi and the ABS. The fuel tank is quite a bit smaller on the 700, although consumption is significantly better - steady cruising at 60-70mph (100-115kph) easily gives 70 mpg, umm about 25km per litre.

The riding position is somewhat similar although I would say the 700's footpegs felt a little bit higher and further back - just a cm or so but enough.

The 700's build quality was slightly poorer than the 650. The plastics look and feel cheap and flimsy. I am sure they are not, but it doesn't ooze quality. Not that the 650 oozes quality, but its better than the 700. Both bikes have a plastic sump guard but the 700's looks and feels like it would shatter if put to its intended use.

Finally, if it bothers you at all, I think the 700 looks a little "soft", again the 650 isn't exactly hard-core but it does have the look (and feel) of a bike you can use and abuse and it will come up smiling saying is that all you have got. The 700 would just whimper in the corner.

Have a look, and get registered, on XRV.org.uk for more advice than you could ever imagine about Transalps.

Whatever you get they are great bikes and you will enjoy, and either would be ideal for what you plan.

That there is something to think about carefully.

While carbs are possibly a bit easier to take apart & fix in the bush, today that is about the only real advantage they have.

FI has better fuel economy, and will be much easier, if your trip goes to high altitude. Easier to adjust to your liking, too, and in fact just as reliable, or even more reliable, than carbs ever were. All cars have had FI for at least a decade, and is it common, that there are problems with FI? Considering the total number of cars in use, I really don´t think so.

Add to this, there aren´t many new bikes with carbs available these days, and so if you want one, those are getting older every year. There may be other problems that usually come with age, like electrical problems.