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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 18 Jan 2008
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Smile AT or TA
Hi, I am planning trip from UK to Capetown and was wondering about the differences between the Africa Twin and the Transalp 650. As i can buy a newer Transalp for the same price as an older AT.

Which has a better reliability history and which is more rugged? your opinions please.

Cheers
Paul.
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  #2  
Old 18 Jan 2008
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Both are rugged bikes - both have a bomb proof engine.

The AT suffers from a suspect OEM fuel pump and common to Honda Reg rectifier problem - all easily sorted. Wheel rot can be a problem on both - but trying to source second hand wheels for an AT is more of a problem than getting one for a TA (in the UK that is).

Both bikes capable on and off road although the AT has the more obvious pedigree (but the TA shares much in common) The AT is taller and the 750 lump has more grunt.

The ATs are getting to be fewer and owners keep them I'd suggest the AT's have a higher value as they push more of the right buttons than the TA for people but I know plenty of TA owners who love their bikes as much as people love their ATs

Have you tried any yet?
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  #3  
Old 19 Jan 2008
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I probably saw more transalps overlanding than ATs, but only just. Both work fine. I spent a lot of time modifying my TA. I realise now that I was trying to turn it into an AT.




That said, wouldn't a smaller bike be in order for that route?

Simon
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  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2008
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Simon[/QUOTE]

Hi Simon, whats behind the number plate ? or am I seeing things ? thanks Matt
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  #5  
Old 23 Jan 2008
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mod's
Simon,

Those side bars look like the job, they'd stop a bus! What tank is that? not std?
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  #6  
Old 23 Jan 2008
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The tank is off an early 1990s AT. Standard. The thing behind the plate is the touring size scot-oiler. There are a whole lot of other gizmos on there too. That machine was my life for four years.

Now the sad bit. Someone took it from outside my house a few weeks ago, wheeled it around the corner and set fire to it. Utterly destroyed.

Not good.

On the bright side... I get to dream about the next bike.

Back to the thread topic now.

If the choice is old AT or new TA, I would get an old AT as they are a bit tougher and - being no longer new and shiny - you won't cry each time you drop it.
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  #7  
Old 23 Jan 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Kennedy View Post


That said, wouldn't a smaller bike be in order for that route?

Simon
An interesting comment Simon; it has often been said that once the bike is loaded up then the "offroading" capability etc etc is pretty limited.

Would you use your TA again in future long trips?
Do you have a price in mind for it??

Ozzy,
I fully agree that you will get a newer, lower mileage TA for the same price as a particular AT.
People do seem to be hanging on to their ATs and racking up the miles, now that they are no longer available new.
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Last edited by Walkabout; 23 Jan 2008 at 13:15. Reason: Do you want to sell the TA?
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