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Two-Up TransAlp. Two-Up TransAlp.
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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.
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  #1  
Old 22 Nov 2003
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Two-Up TransAlp.
My wife and I travel two-up on our 97 TA and find it comfortable,economical and reliable. We intend to use it for extensive overseas travel and note in the HU 'Which Bike' area it is not recomnded.would like to know why and what other owners have experienced?
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  #2  
Old 22 Nov 2003
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It ALL depends on what you want and expect, and that is coloured by your physical size and experience.

BIG people USUALLY find a Transalp somewhat anemic in the power department, and kinda cramped. Compare it to an R1150GS and you'll see what I mean.

On the other hand, people have ridden around the world on CT90's, so I don't think you'll have a PROBLEM with it.

If you're both small, you'll be delighted with it I'm sure, it's a great bike.

If you're on the big side and you carry a lot of gear, BUT you're not in a hurry, and tend to potter along on the back roads, you'll also be fine. BUT If you expect to cruise with the traffic on the Autobahn, you WILL be disappointed!

Hop ethat helps!

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  #3  
Old 22 Nov 2003
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I've had a couple of Transalps and also found them to be very reliable comfortable and fine for long distances two up. My old 600 did well in excess of a hundred thousand miles with no problems what so ever. I sold it to a bloke, four years ago, who is still punting it back and forwards on his daily commute.

We used an R100GS on our ill fated attempt at riding to Australia this year. I bought the bike as I'd read loads of posts on this site who had raved about the old GS's, but never really gel'd with the bike. Trouble was I'd spent so much prepping the bike we couldn't afford to change it. The bike ran OK, coped with the weight (mostly spares) and was comfortable, but given the choice again I'd pick the Transalp or an Africa Twin which I currently own.

You don't need alot of power, just enough to pull your weight and give you a cruising speed your happy with. Personally I don't do Autobahns or Motorways unless I have to as you can't see much of a place on these roads. The capability of 70-80 mph is more than fast enough.

In short I'd say go with what your happy with. Transalps are great bikes.






[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 22 November 2003).]
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  #4  
Old 23 Nov 2003
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Thanks, yes we are both on the big side, but the Autobahns are deffinately not our scene, we enjoy the byways, not the hiways. Used to own a GS100, purchased it new, it gave nothing but trouble,transmission (twice), electrics, fork seals etc etc, couldn't stand not knowing wether it would get us home or not, heard similar stories from others. By comparison the TA seems a bit bland but I love it for it's relibility and ease of sevice, and after all , it's the bike we've got!
Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
It ALL depends on what you want and expect, and that is coloured by your physical size and experience.

BIG people USUALLY find a Transalp somewhat anemic in the power department, and kinda cramped. Compare it to an R1150GS and you'll see what I mean.

On the other hand, people have ridden around the world on CT90's, so I don't think you'll have a PROBLEM with it.

If you're both small, you'll be delighted with it I'm sure, it's a great bike.

If you're on the big side and you carry a lot of gear, BUT you're not in a hurry, and tend to potter along on the back roads, you'll also be fine. BUT If you expect to cruise with the traffic on the Autobahn, you WILL be disappointed!

Hop ethat helps!
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  #5  
Old 23 Nov 2003
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Thanks,feel the same way, what happened on your trip to Oz?
Quote:
Originally posted by mcdarbyfeast:
I've had a couple of Transalps and also found them to be very reliable comfortable and fine for long distances two up. My old 600 did well in excess of a hundred thousand miles with no problems what so ever. I sold it to a bloke, four years ago, who is still punting it back and forwards on his daily commute.

We used an R100GS on our ill fated attempt at riding to Australia this year. I bought the bike as I'd read loads of posts on this site who had raved about the old GS's, but never really gel'd with the bike. Trouble was I'd spent so much prepping the bike we couldn't afford to change it. The bike ran OK, coped with the weight (mostly spares) and was comfortable, but given the choice again I'd pick the Transalp or an Africa Twin which I currently own.

You don't need alot of power, just enough to pull your weight and give you a cruising speed your happy with. Personally I don't do Autobahns or Motorways unless I have to as you can't see much of a place on these roads. The capability of 70-80 mph is more than fast enough.

In short I'd say go with what your happy with. Transalps are great bikes.






[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 22 November 2003).]
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  #6  
Old 23 Nov 2003
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MurrayS,
If your extensive overseas travel brings you to the UK, drop us a line & enjoy some good kiwi hospitality in London.
In regards to the bike - I think you have answered your own question by saying you find the bike comfortable, economical & reliable.

Cheers
Gibbo
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  #7  
Old 23 Nov 2003
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MurrayS, My dad had stroke whilst we were in Hungary. There's no one else to look after him so we've had to return. He's fine now although we still have alot to do for him. It just goes to show that even with the most careful planning things can still go wrong.

We have been RTW before, though not on a bike, so I kind of feel we've had our turn at least for the next few years. We still have lots of shorter trips planned, the 'Stella Alpine' next year and North Africa as well as trips to France etc, so we haven't given up just adjusted to our circmstances.

We had sold our house and everything else to do our trip, but having been back three months we're buying another house etc etc.

If you fancy staying in rural location when you get to the UK let us know.

All the best with your trip and stick with the 'Tranny'
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  #8  
Old 25 Nov 2003
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by gibbo:
[B]MurrayS,

Thanks gibbo,will be in London June, will be sure to look you up!]

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  #9  
Old 25 Nov 2003
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Location: Levin, Nth Island, New Zealand
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mcdarbyfeast, thanks for the offer, sorry about your dad, glad he's ok now. Maybe you guys can help me with Q i'm about to ask in the honda tech section?
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  #10  
Old 29 Nov 2003
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having been on the road for nearly four years on a Transalp I have to say yes yes yes. Power, as has been said is not an issue. Half of my trip was two up and I have no complaints at all. Basically, I would say, get the smallest bike the two of you are comfortable on. I think it as close to perfect as a long distance bike can be.

Simon
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Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
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