I currently ride a 600 TransAlp, which I'm very happy with.

However, as I usually ride two up, I'm thinking maybe a little more room would be nice.

Also, we're planning an Americas trip in about 18 months(ish). I was thinking of shipping the Alp there and back again but reading the threads here it would seem to be less hassle and expense to buy a bike in the US then ride South, either shipping it back home at the end or back up to the states to sell on. Any thoughts on this?

As for the V-strom, again from the posts here, the DL650 sounds like the tool for the job. More room than the TA, newer and readily available used for a good price.
Two up we won't be doing any hardcore off-road riding but it sounds capable of going anywhere there is "some road", as someone put it.

If I go down this route I'll have to sell the TA before we go, by which time it'll be around 10 years old and have a few miles on the clock.

Now for the dilemma:

A local dealer has a low mileage '05 Strom for sale at a tempting price. If I sell the TA now, I'll get more for it than in 18 months. I could then buy the Strom, get used to it, find out what mods would be good, any issues etc so when we start our trip I'll know these bikes really well and hopefully have no no surprises. When we're ready to set off, a 4 year old Strom will be worth more than a 10 year old TA, thus bringing in more cash towards the bike in the US! Obviously it's going to cost me more initially but maybe worth it no?

Or am I desperately trying to justify spending money on a bike I want but could do without?!

Should I just keep the trusty TA to the last minute and save as much as possible?

Help me out here!

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