Replacement for the transalp

[Ben Hur]

Hi there all...

Purely as a subject for discussion as I am perfectly happy with my xl650v....but what would you guys reckon is the best modern replacement for the transalp...especially the older 'alp rather than the xl700v

Same combination of off road capability and general all rounder skills....

It strikes me that anything modern is not really the same as the alp...either more road oriented or radical off road...especially combined with the soft natured character of the engine and the relative ease of maintainance...

Dont take me wrong...there are tonnes of bikes out there better than the transalp at one or more particular roles, however it seems to me that the marketeers decided that the transalp niche/market position/product offering could be destroyed...

Discuss....


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[Steve T]

Have to agree with digi, in that the F700/800 GS's and the NC700/750 are nearest the mark as modern comparisons to the Alp of old.

Having a F800GS and an old @ in the shed, I'm able to compare the modern and the not so modern (I have had a 600 Alp, but I stupidly sold it last year).

The modern machines are, for me, just too full of electrickery bits & pieces that cannot be fixed, just changed for new un-broken bits, unlike the older bikes which have a degree of repairability engineered into them, probably because thats what was around at the time

On the rideabilty front, the modern machines, due to their reduced and lower located weight, do handle slightly better. But I'd still be handed my ar#e if I was riding my F8GS and being chased by Paul S on his @

The future, I fear, is full of electrickery equipped bikes - stick with what you've got and watch the world wizz past as you savour the history that your riding

Just my mutterings

Steve T

 

[Lord Vader]

But I'd still be handed my ar#e if I was riding my F8GS and being chased by Paul S on his @

Still happened to me on my 1200GSA when i tried to follow both of you


Fecking lunatics

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Nothing in the Honda stable....

Tiger?
BM 7/800?

I guess a Strom is more road biased & a 660 Tenrre more offroad?

Is this the time to say 'They don't build em like that anymore'

sent from my 'phone

 

[dodursley]

I have been looking around at a possible replacement for my TA650 and could not find anything that ticked enough boxes.
I realise that moderns are going to be more complex FI & ABS so have to live with that.
Leave the remaining gadgetry off, if its not there it cannot go wrong!
A TA replacement does not have to have trick suspension, its a softroader, the originals did not relative to the Africa.
Honda have the power unit in the NC700/750, soft and grunty with enough power 55bhp ish but needs a 19"or 21" front wheel more ground clearance and some engine protection.
The BMW/Triumph 800s are overkill for a TA replacement even in the base form, the GSA and XC are more a AT replacement Will Yamaha produce a 800 triple adventure to put between the Ten and S Ten but that would be in the same style as the others.
The Wee-Strom is more of a lighter weight Vara.
The Triumph Scrambler do tick quit a few of the boxes, I have one, but it has not got a robust all weather finish and it heavier and solo seating OK but not 2 up touring.
So stick with the TA650 and wait!

 

[nigelphoto]

The modern machines are, for me, just too full of electrickery bits & pieces that cannot be fixed, just changed for new un-broken bits, unlike the older bikes which have a degree of repairability engineered into them, probably because thats what was around at the time

I couldn't agree more about electrickery - look over on F650 Forum and read the nightmare which one member has had with starting his 2011 G650GS. In two months there have been over 3,000 views and a lot of people reporting the same problems.

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Do you know, after giving the Crossrunner quite a bit of use recently both solo & 2 up and thoroughly enjoying it, I thought I'd dig the old Alp out from under the pile of rubbish that seems to have accumulated on top of it..... for a 2 up trip to hospital the other night - fully expecting to be thoroughly underwhelmed....

Sure, it felt all soft & wobbly at first but I still thoroughly enjoyed it

The CR was only bought as a short term 'toy' to be sold within the year but I have been thinking that it covers all the bases of the Alp, vfr 750 & nc30 so well that maybe I should sell the three and keep the 800.
Now I'm not sure - I'd only end up buying another Alp at some point & starting all over again

Phil

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[Ben Hur]

You know as well as I do, that its useless trying to rationalise your bike ownership....Its bike lust...plain pure and simple. the more you have the better so keep them all and enjoy them

besides I am sure that all three will start being appreciated later on so will keep their value...

 

[steveR]

You know as well as I do, that its useless trying to rationalise your bike ownership....Its bike lust...plain pure and simple. the more you have the better so keep them all and enjoy them

..

Never a truer word.

Showed Modom the new CCM and told her I was buying one (maybe!) and I was asked what is happening to the Vara? "Keeping both was my reply"...... and then the "discussion" started!!!!!!!

 

[Twickers]

Maybe replace the 650 with a 700 ? I guess it's a bit like the 650, never raved about but better than people give it credit for and it grows on you.
Otherwise the current crop of 800s , or wait and see who comes out with what in the near future ?

 

[wheeliebin]

Just seen this

Been suffering itchy feet myself and wondering what to replace the Alp with.

Test rode the NC700x, NC750x, CB500X and a day on a Bonnie (and a Scrambler next week), all nice enough, but......

.....not quite Transalp replacements.

 

[Steve T]

Just last week I sorted this problem - - bought a 650 Alp & a NC700X.

Playtime and choices =

Steve T