Another which one thread...

[pa_broon74]

BMW F650 GS
Honda Transalp
Aprilia Pegaso
or
Yamaha XT660 (Z)

All 650's/660's which is a compromise as I do most of my riding across the city centre but would like to be able to do longer distances.

So, what do you folks think? Not particularly interested in top end, more interested in torque.

Thanks

Paul
____________________
Didn't catch anything.

[map]

IMO in terms of parts and reliability it's the BMW or the Honda.

Quick question, have you tried/sat on any of these?
I ask as I know the TransAlp can be a bit tall for some people.

The BMW suffers from the snob value plus it's not the big brother R1100/1150/1200GS. Suggest you look into the whole package - servicing, parts (availability and cost), insurance, etc.

Just my thoughts
____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[pa_broon74]

Hi.

Haven't sat on any as yet, had a good look round them all though. (Weird that in some bike shops they're a bit edgy about folks sitting on bikes while in others its ok...)

So far I'm edging towards the BMW, the biggest draw back (not sure why its a draw back) is that Euan McGregor's wife used one in LWD, (which I didn't really watch.) Kinda suggests real men get RG1150's while the ladies have a F650... Stupid? probably.

The new XTZ looks really good, not sure I want a brand new bike though...

Decisions decisions...
____________________
Didn't catch anything.

[Kal]

For reliability/Value for money and gpm it's got to be the Transalp or even the Honda Dominator - very similar but a single cylinder.

Mind you the fact that I've wanted a Transalp or Dominator for nearly ten years could be influencing my judgement here.
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[----]

Transalp's do look nice,but id have an africa twin myself.

My old klr650 is proving to be a good little bike,but ugly as flck.

Have a look on the XRV FORUM for more info on these style of bikes...

[mark83]

Pegaso is by far the best looking.

The GS sounds like a cheap tractor.

The transalp is what I'd go for if you're looking for an old, cheap bit of kit.
____________________
Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[garth]

Get the Dakar F650.
____________________
You ain't a has been if you never was

[pa_broon74]

Thanks folks.

I'm leaning towards the F650 GS, but everyone says the transalp is a work horse. They also say its a bit dull though The GS looks good, lower petrol tank for stability, the pegaso I thought didn't have any street presence until I saw one in the flesh, its pretty meaty looking. (Also uses the same XT660 engine as the Yams.)

I don't know. Instinct says Transalp but heart says F650 GS as it just looks good.

I've looked at Dominators but the tank range isn't to hot. Also looked at Honda SLR's, they look pretty good... I'm in for some money from work (back dated pay rise, if ever they get the finger out and sort it...)

Don't think I want a new bike as it'll be my first big bike, well, larger bike... I'll probably drop it at some point.

Oh some one said Africa Twin... I love them. I might try for mint one... You see? I was kinda set on an F650 or a transalp and now I'm swithering... I shouldn't have asked.

Anymore opinions?

Thanks again.
____________________
Didn't catch anything.

[colin1]

you need to try some out on test rides

some might not be suitable for what you want them for

I tried a dominator and loved it in town but hated it on the motorway.

I think the transalp is probably gonna be better on the motorway or for any kind of distance as its a twin.

I might be worth trying a deauville as thats a similar engine but a more road focused bike. Although those built in panniers may not be fun for filtering.
____________________
colin1 is officially faster than god

[pa_broon74]

Hey.

Don't like the look of the dueville (also, can't spell it... ) Its interesting how things said sink in, another reason I don't like it (apart from the style of bike it is) is because someone on here called it a dullville...

It just looks like the kind of bike an old man would have. I don't really do any motorway riding, there aren't very many in Scotland anyway, I'd imagine they'd be pretty boring on any kind of bike.

As you say, test rides would seem the way forward.

Ta.
____________________
Didn't catch anything.