Transalp 650 as a commuter?

[hazza]

Hi,

Some of you may have read my earlier thread regarding Deauville's as an option to solve the problem of my ever increasing storage needs for my current SV650 commuter. I've been trawling the internet for days and today came across a nice Transalp that seems to tick most of my boxes. It's a 2004 with 25000 miles on, which I hear is nothing for the engine as it's what was fitted to the old nt650's. It's got a humungous top box and pannier rails for soft luggage which I can get hold of cheaply if the top box isn't big enough. Its got heated grips, hand guards, touring screen and a remus exhaust. The only box it doesn't tick is that it is chain drive. On the plus side it does have a scott oiler so it should make maintenance a bit less frequent.

Any known issues with these? I'm hoping it going to make a big comfortable commuter with its soft suspension and upright riding position. Only downside I can see is that the spoked wheels don't look fresh at all. Rusty spokes galore but I could rattle can them to freshen them up a bit. All of the bodywork looks as new.

Do they have any major faults or common issues? Anything I need to look out for at all? The brakes were binding on the shop floor but it's at a reputable dealer who have promised to have them stripped before the test ride on Saturday.



Ta,

Harry.
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[Oldie]

Well, I took a 700 through Europe and found it pretty comfortable although both the 650 and 700 offer limited wind protection. The engine feels better compared to the Deauville although not sure why - possibly different gearing?

Spokes - all trannies suffer from rusting spokes if not kept pristine from new. I had an issue with headstock bearings but that was all. Not sure if they've got the typical Honda Reg/Rec issues from many bikes of that era, but easy to fix.

Certainly a fun bike to ride and the wide saddle helps over distance.

[Skudd]

I thought commuting was what they were for.
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[Marmalade]

Brakes usually bind after a while. Done mine several times.
I've not adjusted my chain since putting on an oiler, keep it topped up and the sprockets may well last forever.

It's fine as a commuter, I like riding mine and it also handles salisbury plain.

Lights are a bit poo but they may well be better on the newer ones like you are looking at
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