I have just had my first long ride on a recently purchased Transalp 650.
So far so good, but noticed the temp guage barely shifted when warmed - is this typical ? The fuel guage also took an age to move, then dropped quickly - however fuel consumption was good at just over 21 km/litre (about 58 mpg).
Other 1st impressions are (compared to 650 Vstrom)
1. Very long 1st gear on transalp
2. Gearbox very light - changes with a stroke of the foot !
3. Power much lower - Vstrom would piss-bowl transalp.
4. Torquier than vstrom at low revs.
5. Wind blast - vstrom screen better than Givi hi-screen on transalp.
6. Cruising - while capable of higher speeds, transalp most comfortable at 90-100 kph. Vstrom can comfortably cruise faster.
7. Consumption - very similar when averaging about 90-100 kph.

I bought mine brand new just before Christmas and though I haven't done any long trips yet due to a thumb injury, I'd have to agree with most of your comments. The buffetting is quite sever too and most owners seem to find the bigger screen a better option, from what I've read so far. All in all though, I'm still very happy with the purchase.

__________________
And he sees the vision splendid, of the sunlit plains extended,
And at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars.
(A. B. Paterson)

Temperature gauge staying low is quite normal. Africa Twins do it too, in fact in cold motorway conditions it doesn't even move off the bottom of the gauge.