transalp 650 vs. yamaha 750 ST

[Gionatill]

hello there im looking for a twin for a longer journey around south america i have roundet it down to the transalp 650 and the tenere 750!!
does anyone know anything about these bikes strength+weeknesses?? or witch is better for a journey like that!! im a bit of a begginer too!!

[vkemp]

I can from experience tell you a XL650V Transalp will do the trip. Just completed 36,000 km from Alaska to Ushuaia on a '00 model, zero problems. From the looks of it, the Tenere has more ground clearance which might be a plus if you plan on doing lots of unpaved or offroad. Get a good (metal/alu) bash plate if you go for the Transalp, mine saved me a bunch of times. I also fitted a stiffer rear suspension and front springs to compensate for luggage weight. By now, I totally love my Transalp and am shipping her back to Holland to prepare for more adventures!

Good luck on your search and future trip,
Vincent

[Gionatill]

thank you great web site!! cool pics too!!! did you do any other mods to the bike apart from the bash plate and the suspension??? thank you for your help

[Lonesome George]

I can also vouch for the Transalp. In 1995 I went down from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego then up Route 40 to Santiago. The bike was fantastic. Certainly in Argentina quite a few people have Trannies but I think tenere's are quite popular too. Either bike would be fine.

[klaus]

"Gionatill", gruezi!!

Yes, TA that's what it should be! I own an old 1991 model, still going strong! Replacements / add-ons: Wirth progressive front springs, H&B rack as well as paniers, Acerbis hand protectors. A rear shock will follow in the near future, still using the original one at this time.The TA will definitely not let you down!

[Keith1954]

I've owned a 2005 (650 cc) TA for just over three years now. Only covered a modest 25,000 km during that time .. but it's been as solid as a rock - and never missed a beat. Honda might be a little bit on the 'plain vanilla' side, BUT their machines are renowned for being as reliable as hell. Moreover, you can find a Honda dealer almost anywhere in the world too; something to be said for that (for sourcing parts etc).

Slightly smaller brother to the hugely respected Africa Twin .. which says it all IMHO.


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[Gionatill]

hey there thank you all for the replies so far!!! seems like the transalp is the one to go for!!! is there any things to look for when buying one!! im looking at the 650 models prob 2000 to 2004!! any parts that might have more wear?? or might break!!!
thank you all

[vkemp]

Good choice! Modifications on my XL650V;
- as said stiffer suspension front and back
- higher aftermarket wind shield (due to my length)
- Touratech alu bash plate/sump guard
- Touratech alu radiator guards (not required, but can save you from springing a leak)
- Touratech alu chain guard (least useful modification to be honest)
- Touratech rally pegs (love 'em)
- H&B rack and alu panniers
- H&B engine guards
- 12V outlet in dash
- Garmin Zümo (if you call that a modification)
- Iridium spark plugs, last a looong time
- Michelin Anakee tires. I went through 3 sets, but replaced before completely worn. They'll do 15K on 80/20 easy if you watch the tire pressure.

Yes, I am slightly embaressed to admit to have that many Touratech parts on a non-GS. They make you pay for it, but it's good stuff, sorry . No specifics to look for other then the normal stuff when buying a bike. My Trannie does not show any specific wear.

[DAVSATO]

i like supertens but the TA has my vote too

[shandydrinker]

Without Doubt, the Alp is a solid bike.

The 650 Alps had minimal changes between models over their production time, check for corrosion on the spokes & rims - particularly around the valve, wear to the gearbox output shaft splines are few and far between but worth checking

Add a bit of preload to the front forks (I find 10 - 15mm is fine) and more preload to the rear - the spring rates are fine for solo loaded touring or moderately laden 2 up*.

Fit 125 main jets in the carbs as they run rich as standard = high fuel consumption & probs at altitude, chopping the cat/subchamber will lose about 3kg and give a bit more mid range punch. Also losing the PAIR air injection gubbins will lose a bit of clutter & make the bike a bit easier to work on*

Despite Honda's service schedule, once the bike has covered a few miles (say 20k) & the valves correctly adjusted, thay hardly ever need doing again, plugs will do 20,000 without probs, there's no advantage with pricey iridiums. I have tried them & went back to stock.......

Adjust the clutch/throttle cable-lower-end brackets so the cable exits centrally to the sheath, preventing chaffing & prolonging cable life.

Lube all chassis/wheel bearings, Ideally replace the stearing head bearings for taper roller bearings (although mine are original after 60,000 miles - but have been well greased.

Other than that just the usual touring mods like crash bars, sump guard & stuff.

Check out xrv.org.uk - theres loads of stuff on there

Phil

* = relates to the 650 Transalp

Phil

[Gionatill]

hello thank you!! great reply!! couldent ask for more!!


have a good ride

[Gionatill]

hello once again got a newbi question for all of you?? is there like a set of tools that i will need for this bike?? i just want to take the necesary tools with me for this long trip!! does anyone know what ones that would be?? thanx

[sharpie]

Go for the Honda. I had 3 Super10s and they were made of cheese.
Different problems with each one, but a recuring theme, weak electrics.

Regulators are a problem, I went through2 before replacing the entire charging system and half of the loom, and that was on a mint bike.

Also the carbs are notoriously difficult to set up unless you rebuild them from scratch and re-jet them. There are countless people on the forum that cant get theirs to run right.

I bought a Cagiva Gran Canyon with the Ducati 900 SS motor. Its a real gem. Completely overlooked. Totally reliable and wonderful to drive, especially in the Alps/Pyrenees. Off road its not too bad either.

If an AT wasnt so big (and a little wheezy) I would have had one of those over a Transalp.

Good luck whatever you buy.

[Gionatill]

A transalp its great here in the alps!!! its not bad offroad!! put a touratech panniers set on it but thats its at the moment!!!
great bike can only recomend it!!!