Preachan

Maybe I missed it, but you didn't say where in Oz. And this will make a difference on your machine choice.

E.g. Tasmania- riding is great and mountainous, twisting fun. You could really have lots of fun on any bike, but something like DL would supply you with most options. Whereas if you're going to Perth, it gets a bit more 6 of one, half-a-dozen. Perth is Sand on the plains- so you if you want to do the tracks, light and nimble is fun. Distances and fuel range is not an issue, and you won't worry too much on vibration.

The hills can be a mixture of both. But if you intend to see/tour, you're looking at long distances and not too many twisties. Making a bigger/heavier/more comfortable machine with less vibration a bit more attractive.

If you're stuck in Northern Territory, well- you might be screwed (Just kidding- great rides, but fuel is a major issue and you'll want tank-capacity and reliability)

Have a look at ADV site for bikes for sale and to get an idea of price. OZ Flea Market ** PLEASE-READ THE RULES in FIRST POST BEFORE SUBMITTING AD*** - ADVrider

In general, any European brand tends to be more expensive than it's Japanese counterpart. And there are less support for it. E.g. we're 'remote', but stay in a bigg'ish town. Here they support Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki. That's it- anything else- no factory warranty etc. I've just had to wait two weeks for a rear sprocket (aftermarket no less- not even original) for my Tiger 955.

The DL is a VERY popular machine here in Oz. And they're relatively cheap- around 1k cheaper than the equivalent Transalp. But I don't like it either- my size 14's just can't deal with the mandatory size 7 shoes you need to shift gears on the bike But I can't necessarily agree about some of the other comments made- for one: the DL has one of the lowest center of gravities of bike in this class- definitely less top-heavy than the Transalp. But this mainly due to it's low-slung engine, which reduces ground clearance considerably.

I prefer Honda. Thus I'd prefer the Transalp, but not the latest 700cc incarnation with the 19" front wheel. The Transalp feels less powerful than the DL (and has about 2000 rpm less to use), but with a 21" front wheel, it offers more off-road ability.

If you're thinking of a big (budget) single- the DR650 is very popular here as well. Yes, the KLR appears to be popular to, but the DR is better for here. And you'd likely pick up a brand new DR for not much more than a second hand Transalp/DL. And if you go for two bike- the DRZ400 would be a great little machine for the missus.

My final 2c- it doesn't matter how good a bike looks on paper, unless it 'moves' your soul, you won't want to ride it anyway. So what does your HEART tell you to buy?

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Squily