Trading up

[Mogman]

Found this site through the MCN forums - excellent it is too!    
I am currently running a Honda 650 Transalp but i'm looking to trade up to a Varadero as me and Mrs Mogman want to do some touring during this year.  I've looked at the 1150GS, Tiger955 and even a Pan.  The Vara looks to be favourite at the moment, any tips? i've heard that the suspension isn't that good when 2 up with luggage..

[geoff52]

Hi Mogman

I started with a Transalp (600) and passed thru a Triumph Sprint on the way to a Vara.

To me the Vara is like a Transalp on steroids ! I've never regretted the change although I still love the XL600. Don't forget the engine is basically the same as a SP2 on which Colin Edwards won the WSB !

I am a big lad (6'6"")and regularly tour with my daughters ( who are of almost the same stature) and I have not had a problem with the suspension (the preload adjuster is very
useful . ) The experts say a Hagon replacement monoshock is a good bet after 18 k at reasonable cost.

All in all a great bike -Pan OK but so bulky and the GS - pricey and the level of protection isn't as good. You should look at the Aprilia Caponord.I liked it alot but the Honda reputation just shaded it.

You will get a good deal on a late 01/02 model - I'm not convinced the new one is worth the extra.Good luck hunting.

Geoff ( I like Triumphs but hated the Tiger - I suppose you get addicte to V twins!)

[Trotts]

   I have owned 3 giant Trailee's in the last 5 years, Tiger (885i not the 955i)  A Varadero and a GS until last december.  If you are looking at two up comfort there can only be one !!  That is the big -V-.  I traded mine in for a GS over a year ago and they are both excellent bits of kit.  Forget the Tiger.  My Mrs wanted to get off after an hour, and would not get back on again. ( there are some plus's for a Tiger !!)  The Honda was all day comfort. Downside is depreciation after a few years.  The GS like the majority of Beemers keep there value.  That is one of the reasons why I am now a Sprint ST owner, cracking P/X price after 15 months.  However, if i go back down the Trailee route the latest -V- is what my aim will be.  The performance in BHP and Torque is the same as the GS, if not a bit better, not so good on the twisties perhaps, but certainly all day two up comfort.   Forget the looks, go get a nearly new big V and save a packet.  Good luck  DT

[Redeye]

Just come back from Preston on a family visit and had a pop into Bill Head Honda.

I was having a casual look round at the new 1300 Pan when the salesman (all 5'4" of him) came over. I said I was just filling in time and not a serious buyer and he asked me what I was riding. I told him it was a Vara and he said "Well you don't want to be wasting your time thinking about one o' them (the new Pan), the Varadero 'll piss all over that!"  

Looking at him (he was still 5'4") I asked if he'd ridden one. His discription of how he gets about on one would take too long to both explain here and to read about. But briefly, he has to ride it so he hits traffic lights and junctions so that he doesn't have to stop as this means he has to hang right off the bike with the crook of his knee just holding on to the seat.
He continued to extoll the virtues of the Vara at length, including the fact that he'd had one up the M6 solely for the purpose of "seeing what it would do" and reckons the speedo was showing around 145 mph.

[Briscy]

I had  pegaso 650 before the V. The wife & I both liked the look of the V and had got a bit fed up with the pegaso, not enough go, or no go - depended on how the wind was blowing!

When we test rode the bike we did no more than three miles before going back to the showroom to buy it.

Looks, power, comfort, reliability. Sold!

Someone once said to me you should really only buy a bike that reflects the type of riding you do, dont buy a sports bike for long jaunts, a commuter for fast A roads etc. The V is perfect for us and the riding we do, she is only let down by her weight when shopping in city centres as she is very top heavy.

[font]

Is that last paragraph about the wife whilst shopping or the bike?

[Mogman]

Briscy it sounds like the Pegaso was the same as my Transalp - nice bike but just a bit underpowered, especially 2 up.  I am going to try to get a test ride at one of the dealers that Redeye knows in my area.  Can't afford a new one but seems to be a few within my price range secondhand..

[Redeye]

Mogman

Tom Conway M/cles
2001(Y), EXCELLENT ALROUND MACHINE, 24,000 MILES BY 2 CARFUL OWNER, SERVICE HISTORY, HANDBOOK, SPARE KEY, SPAYBALL PATRIOT ALARM/IMMOBILISER, NEW REAR TYRE, FULLY SERVICED, EXCELLENT FUN BIKE AND GREAT VALUE!

is the only one I can find locally

[Mogman]

Thanks for looking, I'll have a look at the bike trader site tomorrow, i don't mind travelling a bit if the bike is worth it.

[Briscy]

Font - the only department the missus is top heavy is the gob! Thatl be the V then!