Adventure Bike Rider Forum

I hadn't heard of head gasket problems and did 65k miles on my previous 955 so I had a look on a Triumph forum and it seems to have just been early bikes that were affected before Triumph changed the gasket.

My 2005 model 955i head gasket went at 33,000 miles

Early Triumphs are often a problem.

But look at the Africa Twin, early Honda.

BMW R1200GS early problems that they never admitted to and never fixed for years.

TBH nowadays any new model from any manufacturer requires a buyer that understands he's a guinea pig.

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Thanks everyone for your input, all noted!

Got my DAS booked now for next month so not long hopefully till I can start test riding!

The top contenders now are (in no particular order) :

- Transalp 650 (still my first choice going by everyone's input, haven't been able to find out if the 2007 is compliant with the low emissions, but maybe I don't care)

- Transalp 700 (more abundant than the 650, but not as good looking)

- Tiger 995i (good price, more oomph, like the look apart from the bulbous tank and ugly panniers)

- Tiger 1050 (more expensive but better looking than the 995i)

- BMW f800gs (recent addition, pricey, but worth it if I get a good deal? Looks great on paper but haven't heard any user reports yet)

Although I've not forgotten about and will still test:

Suzuki V strom 650
Kawasaki Versys
Honda Nc750x


When I started this thread I was split between two bikes. Now it's 5-8. I don't know whether to thank you all or not!

When I started this thread I was split between two bikes. Now it's 5-8. I don't know whether to thank you all or not!

Bikes are like birds mate they all need to be ridden :whistle: hmy: the day you stop looking at both is the day you should lie down in your silk shroud :pinch:

as a 955 owner I wouldn't be looking at that for my first serious bike, most have had a "Nap" as it is called by owners

cheers Spud

Hello Jolly,

I got my Transalp 650 6 months ago after i passed, haven't regretted it for a second, brilliant machine!

I was looking at a few bikes in the 650-800 range for a first big bike, my budget was bit tighter than yours though, a decent low mileage xl650 will be well within £4k

to get an idea my 2007 Xl650 V with 12,000 miles, service history + Fresh Serv & MOT from dealer and Delivery from Birmingham, was £2600 also already had GIVI Front Crash Bars with Cruising Lights Fitted, so well within your budget, cheap to insure too

I've had no issues so far, been 2 up few times handled it no problems, i'm 6ft2 easy to ride and very comfy, It's not slow it'll do over a ton if you want it too and happily sit on motorways. doesn't have stupid power so won't kill you too quickly, probably important for first bike.

If your ever around Bedfordshire you're welcome to come have a poke around,

Think its a great bike to have for year or so to get experience, then i'll upgrade, But to What...

couple of pictures of mine...