"Transalp / Dominator / Pegaso etc" thread in "Motorbike Chat"
If I get this new job, my commute will be down from 80 miles a day to 10. The ZZR1100 is perfect for high miles ...

If I get this new job, my commute will be down from 80 miles a day to 10. The ZZR1100 is perfect for high miles but a bit stupid for 5 miles through town.

I'll still use a bike for occasional longer trips so I "need" about 50bhp I reckon. Can't bare to have a scooter no matter how sensible it is, naked bikes tend to be a bit small for me so I think a traillie style is a good bet.

What's recommended? Budget around £1500, reliability is high on the list, otherwise I'm open to suggestions.

Cheers, experts

BMW F650, for that budget. Dead reliable, economical and well put together.

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Bah humbug.

Is that the belt drive one? I had a look at the little BMW a while ago and there's a few different types. Any to be avoided?

There is a belt drive version - The F650CS Scarver. You may just about get one for £1500, and it's a perfect commuter bike - I would totally recommend it. Unusual styling, but immensely practical, stupendous fuel economy, and handles far better than you'd imagine.

There is also the F650GS, which is slightly more 'trail bike' design, and has more conventional chain drive (and more conventional styling.)

Not much specific to look out for on either model, except perhaps checking exhaust systems for corrosion. If you're looking at the Scarver, make sure the belt isn't damaged. The engines are pretty bulletproof, servicing is simple.

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Token bauble:

Bah humbug.

cheers, dude. How are they for people over 5' tall? I'm 6'1", or a bit more in my high heels

How would I know?!

Best to go find some and try them out. There is a 'Dakar' version of the F650GS too, which is even taller. Not sure if you'd find one of those in your budget range, though...

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Token bauble:

Bah humbug.

I had a Dominator years ago. They're nice but the engine's 10bhp down on the latest stuff - F650, Pegaso etc and pretty gutless on open roads.

For £1500 you'll only get a tatty or high mile F650GS so I'd go for the Pegaso as you'll get a newer one for the money.

Transalps hold their money well and are competent but lack the excitment of the single cylinder bikes. Probably the sensible option though.

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Lying outrageously on the internet since 2003

I'm 6'1 and had a Pegaso for a couple of years. Was a very comfortable bike for me and great for that distance commute, although the tyres always seemed to take an age to warm up (Michelin T66X IIRC)

The early F650 were too small for me but never tried the later ones.
The Pegaso is generally reliable but there are a few issues that have already been covered on this very website...search

Yep, I've got a Pegaso, currently on loan to a mate.
performance is good, you can Cruise at 80mph, weather protection is pretty good and the seat is plush. A mate took the one I've got to the foot of italy and back without missing a beat, did the return leg 2 up.

Its big enough for your 6'1 frame
They handle well
They don't look naff with a givi box fitted
they are economical
The headlight is good
The mirrors work.
Spares are now much more easily available.

BUT! Look out for:
Spragg clutch - they go and sometimes take the flywheel with them. In isolation not a big job.
Battery - always use an optimiser if you leave it standing. half charged batteries help cause the spragg problem,
Electrics - Its an honoury italian in this respect.....

Exhausts - look out for rusty silencers, there are plenty of aftermarket pipes out there but they're not cheap.

Would I have another? yes. Would it be my first choice? No, I'd probably look at a transalp first.

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GP

Some Pegaso info here.

http://www.therevcounter.com/motorbi...-thoughts.html


I'm looking for something similar , I need to try the f650 myself but it looks way too low, losing a bit of the height advantage these style bikes give.

MZ Baghira looks reasonable not sure if they have enough go, having tried a yam xtz660 with the same engine recently I was surprised how gutless it felt.

I'd be tempted by another DRZ 400 but for the lack of comfort, tank range and nickability factor.

I wondered about the reliability of the Pegaso. I was considering them before I bought my Super Tenere a few years ago. A pain to get parts, a swine to start and 40,000 miles between head gaskets doesn't sound like my cup of tea to be honest

I see a Transalp sometimes on my route through London, it's ridden by a bloke who shows it no mercy and if it wasn't for my 100bhp power advantage he'd beat me through traffic every day. I think they turn into liquid form for threading through gaps? No idea what they're like on A roads though, and I really really dislike keeping spoked wheels clean

My '98 Pegaso Cube will be up for grabs shortly......

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GP

Wot about an sv650. A bit more than 50bhp but £1500 should get one shouldn't it?

I occasionally play with the F650GS at work. It's surprisingly nice, and at 6'2" I fit on it fine. The standard tyres are pretty bloody horrible but I'd be surprised if a £1500 example would have original brand tyres on it. They're quite nippy enough and have a beautifully low COG. But I'd be concerned about what state it would be in for that sort of money. Weather protection is poor though, as with other big singles in it's class.

I'm also looking to replace my old Bee Emm at some point in the future, possibly after this coming winter. One of the bikes I'm thinking of at the moment is the Moto Guzzi Breva 750. Early ones (2003-2004) seem to be going for around £1500-1800 and their reputation seems quite good.

TBH I'd get a Fazer 600 and not worry that it makes 85 bhp or there abouts.

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Lying outrageously on the internet since 2003