650 transalp
 

i have seen a few 2001/2002 models going for around £2100.00/£2700.00 and am very tempted, anything in particular i should look out for on these models? also what sort of range can you get from the fuel tank? thank,s .

Hi, generally sound bikes, check for usual corrosion areas, like Af Twins check splines on the gearbox output shaft are ok (Not heard of many probs on 650 Alp).
Fuel consumption as standard is relatively poor at 47mpg, seemingly regardless of use which gives 200 miles to running out.

Chopping the cat/subchamber off gives much improved throttle response below 5000rpm and a slight improvement in economy.
After much experimenting, drilling a few holes in the airbox lid improves economy to an easily achievable 56 to 58mpg, giving a total range of around 240 miles to empty. This is with stock carb jetting.

Two important points tho, depending on your intended use for the bike, access for DIY maintenance is quite poor compared to the earlier 600Alps and first gear is also higher on the 650's which may not be so good for rougher stuff.

The 650 makes a better road bike due to a bit more grunt and tighter handling due to firmer suspension - also copes with luggage / pillion better.

By the way I've had two 600 Alps and now run an '02 plate 650 and loved 'em all!

Phil

Hi,
I am thinking of switching from F650 to TA soon. I am considiring about buying a brand new one. I wanna finish my unfinished tour (www.ortadogutu.com) with a Transalp. However, it might be diffucult to find service on the road in Middle East and easy fixing is actually what I am looking for. Is it really diffucult to maintain and fix the bike by my own?

Thanks
ozhan u.
www.ozhanu.com
www.ortadoguturu.com
former F650, future TA owner :)

Maintaining or repairing the 650 is not difficult, just more fiddly than the same job on a 600 Alp.
Air filter requires the tank to be removed, the whole fairing is best removed for plugs and tappets, which, again is not difficult but involves lots of little plastic "screws" and plenty of flexing and creaking of the fairing to remove and install!

Still a crackin' bike tho, truly capable of loading with luggage, thrashing hundreds of miles down the motorway a day, then tackling dirt tracks when you get there!!!

A friend had his 650 over a weighbridge, fully fuelled with C/stand and crashbars and pannier racks came in at 203kg - are Honda not doing themselves justice with their figure's???

Phil