a new version of the TA?

**fireboomer** · #1 3 Oct 2004

Guy in France told me they are gonne review the TA in 2005 and bring out a new version.
Things he mentioned:
No more spoke wheels
Different saddle, BMW style (more comfort?)
different injection
a bit lower then the current version

Can anyone confirm this and mayby give more info.
My TA is a 650 from 2000 and has a bout 120000k's on the clock.
If there is a new version comming I wonna know wich one to buy. The current one (not one problem during all those K's) or the newer one.

**Simon Harby** · #2 5 Oct 2004

Hi F-Boomer

I have heard a similar story, but from South Africa and Australia.

The South Af's are bothered about the carbs being replaced by injection, as the fuel out there can clog the jets...

But, for me the main reason not to go with another transalp is the god forsaken HISS system. We had a major problem with my wifes at altitude (17500 feet). It hates temp change??
One other thing is check that your spare key is tuned into the HISS system.. we have just tried ours and the dealer/Honda failed to tune it in .... and as you can imagine there are no dealerships here with a test wire harness to do this.

Finally whilst I am on about it.. the dealer saved a few quid for himself by fitting a non-honda chain... the cheep and nasty one they fitted was dead in less than 6000 k's!! I think this maybe one way they can bring you back to the dealership "for early servicing" and a fab bill for at least 200 quid!

Finally finally, also check that they have put a bung in the crank case vent pipe... otherwise, if you take it into the sand, the sand will find its way under the air filter and into the carbs and engine.... I know for a fact that this happens. Also if you look in their (Hondas) w-shop manual you will see a picture of the said "bung" that should be in place... and mysteriously isnt!

Simon

**fireboomer** · #3 5 Oct 2004

Simon,

Doesn't sound like a crap bike to me but rather a crappy dealer that is not servicing you correct.
Don't know were it all happened but I would simply write to the national headquartes from Honda. See what they have to say about the service.

I personally have a great dealer nearby. A guy who loves travelling, off road, sand, Africa,... In other words we get along.

I know the HISS is tricky but didn't know about the altitude sickness. Might replace the thing on my next bike.

I've been in the sand, seen mud, endless k's of rain and the bike never stopped on me.
I have no reason not te buy one again.

And with the Honda chain that I am currently using I have about 25000k's done and no sings of wearing yet. Only had to tension it twice till know.

Pieter.

**mcdarbyfeast** · #4 6 Oct 2004

'No more spokes! Sounds like Honda are turning the TA into another mini Varadero. First they finish the AT now the TA.

**electric_monk** · #5 6 Oct 2004

Hopefully a bit of good news, one of the UK mainstream bike mags mentioned rumours about Honda building a new 750 giant trailie...we can live in hope.

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The electric monk always has faith.

**gibbo** · #6 6 Oct 2004

I have heard that it is in fact the new TA that will be 750cc

**mcdarbyfeast** · #7 7 Oct 2004

We live in hope, indeed. Bring it on. There missing out on a large section of the market at the moment, the GS was the best selling bike in europe this year I believe.

**fireboomer** · #8 8 Oct 2004

This is gonna keep me out of my sleep since I really love the TA as a 'gets me every where all the year round' bike.

I would be so dissapointed in Honda if they make the same mistake again (the Varadero....).

So lets hope and burn some candles.

PS: off topic, but worsening my sleep deprivation. Also heard that Land Rover is redrawing the Defender next year or so. And that is the one car I wonna spend money on.

**mcdarbyfeast** · #9 8 Oct 2004

The only thing wrong with current TA is the lack of a few horses and an excess of plastic. The latter probably won't change but, an extra 100cc should be enough extra power, especially with a more modern unit. Duel purpose bikes need spoked wheels though, maybe Honda will offer a choice of cast or spoked as BMW do with the new GS but, I doubt it!

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 08 October 2004).]

**fireboomer** · #10 8 Oct 2004

Dealer heard they are only gonna do an adjustment to the exhaust. Would be revolutionary in itself ;-)

But he expects the real stuff to be revaeled on the bike show in Italy somewhere the comming months. The TA is assembled in Italy, so they wonna give them the scoop.

**Simon Harby** · #11 11 Oct 2004

Hi Fireboomer,

Sorry if my note was too much of a downer on the TA. I should qualify the problems with the upside. This bike has been 600 k's through the western sahara, up the worlds second highest pass in the Himalayas (just after winter). Although sand got into the engine through the crank case vent pipe on the Sahara crossing it is still running OK - so the engine gets my vote! Also the engine has now done 45 thousand MILES and 17000 have been off road. So it is a good bike but Honda and the odd rogue dealer need to pay more attention to detail!! Other wise I'd buy another.... But with less plastic preferably.
My wife has just about smashed most of it off any way!!

Cheers
Simon
check out www.mccs.co.uk/global for TA picks off road!

**colebatch** · #12 2 Jan 2005

A look at Honda UKs website no has no mention of the TransAlp at all.
Under the adventure section, there are just the two Varaderos.
Sometimes I just dont get what is happening in the heads of marketing people.

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www.TokyotoLondon.com

**Pedro Rocha** · #13 3 Jan 2005

Well, it will stay basically the same as in 2004, with cosmetic changes.

http://www.moto-station.com/ttesimag...salp_st1pz.jpg

**mcdarbyfeast** · #14 10 Jan 2005

Yep, it's official. The new 2005 TA keeps the same spec with a few changes to make it look more modern, apparently! This version will be in production for at least the next two years. Honda's design team are spending all their time updating their models for the scooter market which they see as a growth area.

**Simon Harby** · #15 12 Jan 2005

If you've been out in the sand you need to have your carbs checked as sand may have gone into the engine.... The engine wont fail completely but you will notice a loss of power over a period of time and a few white puffs of smoke from the exaughst.

But other than this its a fine road bike!

Quote:

Originally posted by fireboomer:
Simon,

Doesn't sound like a crap bike to me but rather a crappy dealer that is not servicing you correct.
Don't know were it all happened but I would simply write to the national headquartes from Honda. See what they have to say about the service.

I personally have a great dealer nearby. A guy who loves travelling, off road, sand, Africa,... In other words we get along.

I know the HISS is tricky but didn't know about the altitude sickness. Might replace the thing on my next bike.

I've been in the sand, seen mud, endless k's of rain and the bike never stopped on me.
I have no reason not te buy one again.

And with the Honda chain that I am currently using I have about 25000k's done and no sings of wearing yet. Only had to tension it twice till know.

Pieter.