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Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 28 Nov 2005
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dommie or transalp or hire
hi chaps

I've just got back from a few weeks touring Goa on an enfield (great time), each time I broke down someone fixed it within 10 minutes for about £0.20p which was great.

I am thinking of riding there on a dommie or transalp. Can you lower them so paddling when off road is easy? (easy to do?) and which is easier to get bits for in the event of an off or break down as all honda's in asia seem to be at a max of 200CC

I have an old transalp but it needs a lot of work and is probably easier to get a newer one for the cost of fixing it up. I wont be doing much off road so what is better a dommie (less fuel but vibey) or an alp? or should I just fly & bring luggage then hire in each country (possibly cheaper,less hassle?)

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  #2  
Old 13 Dec 2005
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Options are good! But making the final decision is always the toughy!


I have a dommie and have no problem paddling (as long as I don't have to do it up hill!). I am 5'7", give or take, and, after adjusting the preload shortly after I bought her, I have no problem getting my feet on the ground. And of course leverage is even better when she is fully loaded - a few extra centimeters always help!

I can't speak for the Transalp, but the Dommie, in my experience, is fine for cruisier riding. You can't do silly speeds over longer distances, but it is a fairly comfy bike, so putting in massive days when you need to isn't too much of a worry. It is also lighter. Luckily for me, I also found that some of the Dommie parts are interchangable with Transalp parts, so I didn't have any trouble with spares whilst travelling.

Cost wise, you'll probably pick up a Dommie for a bit cheaper than a Transalp, and I'm not convinced that hiring will be very cost effective. I don't know, hiring seems like a bit of a headache to me. See which is more PT for you.

Heaps of info on the HUBB though - happy searching!



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  #3  
Old 14 Dec 2005
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Hi, I did that trip on a Transalp and it was just fine. It is all road from the UK to Goa.

Either bike would be good.

What's wrong with your old Transalp? If it is cosmetic, then that would be no problem. Indeed, an advantage.

I know a lot about this bike, so feel free to ask away, and there are plenty of others who can help too.

Hiring is not an option: just not possible to cross most national borders with a hire bike, certainly not the ones you need to.

As for lowering, no, not advisable. Possible a little bit, (seatfoam cutting is easy and effective on the TA) but anything drastic to be avoided in my experience. It throws everything out of place.

Paddling won't be necessary on this route anyhow.

Parts? Well, beyond Turkey, nothing is available for any of our bikes. Shouldn't be a big issue with a Honda though Worse case, you wait a week and get the part DHLed. It's a small world.

Odds on, you won't break down, and you won't go offroad. That route will put *less* stress on the bike than UK use, not more. Nothing an engine likes better than sitting at 50MPH all day. Quite good for humans too!

So when are you leaving Martyn?

Simon
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Old 15 Dec 2005
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This trip is very early days right now not even looked at visa's etc and probably not till the earliest next winter but sounds like the alp I have is good enough.

Two up if this was ever to happen, would the alp be strong enough? It seems fine in the UK when out for the day but a long journey is different/possible strain on a smaller engine or would an old airhead GS be a better choice? (more tourque) GS's are nice but do break down and there expensive to get in good shape for a long trip etc.. we are talking the cost difference between a GS and an alp which would pay for the fuel the whole way.There again you would get back what you spent on the GS.
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Old 15 Dec 2005
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I did it two-up. Just fine. Certainly swings it for the TA if you're taking a friend.

Transalp is ideal for long distance two-up touring at modest speeds. The engine is very very softly tuned and brilliantly designed. They just go on and on - that's why it is a courier's favourite. You've no worries on that score.

Have a look here for reports of happy transalp trips.

http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/trip/index.htm

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you go...

Simon


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Old 18 Dec 2005
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thanks

there it is then, already have the machine.
As far as prep work goes would an engine rebuild be sensible at 36K miles? seems fine at present though
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  #7  
Old 27 Dec 2005
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Absolutely not.

36K on a TA is just fine. Change the oil regularly and you can go around the clock before you need an overhaul.

Spend your money on the trip mate. Your bike is fine. Looks like you are off to a good start already.

Bung a washable air filter in (for convenience rather than performance) and then luggage is your only question of importance, I would say.

Simon

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