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tanks, tyres and general transalp confusion tanks, tyres and general transalp confusion
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  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2005
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tanks, tyres and general transalp confusion
I was told (by a bloke in a pub...) that africa twin tanks fitted transalps. so when an africa twin tank turns up cheap locally i buy it and (brace yourself...) it doesn't fit. (the fitting cups are too far apart to grasp the frame, and is just the wrong size and shape).

I am thinking there is more than one type of africa twin tank? my translap is a n reg import, single front rotor, (so i assume a pd06). god only knows what AT the tank came from, it is white blue red with "adventure sports" graffic, with a single fuel tap at the rear, in the middle, underneath (if you follow...)

am off around the americas (top to bottom), so do really want a 250+ mile tank range... what model tank do i need? does anything else (cheap) fit?
(oh, and anyone want to buy a good condition AT tank? )

On an entirely unrelated subject, what are rimlocks and will i need them? there is a lot of talk about them, but, to be honest i just haven't got a clue.... (will be one up with ally luggage (thanks caveman). am not going out there to ride dirt trails for fun, but not scared of them either. (and have no idea what to do with tyre pressures. will work on a "suck it and see" basis for that one i think)

thanks in advance for all advice

dan
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  #2  
Old 15 Oct 2005
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Yeah, they do fit on, but only the earlier ones. I forget the RD number, but basically the late 1980s and the first few years of the 1990s Africa Twins fit on the 600 Transalps.

Here's my Transalp thus modified:


You could also have a look at the threads here
http://www.transalp.org/phpbb2/viewt...rica+twin+tank
and here
http://www.transalp.org/phpbb2/viewt...rica+twin+tank

Having done that route, I would suggest that you can make it fine without the mod, carrying a 6 to 10 litre back up gerry can perhaps.

If you put on the AT tank you need to fit a fuel pump. The favourite for this mod is one off an XT600 (hmmm, or is that the 650?), like this one:


I am more than happy to talk Transalps if you want more info or help.

Simon

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  #3  
Old 15 Oct 2005
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Hi
RD04 (from ’90 to ’92) fits
The pump can be any AT ones (shit) or any from Teneres and SuperTeneree, also some sport Yamahas have the same.
Simon: regard to Rachel and Patrick
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www.dakarmotos.com

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  #4  
Old 16 Oct 2005
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I wouldn't worry about lowering tire pressures on the TA if I were you. I think its probably more trouble than its worth. You only need rimlocks if you are running low tire pressures. On a loaded, already heavy Transalp, low tire pressures are a bit risky, IMHO. Especially if there are lots of large rocks.

We have been riding lots of gravel and dirt roads in Central Asia and I run the tire pressures mid 30s front and low to mid 40s (psi) rear. But I am also two up so my tire pressure will be higher. Even without a passenger, with gear you should have pretty good traction in the rear, even with a non-knobby type tire.

Use Grant's method for tire pressure...the pressure should rise about 10% when it gets hot after riding. If its more than that, you are underinflated, less than that, overinflated.

And if you really want to set up the TA for dirt and gravel riding, get a good custom rear shock and some progressive front springs. Dirt and gravel will then be a blast! Not cheap, but well worth it.

Happy Transalping!

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Old 16 Oct 2005
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once again i am left thanking the HUBB fountain of knowledge. tank is now on ebay if anyone is interested.

simon, you may well regret that offer... but thanks! she is coming along nicely, being used as daily commuter whilst slowly becoming more "rugged"... have to say didn't like it when i bought it, but its grown on me....


fuel pumps: i was going to use kawasaki as i have a free and (almost) unlimited supply of those - can think of no reason why not, (anyone want to tell me?)

and the more things that require me doing nothing to them the better, so excellent tyre pressure adivce, thanks!

dan
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  #6  
Old 16 Oct 2005
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No problem.

I would steer you towards vacuum pumps though, just cos there are fewer things to go wrong, and less difficult to set up.

Simon
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  #7  
Old 9 Nov 2005
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Quote:
Originally posted by Simon Kennedy:
Yeah, they do fit on, but only the earlier ones. I forget the RD number, but basically the late 1980s and the first few years of the 1990s Africa Twins fit on the 600 Transalps.

Here's my Transalp thus modified:


You could also have a look at the threads here
http://www.transalp.org/phpbb2/viewt...rica+twin+tank
and here
http://www.transalp.org/phpbb2/viewt...rica+twin+tank

Having done that route, I would suggest that you can make it fine without the mod, carrying a 6 to 10 litre back up gerry can perhaps.

If you put on the AT tank you need to fit a fuel pump. The favourite for this mod is one off an XT600 (hmmm, or is that the 650?), like this one:


I am more than happy to talk Transalps if you want more info or help.

Simon
That is my artical in the first link. The RD03 and RD04 tanks bolt right up to the XL600V Transalps. I used a vacume fuel pump from Mikuni. If you have any questions about these mods, feel free to send me an email too cdalejef@bellsouth.net




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[This message has been edited by Jeff@TheQuadShop (edited 09 November 2005).]
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  #8  
Old 14 Nov 2005
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There is a lot of useful information about pumps at http://www.xrv.org.uk/, and regarding the right pressure check out http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtop...ghlight=#2524. Yep, no point in buying an original Honda pump....

Stig


[This message has been edited by LordStig (edited 14 November 2005).]
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  #9  
Old 14 Nov 2005
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I have the identical pump as pictured above on my TA with AT-RD03/04 tank. The German bloke who sold it to me said it came off a Yam xtz660. It cost me 30euros incl PandP. Check www.transalp.de This site has everything you ever needed to know.
HTH
ChrisB

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