Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 40
Experience with 2000+ Transalp

G'day Transalpians,

I am preparing for a RTW starting in late March '08. I plan to cover some 70000 ks over 2 years. Ideally I wanted an older BMW 80/100GS, no luck with tracking one down. Now I just want a bike for the trip (not a big fan of singles - route is australia to europe - more tarmac than dirt). I would very happily get on an Africa Twin, but hens teeth in Aussie.

I have been doing some background reading on the NEW transalp 650 (or I guess were new until the 750). There is a huge following for the old TA, but not much hype surrounding the post 2000 TA.

I would be really keen on hearing from anyone doing a RTW trip on the new (post 2000) TA, or anyone with a high mileage 2003?-2006 TA. Any major issues, things you wished you had done, did you ride on the stock shocks, how many ks on the engine? Maintenance woes?

Would be greatly appreciated

Kind regards

Last edited by al_baylis; 9 Dec 2007 at 11:33.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
G'day Al

I've got one, a 2005 (Oct) model, which I keep across the Ditch from you in New Zealand.

I clocked-up around 18,000 ks last summer, from Dec '06 -to- April '07, around NZ.

Stock shocks - in fact, stock everything. I had absolutely no issues whatsoever regarding maintenance thoughout the whole 18K ride. This is a great dual purpose bike - and wholly reliable.



I'll be back down in the southern hemisphere again in February 2009, at which time I then intend kitting-out the Trannie for long-distance stuff after which I'll ship it across the Tasman to Australia, then go around and through Oz and up to Indonesia; across to Malaysia and then through to the Southeast Asian mainland; then up and around Central Asia and the Sub Continent to the Middle East, then across eastern~~>central~~>western Europe to the UK and home. In other words, I'm gonna ride the bike back to England from NZ ... Sould be quite an adventure !!

So I might very well be following in your tyre tracks, albeit a year later. So keep me/us posted about all your prep and your ride in general. I for one would be very interested indeed to learn and hear about your story.

Good luck Al, you a facing a trip of a lifetime, which is now just around the corner.

Regards

KEITH
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Dec 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Vantaa, Finland
Posts: 1
Thumbs up

Hello Al,

I'm too having new 2007 model without anything changed and its working very well. This summer we drove from Finland to Russia and via southern part of Mongolia to Ulan Bataar, then back to russian side, Chita and from there to Vladivostok. Couple days "vacation" there and then back to Finland. Totalling 10 weeks and around 21000km without any problems at all. My buddy had a Varadero and he lost 2 rear shocks during that trip, 2nd one lasting only 3000km!!! So he drove 7000km back from Chita to Moscow having only working spring...
During last 7 month been driving almost 36000km so its really reliable piece of machinery. Even low octane fuel (76oct or so...) in Mongolia worked well.

Regards,
Hä®ski
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Dec 2007
Guest2
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
We run a couple of 650 Transalps a V3 and V4 both have around 20000 miles each, no issues to mention. Spokes can discolour and become loose and I have heard the steering bearings can fail at lowish mileages.
I am getting ours ready for the Americas next year, when i say getting ready it amounts to a service and renewing brake pads and chain and sprockets.

fuel range is not bad, in touring mode we get 200 miles plus to a tank. MPG is around the 50 mark, they don't use oil. I have uprated the forks with some Racetech emulators which have improved the front end greatly.

I took mine to Iceland earlier this year
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...p-2007-a-28855

Very underated bike.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 40
Thanks for sharing your experiences. The trip to mongolia and now having 36K and no major issues is very heartening. Fantastic photos, both of the TA in NZ and iceland......just magic!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Dec 2007
Guest2
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I might add there are quite a few companies selling accessories for the transalp, Crash bars panniers & frames etc.
I would reccomend changing the original sumpguard as it's made of plastic and it leaves the water pump and sump exposed.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Aftermarket screen

... I should also add that I replaced the screen, as I found the stocker inefficient and just too darn noisy.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
hi there Keith

I was just wondering what are the make of those side carrying boxes of yours? They fit my desire well. I too have a TA and I'd like boxes like that.

Hey when you head up through Europe, I'd be glad to offer you a relaxing waypoint before hitting your last staight up to Calais. I'm in Nevers, heard of it? Bol d'Or, Magny-Cours, France. Drop me a line and we can plan that for when you pass through. Have a good trip, dude. I'm a fellow southern hemispherian only I'm from South Africa as to OZ, but hey all the same I say.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Dec 2007
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
My TA...

....has only 400ccm, made for the Japanese market. It's old, a 1995/96 model with more than 40.000km down. Bought it used, and what can I say...no reason at all to complain! Great gas milage, easy maintenance, very good to handle, ok, I have to agree that I did not go on a RTW (so far), but it took me all the way up to Hokkaido and back to Shikoku (something like 4.000 kilometers) and I DID enjoy it! I am using a set of Hepco&Becker paniers, ordered from Germany with the frame (because even with the postage it was cheaper than over here). No other changes, everything original. For pics check out my homepage, just go to the touring pages, there are also pictures of my old KLE.

Safe riding and take care

Klaus
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA

Last edited by klaus; 18 Dec 2007 at 03:06.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Hi Patrick / ta-all-the-way

The side hard luggage is standard Givi stuff - 41L Keyless Monokeys Fitted onto Givi Wingracks.

CAUTION: BUT IMHO these plastic boxes are not the most ideal carriers for a long haul; I found this out when I dropped the Trannie, at speed, on an unpaved gravel track 30km outside Te Anau township, South Island, NZ. They damage easily, of course. See the following pics. I’m currently in the process of having them re-sprayed - and shall completely replace them with something more robust like Metal Mules or maybe something similar (cheaper?!), before leaving New Zealand’s / Australia’s shores.





Thanks for your kind offer of a waypoint when in France. I have travelled through your area several times over the course of the last 15 years or so. As I live in the far southwest of England (county of Cornwall) I normally cross the channel via the ferry ports of Plymouth <~~> Roscoff, Brittany, so Nevers would be directly en route for me from the Alps.

WARNING: Prepared to be invaded sometime in late 2009 ..

Regards

KEITH
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
Ok Keith, I'll keep watching this space for your progression, Happy New Year.
ta-all-the-way
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 23 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 40
Ta

As a note, things for me kind of worked out bike wise. After searching for a BMW GSPD for the best part of 8 months, I found a 1988 transalp for $3K. Pretty rare in aussie, and I do like this bike. It has a few ks and needs a little work, but still an easy 3.5K less than R100 BMWs (which also needed work!!) and half the price of new TA..........of course you get what you pay for - but fingers crossed, it (with me on it) will make it to europe and beyond.

I set off from aussie in early April and I simply can't wait .
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 23 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 184
Good on ya!

I wish you all the best for the rest of your prep and for your journey ahead!

I'd say "lucky bastard!" but i know better!...... no luck involved.... you've just been working bloody hard to get what you want and now it's about to pay off!! Enjoy!!!
__________________
'99 R1100GS - In a suitable shade of black

It's not that life is so short, It's just that we're dead for so long....
"The world is a book, those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustin
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
Hi there Al

Nice to hear you settled for a TA, even being an older model, often goes to show that it's a durable work horse. I have a model from 2004, haven't worked out how to put it up here yet (any ideas).

She's not in need of any work other than a 20k revision. The owners manual is spick and span, the last owner really did it like a pro. 6k, 12k, 18k revision.

There was one little thing he had changed - can't remember what it was, ill have a look and let you know. I'm interested to know what you'll be doing to your bike, workwise. I've almost thought of buying a second TA to work on, but as a friend said, when your own bike's up and running you're not gonna wanna spend your saturday afternoons, in the garage, where you could be out riding. I wish you all the best to get your horse on the road and the necessary work done. You made a good choice. My TA is a worthy investment. Good luck on the maintenance and Good trip.

ta-all-the-way

Last edited by ta-all-the-way; 23 Jan 2008 at 22:01.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
ah

worked out the attachement
Attached Thumbnails
Experience with 2000+ Transalp-p1000930.jpg  


Last edited by ta-all-the-way; 23 Jan 2008 at 21:59.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Caponord out, Transalp in? ricardo35 Which Bike? 2 1 Sep 2007 03:41
Transalp questions & impressions Howiezowie Honda Tech 2 9 Jan 2007 23:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:27.