transalp 400 v ????

**niels** · #1 18 Sep 2004

hello,
in my search for a motorbike in bangkok (for the traject india-pakistan-iran-belgium) i came across an honda transalp 400 v (anno '93). because i'm not so experienced biker (at least not heavy bikes) and i'm small (1m68) i was thinking it would be a better choice than the much more heavyier africa twin.
i was surprised that i couldn't find almoust nothing on the internet. can anybody help me out with this. should i search for the transalp 600 v?(my height and lenght in concidering).is it good to lower a bike?
your advice please.
greetz niels

**Nigel Marx** · #2 19 Sep 2004

Hi. In my opinion, it is fine for the trip, for anyone, not just a shorter person. I had a German couple stay who were traveling RTW on a 400 TransAlp and they were both bigger people. You don't need anything bigger and EVERY time you get in a sticky spot you will be glad of the lighter weight. The motor owes a lot to the NV400 road bike which is well proven. Good luck!

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

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--"How can I be lost if I don't care where I am?"--

**Simon Kennedy** · #3 21 Sep 2004

Because of strict licence laws for bikes over 400cc in Japan a great many bikes are made in a 400cc version. Including the TA. I recall a couple of aussie guys went across Russia on 400s with no problems.

It has all the features of the 600. In otherwords, it is a fine choice. There have been a lot of happy transalp overlanders.

The disadvantage, if you can call it that, is that the weight, robustness and size of the components are designed for 600cc. So you will be well within the mechanical and electrical tolerance limits, but with less power.

Have you seen any AX1s out there? Another good choice.

There is a functioning web list which will be only too pleased to give you back up advice and support. I can help too. Just ask.

**colebatch** · #4 14 Nov 2004

Hi guys,

I am one of the two Aussie guys who went from Tokyo to London on two XL400Vs.

It was only really on the highways of western europe that we lusted for more power. The road conditions in China, Mongolia, Siberia, Kazakhstan etc were big restrictors of speed anyway, and with gearing to spare, the lower power of the 400 was not a huge issue.

Read up on it at www.TokyotoLondon.com for more info.