Transalp 650 CDI and Regulator Rectifier
 

I'm shortly to embark on approx. 15k journey from Munich to Ulaanbaatar on a 2001 TA 650 with 50,000 k's on the clock. I don't have a service history of the bike

Having never owned a TA before I am trying to work out what I really need to take.

Common issues with the TA seem to be the CDI units and the rectifier.

I'd rather take as little as possible, so, do I really need to take either? :confused1:

Anything else that is a must? Other than the usual consumables?

Can you pre-package them, and leave som money with a friend to send to you if needed?

650 transalp
 

Hi and best wishes fort out trip. As a transalp 650 owner I would recommend the following.
Good service to include oil , filters, plugs, coolant change, brakes, steering stem and rear suspension bearings checked and greased, throttle and clutch cables checked and lubricated or changed, wheel bearings checked or changed, electrical connectors cleaned particularly at the regulator rectifier, new battery(avoid Chinese ) chain and sprockets checked or replaced, look closely at the shaft splines on the front sprocket , this is a known problem on honda transalp and Africa twin caused by non Honda part I believe. Rear shock and front forks checked for blown seals/leaks, possibly fit an inline fuel filter
Lastly wheels and tyres, check spokes , and start with fresh tyres/ tubes

Recommend you take
Regulator rectifier( always a problem on these bikes)
Tubes
Cable repair kit
Fuses and bulbs
Brake pads and possibly chain kit if not replaced new beforehand
Basic tool kit puncture kit and tyre levers, chain lube etc
Haynes/ workshop manual
2nd key

Basically you should prepare and service the bike correctly before the trip thus
Reducing the risk of mechanical failure on trip and means you carry less !

Not aware of any great problems with CDI,

Hope this all helps

On the 600 cc TA the cdi and reg/rec are well known weak points. I don't go on a weekend ride, let alone a rtw ride without spares. In about 30k miles I've toasted 2 cdi units and one reg/ rec (on 2 different bikes) which in turn killed the battery. Can't comment on the 650, but both parts are small and easy to carry and a failure of either would be a huge pita. Sell the parts after your trip if you don't use them.

I would also carry spare clutch plates. The TA clutch is very weak if you're in trouble in the dirt or sand. I've killed 2, one in Morocco and one in Siberia.

Thanks for the info guys.