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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
a new version of the TA?

Guy in France told me they are gonne review the TA in 2005 and bring out a new version.
Things he mentioned:
No more spoke wheels
Different saddle, BMW style (more comfort?)
different injection
a bit lower then the current version

Can anyone confirm this and mayby give more info.
My TA is a 650 from 2000 and has a bout 120000k's on the clock.
If there is a new version comming I wonna know wich one to buy. The current one (not one problem during all those K's) or the newer one.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
Hi F-Boomer

I have heard a similar story, but from South Africa and Australia.

The South Af's are bothered about the carbs being replaced by injection, as the fuel out there can clog the jets...

But, for me the main reason not to go with another transalp is the god forsaken HISS system. We had a major problem with my wifes at altitude (17500 feet). It hates temp change??
One other thing is check that your spare key is tuned into the HISS system.. we have just tried ours and the dealer/Honda failed to tune it in .... and as you can imagine there are no dealerships here with a test wire harness to do this.

Finally whilst I am on about it.. the dealer saved a few quid for himself by fitting a non-honda chain... the cheep and nasty one they fitted was dead in less than 6000 k's!! I think this maybe one way they can bring you back to the dealership "for early servicing" and a fab bill for at least 200 quid!

Finally finally, also check that they have put a bung in the crank case vent pipe... otherwise, if you take it into the sand, the sand will find its way under the air filter and into the carbs and engine.... I know for a fact that this happens. Also if you look in their (Hondas) w-shop manual you will see a picture of the said "bung" that should be in place... and mysteriously isnt!

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Simon,

Doesn't sound like a crap bike to me but rather a crappy dealer that is not servicing you correct.
Don't know were it all happened but I would simply write to the national headquartes from Honda. See what they have to say about the service.

I personally have a great dealer nearby. A guy who loves travelling, off road, sand, Africa,... In other words we get along.

I know the HISS is tricky but didn't know about the altitude sickness. Might replace the thing on my next bike.

I've been in the sand, seen mud, endless k's of rain and the bike never stopped on me.
I have no reason not te buy one again.

And with the Honda chain that I am currently using I have about 25000k's done and no sings of wearing yet. Only had to tension it twice till know.


Pieter.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
'No more spokes! Sounds like Honda are turning the TA into another mini Varadero. First they finish the AT now the TA.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Oct 2004
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 310
Hopefully a bit of good news, one of the UK mainstream bike mags mentioned rumours about Honda building a new 750 giant trailie...we can live in hope.

------------------
The electric monk always has faith.
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 46
I have heard that it is in fact the new TA that will be 750cc
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
We live in hope, indeed. Bring it on. There missing out on a large section of the market at the moment, the GS was the best selling bike in europe this year I believe.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
This is gonna keep me out of my sleep since I really love the TA as a 'gets me every where all the year round' bike.

I would be so dissapointed in Honda if they make the same mistake again (the Varadero....).

So lets hope and burn some candles.

PS: off topic, but worsening my sleep deprivation. Also heard that Land Rover is redrawing the Defender next year or so. And that is the one car I wonna spend money on.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
The only thing wrong with current TA is the lack of a few horses and an excess of plastic. The latter probably won't change but, an extra 100cc should be enough extra power, especially with a more modern unit. Duel purpose bikes need spoked wheels though, maybe Honda will offer a choice of cast or spoked as BMW do with the new GS but, I doubt it!

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 08 October 2004).]
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Dealer heard they are only gonna do an adjustment to the exhaust. Would be revolutionary in itself ;-)

But he expects the real stuff to be revaeled on the bike show in Italy somewhere the comming months. The TA is assembled in Italy, so they wonna give them the scoop.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Oct 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
Hi Fireboomer,

Sorry if my note was too much of a downer on the TA. I should qualify the problems with the upside. This bike has been 600 k's through the western sahara, up the worlds second highest pass in the Himalayas (just after winter). Although sand got into the engine through the crank case vent pipe on the Sahara crossing it is still running OK - so the engine gets my vote! Also the engine has now done 45 thousand MILES and 17000 have been off road. So it is a good bike but Honda and the odd rogue dealer need to pay more attention to detail!! Other wise I'd buy another.... But with less plastic preferably.
My wife has just about smashed most of it off any way!!

Cheers
Simon
check out www.mccs.co.uk/global for TA picks off road!

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Jan 2005
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
A look at Honda UKs website no has no mention of the TransAlp at all.
Under the adventure section, there are just the two Varaderos.
Sometimes I just dont get what is happening in the heads of marketing people.

------------------
www.TokyotoLondon.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Espinho, Portugal
Posts: 89
Well, it will stay basically the same as in 2004, with cosmetic changes.

http://www.moto-station.com/ttesimag...salp_st1pz.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Yep, it's official. The new 2005 TA keeps the same spec with a few changes to make it look more modern, apparently! This version will be in production for at least the next two years. Honda's design team are spending all their time updating their models for the scooter market which they see as a growth area.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
If you've been out in the sand you need to have your carbs checked as sand may have gone into the engine.... The engine wont fail completely but you will notice a loss of power over a period of time and a few white puffs of smoke from the exaughst.

But other than this its a fine road bike!


Quote:
Originally posted by fireboomer:
Simon,

Doesn't sound like a crap bike to me but rather a crappy dealer that is not servicing you correct.
Don't know were it all happened but I would simply write to the national headquartes from Honda. See what they have to say about the service.

I personally have a great dealer nearby. A guy who loves travelling, off road, sand, Africa,... In other words we get along.

I know the HISS is tricky but didn't know about the altitude sickness. Might replace the thing on my next bike.

I've been in the sand, seen mud, endless k's of rain and the bike never stopped on me.
I have no reason not te buy one again.

And with the Honda chain that I am currently using I have about 25000k's done and no sings of wearing yet. Only had to tension it twice till know.


Pieter.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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


 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 17:18.