Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
tanks, tyres and general transalp confusion tanks, tyres and general transalp confusion
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: bristol, uk
Posts: 58
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
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

__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Oct 2005
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 520

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
Javier….
www.dakarmotos.com

__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Oct 2005
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
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!

------------------
Dave
www.mototrekker.com
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: bristol, uk
Posts: 58
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
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
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
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Nov 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Crestwood, KY, USA
Posts: 24
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




------------------
Jeff Stoess
Factory ATK
GNCC #17
http://www.quadshopatv.com

Ride coast to coast off road on the Trans-America Trail! http://www.transamtrail.com/

[This message has been edited by Jeff@TheQuadShop (edited 09 November 2005).]
__________________
Jeff Stoess
Factory ATK
GNCC #17
http://www.tireballs.com

Ride coast to coast off road on the Trans-America Trail! http://www.transamtrail.com/
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Nov 2005
LordStig's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Fife, Scotland
Posts: 96
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).]
__________________
Tall men see everyone else's bald patch but their own.......
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Nov 2005
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
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

------------------
TheBrightStuffDotCom
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

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. 11-14
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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 17:40.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top