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  #1  
Old 24 Jan 2008
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Transalp 600 Project - I hope
Hey,

I am back again with more notions of glory, I have really been wanting to get a transalp but with other areas of my life consuming my cash flow I have not been able to justify buying a third bike.

So I think I have found my solution. I am reluctantly selling my 2 klx250’s and taking on another project bike, a TA 600.

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/796294

It seems to be in a good nick but would like to maybe have a bike in the shed to strip down and rebuild from ground up modifying certain areas and parts and maybe upgrading any necessary items. I would like to maybe lighten the bike up slightly and turn it into a more off-road/adventure orientated bike with a larger tank.

What I would like to know is if anyone has any good pointers on what mods are a really got idea and what are not worth while. Also the screen is damaged and I think she said the plastics are scuffed up a bit too, but for the price/year/mileage I wont mind, so is a full plastic kit going to cost me a lot or just better off working with what I have? I know the 650 is meant to also have a bit more power but is it a huge difference or for a newish rider will the 600 suit me right down to the ground?

Regards

John
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Old 24 Jan 2008
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That's an excellent buy John.

For ideas have a good look through this site

Deti's Transalp Page

Then, this one is worth a read too

HONDA_TRANSALP_MODS : HONDA TRANSALP MODS

Here's my effort



FWIW the TA is pretty well put together as it is, I reckon and doesn't benefit from tinkering a great deal. For weight you can replace the can - recommended. The tank from the early ATs fits on more or less without major modification. But then, that will put all the weight straight back on, and more. Plus you'll need to add a fuel pump. For an extra five litres or so, well, not convinced it is really worth it. Up to you. Think about looking at suspension - the rear shock is not really made for hard work. Like most bikes in this category it is speced as a European light road tourer, while wearing the look of a dirt bike. The bike's great strength is a smooth reliable engine that goes on forever.
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Old 24 Jan 2008
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Simon,

I saw your bike on a post earlier and I like the job you did on it. I know there is not a huge advantage of trying to loose weight, but even if I could drop some weight to allow a bigger tank and still break even with the original weight I would be happy as long as range was increased.

The end can is will be changed and was looking at similar homemade crash bars to yours.

The bike is going very cheap for some reason but don’t think they are a popular buy in Ireland so maybe that is why.

I know that I wont be doing too much playing with the bike, but would like to maybe strip it down, clean it up and as I have it stripped I wouldn’t mind rebuilding it back with a few added extras to improve the bike or strengthen areas.

The suspension is an area I know lacks in my own bike but any recommendations on any suspension that could be used form another bike on the AT would be greatly appreciated.

John
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Old 24 Jan 2008
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The bars were not home made as it happens. Have a look at those sites above for info.

There are no easy plug and play replacement suspension units I fear - you need to buy one new, probably bespoke. These will be half the cost of the bike at least. Better just to get a new rear spring. That will suffice.

As for structural weak points, I am not aware of any.

Fabricating a good steel rack for boxes would be a good use of your time though.
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Old 24 Jan 2008
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Hi John.

Have a look at this site. Some really useful info on Transalps.
Transalp - Honda Trail Bike Forums

I think for a newish rider the Transalp is a decent ride. I've got one and I've been riding for a while.

Cheers. Phil.
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Old 25 Jan 2008
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Hey thanks a million, I like those bars and never seen ones that well built for sale. Ya I was looking at making my own racks and seeing how I get on with that.

Does the AT shock any way resemble that of the TA as there is one for sale in a bike breakers?

Phil thanks for the link, must try get a look at it tonight as hectic at work here today
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