Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Transalp 600 Project - I hope Transalp 600 Project - I hope
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Jan 2008
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
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
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Thumbs up
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.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Jan 2008
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
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
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Thumbs up
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.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Stoke on Trent UK
Posts: 7
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.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jan 2008
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
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
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
transalp 600 or 650 ? Petehems Honda Tech 4 1 Sep 2007 18:29
Caponord out, Transalp in? ricardo35 Which Bike? 2 1 Sep 2007 04:41
Transalp questions & impressions Howiezowie Honda Tech 2 10 Jan 2007 00:06

 
 

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.

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 20:26.

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