Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Help! Honda Transalp, need some advice. Help! Honda Transalp, need some advice.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By wheatwhacker

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 136
Help! Honda Transalp, need some advice.
Hi all,

I've located a 2001 Transalp with almost 60,000 k's on it, full Honda top box and side cases, heated grips, new spocket/chains/tyres which I can get for about 2500 euro

I figure it will cost me at least 400-500 euros to deck out a bike with these extras?

My budget is probably closer to 3000-3500 at a push but this seemed cheap and why wait if the right bike comes up now?

I'm planning a trip from the UK to (hopefully) Vladivostok starting in May 2014 for about 8-10 weeks.

I am 189 cm and 90kg, fairly experienced on and off road but have never been on a Transalp.

3 main questions I guess.

1. Is 60,000 k's too much to start a 12k-14k trip on?
2. Size wise is the bike big enough?
3. Any general feedback on the suitability of the Transalp for the trip and generally stories/advice on people who have had one?

I have Martin from Motorfeirme giving me a hand and will check it out pre purchase and store the bike if I go ahead and buy it.

Thanks in advance.

Tom.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 76
1. I certainly wouldn't think 60,000km is too many clicks to start a journey on such a bike.
2. My mate sold me his DR and bought a transalp. He is taller than me, im 183, so id guess he is about 186. seems to suit him fine. But he did mention he was going to add some padding to the seat to give him a bit of a lift between his knees.
3. I have generally heard very good things about them. That style of bike e.g. road/tourer/adventurer will be well suited.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Oct 2013
Globetrotter's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 112
Transalp
The Transalp is very good and capable bike. It's basically a small Africa Twin. The engines are known to be very reliable so therefore 60'000 Km should be no issue.
With your height you my go for lower foot pegs. Helps a lot in sitting comfortable: http://motobau.de/ and search for "Bärenfallen" - Tiefere VA-Rallye-Fußrasten für Africa Twin.

The rear suspension is also quite weak, since it's only a cheap version of the Africa Twin. With your budget you might wanna buy an upgraded rear shock with a spring adjusted to your weight and luggage. Improves the handling of the bike dramatically!
This Website here gives you plenty of information: http://www.transalp.de/ unfortunately only in German but the FAQ section is the best to be find on the web!

Greets
Claudio

__________________
-Challenge your Limits-
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 136
Guys thank you both for your responses, positive reports so far.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Just a thought or two
"No, yes and don't know" are my answers to your 3 questions - just my opinion of course.
(I'm guessing that you mean the 650cc engine model with carbs, but they are all good in any case).

Try a HUBB search, such as this one for the word "Transalp":-
Search | Horizons Unlimited

Also look in the Honda tech forum rather than this one (which bike) - you could even post your questions in there and more Transalp owners might see them.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
"No, yes and don't know" are my answers to your 3 questions - just my opinion of course.
(I'm guessing that you mean the 650cc engine model with carbs, but they are all good in any case).

Try a HUBB search, such as this one for the word "Transalp":-
Search | Horizons Unlimited

Also look in the Honda tech forum rather than this one (which bike) - you could even post your questions in there and more Transalp owners might see them.
Thanks Dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Oct 2013
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cork Ireland
Posts: 181
I'm going to add to this.
Motofeirme has put out over 40 transalps this past summer.
We had 2 issues.
A rear wheel disintegrated in France, luckily not far from a small bike shop where they had a parted out one in stock.
A bearing in a gearbox in Warsaw and thankfully a complete motor/gearbox was located thanks to the Hubb community there.

Both issues led to great adventures by the riders, adventures best not revealed on a family forum

As far a Transalps go, they are both as boring and reliable as a Toyota Corolla.
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
Advice needed in Mongolia: Transalp output shaft/ sprocket/ retainer problem, Urgent chris Honda Tech 19 20 Mar 2015 20:37
Honda transalp - regulator problem chapati express Honda Tech 4 4 Mar 2013 08:42

 
 

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 17:36.

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