10 Things I Hate About My Honda Transalp
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- I have owned my Honda Transalp for 16 months now and I still enjoy the bike. I think the Transalp is one of the best all-round bikes, especially for riders on a budget. I plan to do a complete owner’s review of the bike soon, but for now, I just want to focus on 10 things on the Transalp that are less than perfect or things that annoy me. Let me know in the comment section if you own or have owned a Transalp yourself.
🔖 Chapters
00:00 Ten Things I Hate About My Honda Transalp
00:46 No.1 - Plastic Skid Plate
02:00 No.2 - Windscreen
03:12 No.3 - Front Brake
03:56 No.4 - Fuel Filler Cap
04:46 No.5 - Odometer
05:51 No.6 - Lack of a Sixth Gear
06:40 No.7 - Speed Wobble
07:35 No.8 - Fairings & Fasteners
08:25 No.9 - Beer Belly
09:11 No.10 - Popular Perception
🏷️ Key words
#Transalp #XL600V #dualsport
Honda, XL400V, XL650V, XL700V, offroad, PD06, PD10, RD11, RD12, CDI, MRA, windscreen, Nissin, odometer, speed wobble, death wobble, shimmy, tank slapper
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This is such the 'glass half empty' story....I almost felt like crying! I owned two of these great bikes from 1988 to 1993, and they got me around 100K kilometers of painless, reliable, and efficient, adventure travel.....a very 'glass full' memory of the past.
😆 Don't worry. The 'glass half full' video is being prepared. Just need the time to film it and put it up. 👍
Exactly my mind!
Just bought a 1995 Transalp, can absolutely confirm the frontbreak issue. Cant find your video where you show the 10 things you love about the Transalp? I like the bike so far.
I had 3 Alps over the years and all where seriously modified. Yours look like stock. My list of modifications:
1 - Handguards
2 - Custom made wind screen
3 - Custom seat
4 - Automatic Chain oiler
5 - Modified CDIs
6 - New foot pegs
7 - Crash bars
8 - Progressive springs rear and front
9 - brake lines
10 - bar risers 50 mm
11 - Nice decals /by taste/
12 - safety net over the front light
13 - Metal bash plate
Cool! I like to keep my bikes as OEM as possible, but I also see the appeal of modifications, especially for offroad bikes.
@@Lowfliers I don't agree on this because this is not the expensive GS adventure that have almost everything that you would need right from the factory.. For example - The suspension is massively underspringed and with no option for adjustment .. So you get new springs for your weight, road conditions and style of riding.
@@Stefan_trekkie I understand your view but to me, spending lots of money on aftermarket parts would defy the purpose of buying a relatively cheap bike in the first place. I also like to change bikes pretty often, and adding aftermarket parts only lowers the value the bike.
I have done most of those mods. Except the brake lines, i heard if you change Them to those new steel braided ones you loose some of the 'feel'. Bc they don't expand like the rubber ones.
@@hondaryder3779 metal braded hoses and best quality pads improves braking alot.stock were for me never good enough and thats with rwin disks 1998 model
Have been riding 650 Transalps for the last 21 years. They are definitely not budget bikes, and definitely not slow on twisty back country roads. If you want to experience wind buffeting, try out the Suzuki V-Stroms! After a combined total of 210,000 km, the plastic bash plates are still all perfect. I am sure they will still be running beautifully in another 21 years too, unlike me!
@@hyme278 haven't ridden one? I have tried late model 650 and 1000 versions and they certainly beat my helmet up to the point where they were un-rideable. Guess everyone has different aerodynamics.
@@mikerichardson415 on my 650 i added some bits to the fairing that eliminated most wind funnelled up from fairing.yes it does wobble in winds but ok.my only problem is road noise coming up through fairing when the wind is in a certain direction.very annoying.norfolk roads are chipping based which is not good for tyre noise.i will find a way to cut that down eventually.other than that i love it
Mate combustion engines ,oh maybee even you’re bike will be in museum along with my mint bandits and ktm,lol
Honda Transalp is just perfect for the most riders like it or not :) i have mine for couple years and done a lot of trips and can only say that bike is perfect for the most riders , just ride and enjoy the ride, moment, nature , etc.....
Totally agree!
Thank You for the video. I just bought Transalp 650, 2001, 2 weeks ago. Crash guards, metal skid guard, central stand, back and side rails for baggage.
Looks like you're set to explore the world! Central stand is a great addition. Good luck, and enjoy the ride!
transalp was, in the nineties and begening of the 2000, the best bike for all arround... but now, it´s too "old" comparated with the new tecs bikes, with a lot of electronics helps.
I had all three models, and the one I liked the most was the 650, but in any case, none compares to the GS and its indestructible boxer engine full of torque and power, with forceful braking and unbeatable load capacity.
when honda stopped making it, I decided to buy the bmw, because in the honda catalog there was nothing to replace it, and I bought a 2012 air gs, and now I tell you that the jump is unimaginable!
A greeting from Barcelona
Thanks for your comment. With the new edition of the Africa Twin, you could always come back to the Honda stable. 😉 For me, personally, I find the GS too heavy. With the GS, I can't push the bike with my legs while I'm seated on the bike.
I had the 2004 TA and LOVED IT!. Did lots of offroad and long trips. Odo re-zero at least once. Unfortunately a mechanic mis-fitted the oil filter which burst while riding so I sold it.
Whould buy one again definately.
Ama Nota Gogo, didn´t you kill the mechanic ??
@@alfredferdinandsloof8399 I certainly wanted to, but decided to kill the dealership instead.
Nice vid! Strangely, now I want one!
Oh, it's a great bike, but it's not perfect. No bike is.
i bought a 2007 Transalp (new from Honda's dealership) and still own to this day. I agree with 1,2,5, AND 6,6,6,6,6,6,6. The other ones are subjectives i think. Last point about the speed wobbles, i can assure you that, when the bike was at least new (and during the 5 first years), i've never suffered a death wobble going 160+ Km/h. When tyres are unblanced, or if it suffered an accident, that's when you start to encounter those wobbles. Great video, keep up the good content !
Thanks for your comment! I'll have a look at the balancing of the front tire.
I love to ride my 2000's XL650V and I can see some of your points apply to mine. Some points aren't even a thing like the front brake which is a double disk brake. Had to replace the disk and brake pads and that did cost a whooping 800€ including labour. The filler cap is a bit tricky since you got to push it in and turn the key. And I totally agree with you one the lack of a 6th gear. It really needs one in the gear box and I don't like to ride beyond 120km/h because I always fear the engine will just let lose and spew it's guts right into the cowl.
Nevertheless, I think the Transalps are propably the most stubborn bikes there are. They just won't die if you give them the love and care they need to stay happely reving.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, they could have added a 6th gear, at least between generations. I think you spent too much on the brakes. Brakes are something you can easily do yourself and save yourself some money. I don't think you will blow the engine by doing 120 kph. 😀 The engine is the best part of the Transalp. Although mine gets very thirsty when I keep it high in the revs. But it never overheats or anything like that ...
Holy shit, 800 on brakes!
You wuz robbed, mate.
I always do my own brakes, there's no stopping me now! 😁😜
I've owned my '96 Transalp 600 for a year now. I 100% agree with the wind noise/buffeting, the front brake, the sump guard, and the lack of 6th gear. I'd also add that the foot pegs and rear brake pedal are a bit too small. There is not a lot of room to reposition your feet, and it's very hard to use the rear brake when standing.
I'd also like to add about the wind noise. I've tried a few different things. I tried no screen but the amount of wind hitting my chest made it very hard to ride comfortably. Like you I bought a stock screen which was worse than the tall screen the bike came with. If I duck my head down a few cm from the tall screen, there is silence, and if I stick it up a few centimetres, there is nice clean air. So I bought a deflector, which doesn't really seem to make any difference! I even cut a saw-tooth in the top of the deflector (inspired by F1) which helped cut down some turbulence but it is still bad. I'm considering whether to buy a taller deflector and seeing if that makes any difference. If not then the bike might not suit the purpose I want it for, but I don't particularly want to keep spending lots of money on pieces of plastic which ultimately don't work. I am 185cm so on the taller side.
However, I like my bike, although I do agree it's a bit boring and slow. I describe it as agricultural. Hopefully if I can fix the wind noise/buffeting to an acceptable level I'll do many kilometres on it. And hopefully these kilometres will be trouble free because of how boring and slow it is 😅
Thanks for your comment! I myself have no problem with the pegs. On longer rides, I sometimes put my feet on the passenger pegs, just to put some variation in my body position. Try it. Should be no problem with your height!
As far as how slow it is: I consider it a challenge to keep up with faster bikes by getting on the throttle early, using clutchless shifting, etc. You know the saying "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow". That kind of thing ... 😉
it's a travel bike. you certainly could. use a 6th on the highways but mostly I travel in the old twisties. it is slow comparing to other bikes, but travel is meant to be enjoyable, not fast
Great Video. Owning 2 Transalps1991 & 1995. love the 1991! XL600V´s specs are very close to Tenere 700´s in the 2 cylinders category. And im with you: 6th gear and better brakes = perfect bike.
Suspension update into progressive mandatory.
#10: The Transalp is Europeans KLR 650 (The USAs do it all bike) - they dont have Transalps, we barely have KLRs
I always wondered to what extent the Americans got Transalps. I looked into it, but I couldn't find a satisfactory answer.
I am still debating whether I want to upgrade the suspension, and perhaps the brake lines. I have a couple of bikes, so cost IS an issue. Thank you for your comment!
@@Lowfliers they only had the 1988-1989 model "California" with black engine and rear drumbrake. California had a different airfilter system. Emission regulations stopped out the transalp in USA after that.
If you are on a budget, just get the front suspension upgraded. Best mod. Couldnt feel any difference from steel braded brake lines. But it adds some safety (30 yrs old lines better be replaced)
@@highjeeemel Thanks for clearing that up. There's this famous picture of MacGyver on a Transalp, and that was as far as my knowledge about the US market went. 😂 I believe the brake lines are still the original ones. I also think there are only marginal gains to be had from fitting steel braided brake lines, so I probably won't do that. Suspension upgrades are not cheap though, especially since it's something I don't feel comfortable doing myself (and I would need some specialized equipment).
I wish you the best of luck, man!
Love the dry humor 😂👍🏻👍🏻
Rescued my old Transalp in 2017 from a garage where it stood for 9 years. Renovated, put 5k miles on it and then sold it in 2020, which I regret massively. A great bike, but I also bought a R1200GS and it did similar MPG with more power. At 6 foot 3, the GS is more comfortable…but I am considering picking up and older Africa Twin, or possibly a new Africa Twin Adventure Sport…
I find the GS a little heavy and unwieldy for the real offroad work. I think the Transalp is a little more nimble, or at least it feels that way. I don't have any experience with the Africa Twins ... Thanks for the reply
@@Lowfliers Didn't last long...currently negotiating the purchase of a 1999 :D
Best bike I ever owned, mine was a 87 Canadian model, fitted a Corbin seat because i couldn't an hour on the stock seat.
Seats are a personal thing, I guess, because I don't have any problem with my stock seat. Thanks for commenting!
Guy, you just convinced me. I want one!
I love my Transalp, but I have to agree every of your 10 points.
Your points
1. Agree
2. Place a small wind deflector on they are fantastic only around 20 US
3. Use Castrol Reactive brake fluid , braided lines ( if still not happy fit the latter model front wheel
4 . That’s a small point
5. Not much you can do about that
6. Agree , higher gear it with sprocket set up ( but do understand- the Yamaha XT 660 is the same )
7. That could be a tyre or a tyre balance problem, could also be the head steam bearing or just being a 21 inch front wheel ? or is it 19 inch
8. No much can do about that
9. No much you can do about that
10.looks are subjective
Tried a wind deflector. Didn't work. Might change the front sprocket. Steering stem bearing is fine. I'll just refrain from topping it out. 🤷
Thanks for the comment!
@@Lowfliers no worries
A few hints from me:
#2 - I cut the windsield just above the fairing and it's perfect. To be precise, I cut some junk (a plate from under the car's engine, I think) to the shape, so the mod was free ;)
#3 - I did my share of complaining, but then I did some upgrades (one at a time to see the difference it makes).
First, I put some stiffer (and progressive) fork springs and the brake performance was immediately better since the braking power wasn't wasted on so much suspension compression.
Then, I replaced the brake hose for a braided one and I must say, tha brake is fairly decent now.
I still have crappy pads, but some good, sintered ones are already waiting to be installed, I'm just finishing the old ones off.
#4 - everyone complains on these, but I honestly don't get it. I have two hands, so one for the cap, the other one for refueling. 😉 You may only need to support the pistol's end with your cap hand's wrist to help overcome the hose's pull.
#7 - I have no idea whether this occurs in my bike @160. I have no idea if this bike will even reach 160 😆 All I know is above (GPS) 110 it stops being economical and starts drinking oil. Mine does speedo's 150 without problems though.
Have you checked the wheels and suspension? It may turn out there are some problems there.
I'm suggesting checking (in this order should be the easiest):
- suspension (proper comp/reb damping, even fork height in triple clamps, distortion of the tubes),
- head bearing (too loose / too tight / sticking in the central position)
- suspension geometry (if it's set properly to your weight. It's typical for the rear to hang low)
- rims (not bent, balancing),
- tyres (seating, runout),
- wheel bearings (put your fingers in the axle's place and spin the wheel slowly, you'll feel if they don't run smoothly)
I'd also add two things to the list.
#11 - it's slow on tarmac. 100-110 is a reasonable cruising speed. It's more than enough offroad though and the engine is sweet there.
#12 - too little ground clearance. When the heavy bike starts swinging on the suspension (slow suspension movements adding up) in harder terrain or more aggressive riding in medium terrain, it tends to bash the center stand's mounting points on rocks/roots/uneven surface.
On the upside:
- the center stand's mounting points are disposable for me and they protect the linkage from bashing on things,
- the suspension (I put Valvoline 15W fork oil if anyone asks) works pretty great otherwise. It handles the fast movements (rocks/potholes/etc.) amazingly and handles small jumps with ease,
- I'll have to check on the trails, but after some offroad riding in general vicinity of my house, I think replacing the springs (and oil dedicated to this kit) did the trick.
Thanks for your elaborate comments! I have considered riding without a windscreen, but now I've come to terms with the fact that it is never going to be perfect. I have had the same tips with the progressive forks and brake lines from other people, but I'm not sure I want to put a lot of money into the bike.
Mine doesn't consume ANY oil, and I understand that's quite exceptional. As far as the wobble: stem bearing is fine, wheels also. My solution for now is to refrain from doing 160. 🤷
I don't think it's that slow. When I want to go fast, I make it a game to keep it high in the revs and use clutchless shifting. Usually, I can keep up with faster bikes.
You're right about the ground clearance. Again, that's one of the points where Honda shows that the TA was never meant to be a true off roader.
An interesting video. I can confirm some points, it's like that with the Transalp. I have been riding a Transalp PD 10 for 26 years and have never had a breakdown. The Transalp is a reliable and easy to maintain motorcycle.
Thanks for sharing!
As for lack of 6th gear, i run a 16t sprocket in front which drops the rpm by 500 at 120 km/h.
Downside, more shifts on twisty road's and down on power on heavy incline and when loaded.
I was able to get 360km from one completely full tank down to reserve and additional 55km till empty.
Many have recommended the sprocket change, but I think I will keep mine stock. I avoid riding highways anyway, so ... 👍
Phew thats efficient, i drive 250km to reserve😂
You have a great bike
1. The buffeting can be helped with a lower screen that puts the wind below your neck.
2. Death wobble on many bikes is due to a geometry problem. Add more weight at the front by either leaning forward, rolling off the throttle, or moving the forks up on the triples.
Thanks for the tips!
Front brakes can be improved with steel braided brakelines.
I also only have 1 front brake, but changing the brakelines made it so much better ;)
I just checked and I was surprised to see that HEL Performance DO have the Transalp listed in their database for braided race brake lines! By the way, this is probably the first and also the last time that someone will utter the words 'Transalp', 'performance' and 'race' in the same sentence. 😉 Thanks for the tip!
@@Lowfliers Ohh, HEL performance should be even better than the ones that I have.
No problem, and hopefully you feel the difference as much as I did, or more :)
Maybe a Brembo from a CB500 of that era might improve things too
i have put the HEL steel braided lines on my 1988 transalp and it made a great difference. Especially for the price of 39 euro's it's just a great upgrade.
I Just add one thing, no reserve fuel ligth on the dashboard
I considered that one, but ultimately, I don't mind the system with the reserve petcock. When the bike starts to jutter, I just flip the switch and then I know I still have plenty of time to make it to the next fuel station. Thanks for your comment!
you are hilarious and right about the best bike ever i was and still in love with the 93 one I was deeply engaged with long time ago 💕💕 transalp
I agree re that "lower cowl" - i think that is indicative of what Honda thought of the model and market. As i have said elsewhere and you eluded to, it is not a serious offroader by any stretch, but it is tough and has inherited some offroad capability from the XR, XL, & NX (Dominator) motorcycles of the time. Your fairing and indicators are mounted in the same style as the early Dominators as well...but you didn't get the nice filler cap as later Dominators have.
That nice fairing, albeit prone to damage, is an opportunity if you wanted to put USB and 12V sockets into it, mount phones or GPS units. If done properly, it could be properly modernised in some respects. I agree and do like the look of your bike, but they are a bit heavy and with that beer belly, will bottom out pretty easily.
Ah, someone who agrees! 👍 Thanks for your comments!
@@Lowfliers I owned the three aforementioned bikes and given yours is similar in age and design, it looks like Honda Europe cheated you out of a fuel filler, & bashplate. It is a nice bike nonetheless. That said, they know their market. In Australia, a plastic bashplate would be laughed and cursed all the way back to the factory. Even the dominator, was a pretty capable offroader whist not being something you would jump.
Amen on the plastic panels, I dropped mine while riding on a dirt road and completely broke all but 1 of the fasteners on the left side body panel. Luckily I had a fresh roll of duct tape for a trailside repair!
Same here. At a certain point, the bike just becomes one giant roll of duct tape. 😄
Looks like a fun wee bike, I'll keep my XL1000V for now.
I love the bike, need to get one asap.
for the wobble effect, one good idea might be putting a turning damper on - I haven' done it myself but it might just sort the problem.
Owned my 1998 Transalp 600 since 2002. Love the bike...
I own a ‘91 Transalp and I’ve felt in love since day one. Nevertheless I would have preferred:
- better sit for the passenger;
- 6 gear;
- not a better rear brake but just a normal rear brake;
- 10 horsepower more
Can you share which gps fixation do you use?
I struggle to find a good one for TA handlebar diameter.
Thank you,
D.
Thanks for your comment! My rear brake is pretty decent, actually.
I use the RAM mount that came with my TomTom GPS, and I have attached it to the lower part of the handlebars. It's this one: www.rad.eu/nl/c/p/61900-ram-mounts-u-beugel-stuur-of-rem-koppeling-reservoir-ram-b-309-7u.htm
What do you mean by normal rear brake?
Wow go old school it’s more fun getting lost etc you meet some people you would never have met and find getting in situations that make trailing more adventurous
Is it possible to change the '96 model with a later version fork? One with a double brake disk.
Sure, a 97 or 98 fork should work.
I just love my Transalp ’98, but I can agree with you on some of your points, mostly the lack of a real skidplate but also regarding the windscreen and fuel cap.
Why not just make a metal one .also you can change half if not most off what this guy is complaining about .Some call it making the bike comfortable to you’re liking .peace out
I've been thinking about buying a Transalp as an all-rounder. However, the main thing that has put me off here is the lack of 6th gear.
So my question is, what would someone recommend as close to the Transalp but with the 6th gear ?
The lack of a sixth gear is really only a problem if you're doing a lot of highway miles and you want to keep fuel consumption down. On the street, you will never miss the sixth gear. Most dual sports of the same era will have only 5 gears. If you really want 6 gears, you want to look at something a bit more modern, like a Tenere 700.
You missed CDI boxes on your model.
What about them?
Do all of them still work?
So far, I've had no problems with the CDI units. I know this is a common problem, but I wanted to make an owner's review, and since I haven't had problems with them, I didn't mention it.
I agree one front break is one short on that bike, I guess you can change that one you have today to a steel spun brake hose, it should get you a little better breaking..
Thank you for the suggestion.
@lowlifers
Got one. Love it. I changed the bars and foot pegs. I am slowly making suspension changes. 😎👍🏼
Good on you!
Great Video, Yep ! Good points. It brings back memories :))
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a 1998 Africa Twin, and it also needs a 6th gear. It handles gearing it up on the sprockets easily but then you lose the low gear for offroading, which is annoying
Indeed, changing gearing is always a trade-off. Thanks for commenting!
I have older Transalp, 1990 model. Most of the items on the list I agree. specially the lousy brakes. However, I have no problems with the wind noise. Maybe that's because I'm tall, 196 cm. My head must be above the noisy zone. On my earlier bike, Triumph Tiger 955 the noise problem was much harder. 'Alp' is very nice and reliable bike but I guess I'm starting to lean on that granddad-category.
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I think your head must be above the noise. You would definitely have noticed if you were in it. Don't worry about the bike's image!
I bought a 2003 XL650V in 2006. I noticed the buffeting issue with the windscreen early on. A few years later I spilled petrol on it and it went opaque, and trying to order a new one from the main dealer I found there was a Honda high windscreen for the XL650V too, for very little more cost, so I bought that one instead and the problem ended.
Great for you. I am not sure Honda had a higher windscreen as a factory option in 1996, the year when my TA was made. Wish they had though ...
I have a same transalp , i agree with everything you say about it. I would also add one thing we dont have gasoline gauge ,so basicaly you need to fuel every now and then few liters of gas. Also the original seat is thin and it hurt my balls. (Average weight 90kg 185cm tall) the central stand is dificult to expand. But with all this a side it is great bike of small amount of money
Thanks for commenting! The lack of a fuel gauge is not a problem for me, but, yes, it would have been nicer if it came with one. Also not a problem with the seat. On the contrary, I love the Transalp's "bench". True, these are great bikes.
I own a 94 transalp.the answer to the speed wobble is go slower,if you want speed this is not the bike.a 16tooth front sprocket will make it more economical at speed though.the worst thing about them is all the stuff you have to remove to do any work on them.but they keep going,mines on 60k miles.
Thanks for suggesting the front sprocket! Good idea.
In many cases bikes with a vibration is seen as a bike with character. The Transalp is so smooth so it might be seen as dull but that is far from the truth though. Beautiful bike with much going for it. Probably one of the best everyday and touring type machines out there. Not very fast but GREAT!
You can 3d print the fastening stuts for the fairings and glue them with ABS solved in MEK
Great idea! Thanks!
Agree 100%
Классный байк, таких уже не будет, люблю ретро - мотоциклы, они душевные и надёжные. Спасибо за обзор!
с удовольствием
You can try steel hose and sintere brake pads for front brake. It will make realy big different. I have EBC HH brake pads - realy big difference :-)
Cool, thanks
I own a '91 transalp 5 years now. With some of above points i completely agree (6th gear, front brake). But i still love the bike and not planning to get rid of it. I do have an aftermarket exhaust on it wich greatly increases the fun for me and reduces the feeling of the bike only for old man! Nice video
I also love it! But it's not perfect.
I owned a first generation Transalp in the early 90s and it was a perfect first motorcycle for me. I taught myself to ride on that bike and it never gave me any headaches, despite less than optional maintenance from me. I put about 30K miles on it before selling it to a friend. Regret selling it to this day.
They're pretty cheap on the second hand market, so ... 🤷
@@Lowfliers Perhaps that's true in Europe and the UK, but they're virtually impossible to find in the US anymore. I'm hoping like heck Honda reintroduces a new 650cc class Transalp in the near future.
Have you though about swopping the front brake rotor out for a larger one off of a Honda Hawk gt (NT 650). The Hawk gt only has a single rotor like your Transalp, but it's larger. The whole rotor caliper assembly, line and reservoir may bolt right on. I really can't tell myself because I've never seen a TransAlp up close in the States because they are that scarce here. I always wanted one, though. I do have a Honda Hawk gt which I've own since 2006. Will the 2023 TransAlps be the similar? I doubt it because they ditched the V-twin in favor of a parallel twin. The new ones will be available in the States from what I hear. I ought to fly over to Europe, buy used one and ship it back home.
With a bigger rotor, the caliper construction would need to be adapted as well?
It will be a shame to see the small displacement V twins go. I understand Suzuki is even ditching the SV650. 🤷♂
You could buy and ship an entire container full of Transalps to the US. They are pretty relatively cheap over here.
Thanks for commenting!
@@Lowfliers Barring buying a whole shipping container full of TransAlps, I think I'd settle for another SV. I used to own one (first gen) but...sold it . Figured I'd buy another when the time is right. I guess it's now (or never).
We solved already part of problems described by making alu bashplate , a proper windscreeen etc etc
Good on you! I will publish an update of my owner's experience shortly ...
Fortunately i have a '99 so double disc, I also changed the windscreen with a bigger one
Back in the 90s I had a buddy with a Transalp. I spent some time on it and I really wanted to like it but, the position was ajust a little cramped for my '6-"1 frame.
For me, this is one of the roomiest bikes out there. Strange ...
@@Lowfliers Maybe it's just the way I am made.
Well, I agree on some of items.
No.1 I don't care.
No. 2 I agree it is not goodm but one can replace it by other one for just 80 - 90 euros.
No. 3 - mine is 1997.
No. 4 I think it is great. I always put it on front fork and cables.
No. 5 no significance.
No. 6 sometimes I agree.
No. 7 I never cross 120 km/h so...
No. 8 I bought it with most of them replaces and plastics in rather bad shape.
No. 9 beer belly? You never saw your motorcycle as a bull shaped?
No. 10 I couldn't care less for so called public perception. Public perception is hugely overrated. My Transalp starts almost "on the first tooth", carries me and sometimes my wife, gives us a pleasure, has enough power for my style of riding... who cares about other people perception?
Fair comments; Thank you!
I own a gen 1 transalp 400.. one thing you must say is the voltage regulator.. it lacks proper venting so it runs hot.. a way to solve the problem is to install an aftermarket exhaust.. the stock ecxhaust is too close to the regulator
Thanks for the feedback. So far, I haven't had this problem.
@@Lowfliers it also depends where you live in Greece p.e 37-40 celsius in the summer makes things worst..the previous owner of my bike replaced it at about 70.000km now i am at 78.000 you can easily and cheap install a voltage meter.if the voltage regulator goes bad you will know right away.But don't worry it's a cheap and easy fix.. also do you still have the bike? If yes what ia your milage now?
1998 model 70.000 mls regular maintenance.engine carbs valves never touched.if you want a 6th gear stick another tooth on the front sprocket.owner since 1998.bought 2016 v strom and love it.trany in the garage,find it hard to let it go.my trusty friend
Thanks for the tip of the front sprocket. I might try that!
@@Lowfliers i do that sproket change on my bikes v strom 650 also 1984 vf 1000fe.for me it makes for a better relaxed ride.im not worried about a little power loss.
my transalp went east into ukraine,south as gibraler east to portugal and nord capp norway.that motor never let me down.
@@pujapete3665 Very cool! Thanks for the comment!
Having absolutely NONE of your fussiness nor need to push to top performance limits, I think I would like one of these.
Oh, it's a great bike. Very affordable too. But it's not perfect. No bike is.
I bought my 2009 model as I wanted to be able to handle earthquake and pot holed damaged roads in my country New Zealand better than the BMW road bike I had. I have had it 12 years now and despite being the twin disc model it does not stop as well as my BMW did. I Iove its low down torque and despite demoing the Africa Twin a few years ago I felt no urge to want to upgrade it. With the new Transalp having just been released here a week ago I will demo that as well.
Yeah, the brakes on these 90s Transalps aren't great.
I have had the chance to test ride the new Hornet, which has the same engine as the new Transalp, and I have to say: it's quite the engine! Should be great fun in the new model.
I had a2 transalp. A 600 and a 650. Never had a wobble issue. Check the bearings on the steering, the spokes and the wheels
With some tires it had a few wobbles
Thanks for commenting. The bearings are fine, and so are the wheels. I think it has to do with how the wind wraps around the bike, and perhaps with tires that worsen the situation.
@@Lowfliers tires are a big factor as far as I remember. For example back in the day Dunlop trailmax were the worse. Doesn’t help that it has only a 120 at the back. My tires of choice were metzler enduro 4. I wonder if they still sell them.
@@gennarosenatore2485 I have TKC70s on it right now. Wouldn't recommend. The continuous surface in the middle part of the tire makes it pretty useless offroad, and even in the rain onroad.
Never mind popular perception. You are riding for your fun not for others 👍
True. 👍
I can sign all 10 items...the wind protection bothers me the most. The optional extremely large and ugly windshield was even worse. I havent find out any suitable solution for that so far. I am 183cm tall.
Same problem here! 184 cm tall... But still love my Transalp :)
you probably never will....and thats true for every single touring bike with a windshield i ever had. some worse, some better...none perfect. best solution : less speed an no need for a windshield at all 🤓
Erg negatief, bent u Maarten van Rossem's Belgische neefje😁.
I own a 2000 and i am 1,92 i did all the possible mods, lower wider pegs, bar risers, new foam and Seat cover, high windscreen+ x-creen, heated grips, Zumo xt, Mitas E07's, DID chain+Jet Sprockets. But no crash bars or metal skid plate(unnecesssary weight and added vibrations). Halve the fun of getting An Adv bike is making it your own.
And after all that i can still get 2 more of those for the price of 1 T7.( and it is not personalised yet from the dealer).
And don't get me started on Bavarian Behemoths, you need to take out a 2nd mortgage and turn over your first born just to keep up with maintenance.
I go offroading, touring, vacation and take highways if i must, but i prefer the backroads, green lanes, gravel/sand roads, even muddy ruts our farmers provide for free.
This is what this cult icon was meant for, the first real Allroad, go anywhere do everything reasonably well.
Not to mention the readily available parts, a bicycle mechanic in any small town can fix it.
If you really want to feel good about your purchase, go on North American forums, they will sell their own mother for a genuine Japanese army knive.
Wait a minute, is this click bait, is there a: why i absolutely love my Transalp video coming?
Well played my friend. 😜
From all the "things" he hates, the only real issue is 6th, otherwise it looks like sarcasm to me...colour of the skid plate? C'mon..
I still plan to do a video on why I love the Transalp, yes. But that doesn't take away from the fact that the bike has its flaws. I am aware that you can fix everything with aftermarket parts and hacks, but people interested to buy an original example have a right to know that the standard screen isn't very good, etc. Thanks for your comment, and stick around for the "10 Things I Love" video!
Have mine since 2009 l got it form the first owner it's a 97 model l still want to do 3 things to it put a metal skid plate denali d7 and progressive supspension
Those are the mods to get, yes. Enjoy the ride!
@@Lowfliers have been doing it for the last 13 years😁
Get another front brake metal tubes , it helps a lot . Cap no issue . Speedometer wheel sucks . The seat was horrific and my first and best investment was a Corbin Seat .
Thanks for the feedback!
I ride a kle500 ,#1 metal,#2 same wind noise,#3 not enough bite,#4 normal cap, #5 same and is broken after only 35K km/h,#6 has a sixth but still 110km/h is 6k rpm, #7 riders fault I'd say, #8 all plastics are broken and some bolts are not straight any more,#9 way to thin on the front looking like a dual sport yet it's 200kg ....heavy! #10 same here! Other than that it's a reliable workhorse!
So very comparable then? I guess certain bikes from the same era follow the same formula ... 🤷
@@Lowfliers yeah they do.... I'd say the transalp might be the better bike on the street and the kle better off-road. At the end of the day both do nothing great but they are good enough to daily and having an adventure is right up their alley!
I'm totally new to motorcycles and after getting my license my friend gave me this, just year 2000 version (which is almost the same) to practice. Nice bike but on stock windscreen buffeting is so horrible I do not hear my thoughts and at 100km/h ~60mp/h it sounds like I'm making speed records on salt lake. It is really that bad. Initially, since I'm a noob, I thought there is something wrong with my helmet. And while I'm 5"10 or 181cm, getting on transalp is challenging for me, cant lift my leg comfortably over it. On the other hand, you sit high enough to make significant road presence and I feel safer on transalp than on lower bobber of some kind.
Wind noise is dependent on a lot of factors: windscreen, the shape of the bike, your height, but certainly your helmet also. Some brands are known to be noisier than others. It could also be that your helmet doesn't fit your head properly. But sure, the stock windscreen on this bike isn't very good at higher speeds.
That being said, I assume you're wearing ear plugs, right? To me, this is a minimum requirement and I always assume every biker wears them, but I have found that not to be the case.
You're about the same height as me, so getting on the bike shouldn't be a problem. Remember to bend your knee when you're throwing your leg over it. Make sure you stand parallel (and not perpendicular) to the bike, move your upper body downward and bend your leg at the knee, with your lower leg behind your upper leg. When your knee is over the seat, you can extend your lower leg again. I hope I'm explaining this correctly.
These things will come to you in time. When you're new to biking, a lot of things feel alien and awkward, but you'll get used to them. Over time, you will develop your own way of doing things.
Keep it up. And wear ear plugs. 😉
@@Lowfliers Thank you! Will get me earplugs. Did not know it's a thing.
the Transalp, like any bike, is a compromise. IMHO a pretty good compromise though. interesting in your video that almost the first thing you mention is that it's a 'budget' motorcycle. then you proceed to point out 'flaws' , most of which could be solved by Honda adding or changing components and making the bike more expensive. like the engine guard and front brakes. if you want an aluminum guard and double discs, no problem! just spend three times as much on the ( much heavier BTW ) same year Africa Twin XRV750. I have multiples of both bikes BTW so I know of what I speak.
ps. at least you got a rear disc. in North America we didn't even get that. again, a cost saving measure.
You're right, the Transalp is the result of a compromises, but that doesn't mean it isn't useful to discuss what compromises have been made, so that potential buyers know what to expect. If I owned an AT, I would review that one, but I don't. I have a Transalp, and I reviewed it as it is. I hope you'll understand, and thanks for your comment.
i have a 2000s 650 and i love it but it happens that the rear cylinder burns my right leg and havnt heard anybody else complain about this anyone experience this problem or is it just my bike doesnt like me
Can't say I have the same problem. 🤷 Perhaps reposition it? Good luck!
If Leonard Cohen made a motorcycle video this would be it.
Item 6 - If you ride fast most of the time then raise the gearing a bit - one extra tooth on the sprocket.
Item 7 - Speed wobble. Don't forget this bike has a larger front wheel for off-roading. The dynamics will be different from a road bike front wheel at speed.
Item 11 - Maybe sell this and buy the road version, the Deauville.
Thanks for the compliment (I think). Big fan of Cohen, so ...
Changing the gearing would indeed be my next step. Thanks for the tip.
As far as the speed wobble is concerned: sure, the bigger wheel won't help, but there are plenty of bikes out there with the same size wheel and no wobble, so ...
I don't like the Deauville. ☹️
Just wish they came with the double headlights like overseas
Had my transalp xl650v (2004) for about 1 year now. Only thing I can’t figure out is the mileage on my bike. I normally ride about 200km before I go to the gas station. Maximum of 13 liters will go in at max. Most of the time the fuelmeter will be in the redzone at about 180km which means I ride about 1 liter every 12-14 km average. This seems like alot to me….
The official fuel consumption for the 650 is 5.45 liter per 100 km. In reality, you're probably looking at close to 6 liter/100 km. So yours is still higher, but not that far off. The only solution is to keep a record over several fuel stops and a few thousand kilometers and then calculate the average yourself.
@@Lowfliers out of 25 gas stops I managed to get a average of 1 litre on 13,58 km. I have had times I drive 5,99l in 100km and times I had 7,99 in 100km. This seems okay I assume
@@merijnftw Still a little on the high side, but a lot depends on your riding style I guess. The 600 engine consumes a lot when you keep it high in the revs, like on highways. If you're really concerned about it, you might want to ask a mechanic to have a look. It might be that your fueling is a little off.
I bought a Transalp 650 last year and got 7.5l/100. I know it's not ok so I checked the carburetor diaphragms. They were torn apart. A bought new carburetor diaphragms from Aliexpress(china) for about $10 and replaced them by myself. After that fuel consumption comes to normal.
+
Fuel cap just fits perfect over the fuse box and never falls, is not that hard to figure out.
Don't let hate overtake you!!!
Never! 😉
The death-wobbles is aka a tank-slapper.
I usually close the throttle before the wobble becomes a tank-slapper. 😉
LA MEJOR MOTO DE TODO LOS TIEMPOS , ESTÁ UNIDAD SE LA VE INMACULADA Y MUY LINDAS SUS PEGATINAS, SALUDOS DESDE ARGENTINA 🇦🇷🇦🇷
Got my 1993 Transalp since 13 years now. Great bike overall. Biggest Issue for me is the front break, but on the other hand I develop a very foresighted drivingstyle because of that.
Yeah some consider it boring, but when boring means "It does what you want and doesn't let you down" I'm ok with that. However when you know how to drive that thing... holy moly this bike can go through corners. In the hands of a experienced driver there is nothing boring about it.
I agree with everything you say. Riding it hard by keeping it in the powerband is challenging but also very rewarding. I also like how it handles clutchless shifts, although I try to keep those to a minimum ... 😉
From Portugal I agree with you, but the realy realy bad for me it´s the windscreen, I tried a taller one and like you even worse but ive been trying custom ones I hope i´ll get it right!
I have already come to terms with the fact that it will never be perfect. 😉 Such a shame, especially on long, multi-day trips it can be quite annoying.
Mra touring screen + x- creen, i am 1,92mtr. And slow down, smell the roses,take the backroads.
im 6ft,i made a bolt on perspex section for my screen.experiment.no problems with buffeting. v strom same,tweeks to screen anf fairing stops wind noise buffeting.
@@pujapete3665 Norwegian eh, than you need wind protection more than most of us. Couldn't open the link, Domene du søkte er dessverre registrert og parkert.
But i bet you had lots of fun building your own fairing,👏🇳🇱NL.
I'm brasilian. I have a ténéré 250, my next upgrade is a transalp... for Good safe!!! I write correctly? 😁
Hope you get the Transalp soon! Thanks for your comment. Your writing is fine!
@@Lowfliers Thanks for tour vídeo anda atention. 👍👊
Wasn't the last Translaps produced in 2008. Look at the reintroduced model in 2023. Hopefully that will cheer you up.
I am keeping my eye out for that one. Don't know whether it will cheer me up though. Will anything? 😔
I love mine, i do wish i had a rear disc brake and better brakes overall, wish i had 6 gear, and a tad taller, one last, 10hp more, other than that, i am buying another motorbike, but wont be selling my transalp, ahhit a 90 model.
You're right. For what they are selling, you might as well keep it as a back-up bike or for thrashing about.
the tone of voice of this video is definitely boring not the motorbike. I will use this video when I can't sleep at night, thanks!
I'm going to have to charge for that.
@@Lowfliers you get some pretty stupid comments.its a workhorse.whatever you buy and no mater how much you spend there will be niggles.nothing in life is perfect
@@pujapete3665 My thinking exactly. 👍🏻
@@Lowfliers love you 😂
Barely managed to stay awake till the end of the video. You're doing good work but you could be a bit more dynamic with your intonation and volume. It sounds like you are completely fed up with life, let alone the bike...
Noted!
Wow, owning something for 16 months that was made in 1996 (26 years old) and hating 10 things about seems like being quite ungrateful. It is pretty remarkable that thing even exists, let alone that you may ride it every day. If you got a good deal on it and it and serves you well, just enjoy it and stop looking for hair in the egg.
In those 16 months I've probably put more miles on it than most do in 10 years. I'm not ungrateful, but I'm also not blind to the bike's faults. And I also don't think it's remarkable that it still exists. There are still plenty of these on the road.
@@Lowfliers The question is how many miles you had to start with and how many you put on it. Most cars with 10 years and 100-120k miles are not in great shape. I've seen 5 year old bikes and 10k miles trashed and few that looked good at 60k and even 90k miles. I've ever seen transalp and just heard of it last couple of years.
Single front brake disc... Well, considering that it's not a sports bike and if you do not overload it, then it's just about enough. I own 1997 xl600v and never had a problem with stopping. Maybe if you go for a travel with a passenger and lots of stuff then it's not enough, i don't know, never had a passenger...
Well, it has the longest braking distance of any bike I have ever ridden. So I would have preferred better brakes. Safer that way ... Thanks for commenting!
Sicuramente ha fatto più successo delle ultimi 2...è ancora la più bella....
I can't follow your criticism of the Transalp. I had a raised touring screen and it worked perfectly. I have som bikes through the years. The Transalp is by far the best and durable bike I've owned.
Great that the Transalp works for you. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any wind screen to work for me. I love the Transalp, but it's not without its faults. In these videos I try to give my honest but personal opinion. Thanks for commenting!
Dirt bikes have aftermarket plastic skid plates. Im not sure about your griping but its a Honda and that mesns quality..who is this guy?
The Afica Twin of the same era DOES have an alu bash plate, so I would have preferred one of those.
Do me a favour mate! The bike was designed in 1990
Sure, but many people use it on a daily basis as a fairly modern, practical bike, and I have judged it as such. We're not talking about a 1954 Panhead or something like that ... Thanks for the comment!
Hey, RE not filming the death wobble at max speed with one hand, guess what? You missed out on receiving Americas greatest One Time Award, The Darwin Award. But at least you passed the intelligence test for species propagation potential.
Internet fame comes at a price, a price I wasn’t willing to pay. 😉
Tupperware can be surprisingly strong. But yes , a African twin it isnt
Nagg nagg :) great bike it is!!
Sure is!
Sounds you bought the wrong bike for your demands, that's your problem, not Honda's 😂
Only issue with these bikes, it's this models engine output shaft. Everything else is very good, and reliable, at the expense of being slow. Been working on these bikes for years, they are some of the few true everyday bikes out there, we're you can commute on them on every day, and tour the world on weekends
@Phil Failla yes, super pinion is a very good solution. The shaft is not that good, bikes with this engine(Ta, Africa twin, shadow steed etc) all have the same issue, especially when using narrower sprockets and don't replace the safety on them. Good engines nevertheless
The death wobble.... Change oil in your forks and it disappears.
Really? Good to know. Thanks!
lol. put cap on bars.
The transalp it’s a good bike,you sure aware of that think you dont Like , before buy it, theres plenty of others bikes to look around
It's a good bike, but not a perfect bike. This is what a bike review does: it mentions the weak points instead of saying "buy something else".