1997 Honda Transalp

**DrDarkMatter** · 2nd March 2014, 08:33

hi guys, I am looking for thoughts and experiences on these bikes. I am riding a 1997 BMW F650ST single Cyl as a commuter from Waikanae to Welly every day. Love the bike but it does have some drawbacks.

Out of the blue I had a chance to ride a 1997 Honda Transalp and absolutely loved it. It was smoother, faster, more comfortable and handling was significantly better than the F650 IMHO.

I am looking for some thoughts and experiences with the transalp please , particularly if you used in as a commuter.

thanks

**Aslan** · 2nd March 2014, 12:48

Paging XPatty aka James R to the courtesy 'phone - he has commuted on a 2006 T/A from Kapiti and clocked over 200,000KM

These machines have a strong following of enthusiasts

**XP@** · 2nd March 2014, 14:51

Hi,
I've been commuting from levin on my 2006 xl650v Transalp for the last 5 years. It's done 210,000kms and is still going strong! I have just replaced the rear shock and some rocker cover gaskets but apart from routine maintenance not much effort. I was on a funduro before the TA and would never go back. Over the last few years iv looked for newer / better bikes but haven't managed to find one.
The 600 you are looking at is a few years older, a Damn good bike, but I would also look at the one in Dunedin it's newer and low kms for a transalp.
If you are interested in looking at the 650 then make Wednesday night free and come along to dressmart tawa where the coneheads play (moto gymkhana practice)

**DrDarkMatter** · 2nd March 2014, 15:11

Originally Posted by XP@

Hi,
I've been commuting from levin on my 2006 xl650v Transalp for the last 5 years. It's done 210,000kms and is still going strong! I have just replaced the rear shock and some rocker cover gaskets but apart from routine maintenance not much effort. I was on a funduro before the TA and would never go back. Over the last few years iv looked for newer / better bikes but haven't managed to find one.
The 600 you are looking at is a few years older, a Damn good bike, but I would also look at the one in Dunedin it's newer and low kms for a transalp.
If you are interested in looking at the 650 then make Wednesday night free and come along to dressmart tawa where the coneheads play (moto gymkhana practice)

awesome, thank you very much. I will look the the one in Dunedin, and will try to get to dressmart

**Waihou Thumper** · 2nd March 2014, 15:33

Nice to hear from a rider that endorses the bike
That one in Wellington looks nice though....Real nice.

**DrDarkMatter** · 2nd March 2014, 15:40

Originally Posted by Waihou Thumper

Nice to hear from a rider that endorses the bike
That one in Wellington looks nice though....Real nice.

ya thats the one I took for a long spin saturday, 10,000 miles on it and I can get a decent trade in on my F650

**Transalper** · 3rd March 2014, 13:42

I also went from a 2000 F650gs to a '96 Transalp and would never go back.
A bit hard to get some parts for the older Tarnsalp now though, carby bits like needles at least.
General maintenance not an issue.

**DrDarkMatter** · 3rd March 2014, 16:17

Originally Posted by Transalper

I also went from a 2000 F650gs to a '96 Transalp and would never go back.
A bit hard to get some parts for the older Tarnsalp now though, carby bits like needles at least.
General maintenance not an issue.

hi, Interesting, so you found you liked the same differences as me or are there others?

hows the gas mileage? I was getting 360...ish before hitting reserve in the F650

thanks

**dino3310** · 3rd March 2014, 16:45

i know a chap in auckland who can get hard to get carb parts

**DrDarkMatter** · 3rd March 2014, 17:06

Originally Posted by dino3310

i know a chap in auckland who can get hard to get carb parts

nice man, I will certainly keep that in mind

thank you!!

**timg** · 4th March 2014, 06:51

I had a 2007 Transalp from new. I did just under 50,000km in the 4 years I had it. These are awesome bikes. Comfortable long distance cruising with great luggage capacity, excellent in back country shingle roads, a bit soft and heavy for some of the more adventurous adventure rides but can easily do it with a bit of care and the right tyres. As happy as in town & commuting. These bikes are great all-rounders. Cheers.

**DrDarkMatter** · 4th March 2014, 08:37

Originally Posted by timg

I had a 2007 Transalp from new. I did just under 50,000km in the 4 years I had it. These are awesome bikes. Comfortable long distance cruising with great luggage capacity, excellent in back country shingle roads, a bit soft and heavy for some of the more adventurous adventure rides but can easily do it with a bit of care and the right tyres. As happy as in town & commuting. These bikes are great all-rounders. Cheers.

thanks mate, just what I wanted to hear lol

there is a stunning 2007 I see in palmy but I dont have the cash!

**Underground** · 4th March 2014, 21:02

Has this one been sold? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=694155776
We had a look at it on the way through to start the tt2000 and it is amazing! absolutely showroom, doesnt even look like its been washed, just polished with a soft cloth! Never seen an adv bike in that condition that hasnt come straight out of the crate.

**gammaguy** · 4th March 2014, 21:24

and the tranny is much easier on chains

ooer that sounds dodgy......

**DrDarkMatter** · 5th March 2014, 06:13

Originally Posted by Underground

Has this one been sold? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=694155776
We had a look at it on the way through to start the tt2000 and it is amazing! absolutely showroom, doesnt even look like its been washed, just polished with a soft cloth! Never seen an adv bike in that condition that hasnt come straight out of the crate.

ya mate, I agree, its almost new, this is the one I have on "hold" while the wife and I are in ...................negotiations lol