Transalp owners - gearing changes

**Beemer** · 10th September 2006, 14:15

Nope, the tyres were actually bought from the motorcycle shop in Levin - and were a lucky accident, happening to be the only tyres in stock that were the right size!

Yes, Andy is hankering to buy a Transalp now, reckons it would replace three of his bikes! Have to wait and see if Santa is generous this year... ha ha!

**Ruralman** · 10th September 2006, 18:21

Oldrider and I had a good ride, (I've just posted a report with pics on the ride/tour report section), and tried our best to finish off our tyres before the Mitas arrive.
I will be interesting to see the variation in mileage we get as I think the roads I am on, lots of hilly stuff, probably have a significant effect on the mileage over and above riding style.

**Transalper** · 10th September 2006, 18:42

Originally Posted by oldrider

Hi Beemer, thanks for the post re Andy's experience with the Mitas tyres.
I presume he knows the importer is in PNorth, so did he get the tyre from them? The reason that I ask is because I am not finding it easy to get them, even from their stated retail outlets!

The guys at DAS, Christchurch usually keep some in stock. If you talk to them they might be able to send one down to you.

And i just got back from a blast from Chch to Greta Vally, to Parnasus and the Leader Valley (a hard out run thru there), to Hamner and back to Chch.
I ran on to reserve at 282.76km and filled when i reached 290.8km taking 14.43litres of fuel.
Based on that its doing about 20.15km/litre on an open road run with some hooning.

**Ruralman** · 10th September 2006, 18:48

Originally Posted by Transalper

The guys at DAS, Christchurch usually keep some in stock. If you talk to them they might be able to send one down to you.

And i just got back from a blast from Chch to Greta Vally, to Parnasus and the Leader Valley (a hard out run thru there), to Hamner and back to Chch.
I ran on to reserve at 282.76km and filled when i reached 290.8km taking 14.43litres of fuel.
Based on that its doing about 20.15km/litre on an open road run with some hooning.

Was it windy up there today?

**Transalper** · 10th September 2006, 19:09

Nope, we got lucky, clear blue sky, no wind to speak of, just a little cool but by no means freezing. Even in the Leader Valley where we expected grit the road was clear.. hence the hooning.

**far queue** · 10th September 2006, 19:09

Originally Posted by Ruralman

Was it windy up there today?

Real calm in Chch all day.

**Ruralman** · 10th September 2006, 19:29

Looks like the rest of this week will be good too - shame when work interferes with good riding days!

**Transalper** · 11th September 2006, 09:20

Originally Posted by Ruralman

Just out of interest what do you take with you to fix a flat tyre out in the wops??

Heres some pics i pulled from the video i made while in the rainbow fixing the flat.

**oldrider** · 11th September 2006, 23:01

Hey there Carl, what is that in there a galvanized flat head clout or a piece of rock chip?
Would a Tyre Pando have sealed it enough to get you home again?
I just can't quite make it out with my old eyes!
What size tyre did you use?
120/80 x 17 or the 130/80 x 17 on the back? they are offering both, I was thinking the latter.
Oamaru Kawasaki dealer Colin Clyne motorcycles didn't hesitate, just said, "You want them, I will get them for you". Customer focus!
I think they have just got themselves a new customer, I was impressed, I don't even deal there normally, guess what happens from now on! Cheers John.

**Transalper** · 11th September 2006, 23:44

I'm afraid it was a nail gone straight in. It made a tear in the tube 7cm long. No tyre panda on earth was going to seal that up.
I think it either went flat just before i stopped or while i was stopped. When i took off again with a bit of gusto, the tyre moved a bit on the rim dragging the nail along turning a hole into a tear. Then i noticed the rear was moving more than expected or than it had been moving on the shingle before, so stopped again and found the lack of air in the rear.
I would think that if i had the valve nuts done up against the rim i might have had my valve torn out too, but i do my nut up against the cap nowdays, since some advice from a trusted source.

I believe i have a 130/80-17 on the rear. At least thats what i wrote in my note book.

**warewolf** · 12th September 2006, 11:21

Originally Posted by Ruralman

I don't do dirt with my T/A (and don't you f'ing dare call them trannies!!!!) - I have a flying KDX for that stuff. I want the T/A for gravel raods and highways

I was thinking, "gravel = dirt", as in "gravel != seal."

Originally Posted by Ruralman

Do you know what mileage the A/T would do?

Hopefully around 5000km on my 640A. That's more than the Metzeler Enduro 3 Saharas did. Clint did better on his 640E.