Topic: Honda Transalp 600V

[BenelliSEI]

My buddy picked this Transalp up earlier this year. Today my wife and I went for a long ride. She rode my KLR650 (her’s needs new tires) and I took the Transalp out for the first time. Desperately needs rear shoes, but what a nice ride! Anyone else have one?

I expected the Honda VTwin to be smoother running than my KLR single, but truthfully, not much difference. Super quiet, smooth idle.

This might be the last truly perfect riding day of 2020. 70+ degrees and pure sunshine, all day!

[Prospect]

Is that a lower seat on the KLR? How tall is your wife? I rented a KLR while in Chile once. Toured around the Andes near the Argentinian border. I thought the bike is fantastic but I found the seat too high. I'm only 5'6".

[BenelliSEI]

Yes..... it’s called a “Flat” Corbin. My wife has her own KLR650. I lowered it 1.5” and installed that seat. When she uses my bike, I move it over.

[grcamna2]

Benelli,it's nice to see both bikes with racks on the back.I have a welder install side rear hard-bag/pannier racks(Krausers)from an old Beemer Airhead and attach them to my top rack,it really strengthens the whole rack. I have luggage carrying capacity there and up-top.

EditL:Your bike's racks are set-up for hardbags now? Excellent 

[BenelliSEI]

I take the bags off when my wife rides my KLR (easier to swing a leg over). They are a cheaper Givi hardcase, but extremely practical and useful. A few months ago, I bought a new 50’ air hose, complete with Wall mount and reel, at a garage sale. A couple of straps and managed to get it home on the back. Looked like a miniature Fire Truck!

[grcamna2]

I take the bags off when my wife rides my KLR (easier to swing a leg over). They are a cheaper Givi hardcase, but extremely practical and useful. A few months ago, I bought a new 50’ air hose, complete with Wall mount and reel, at a garage sale. A couple of straps and managed to get it home on the back. Looked like a miniature Fire Truck!

Lol  I love being able to haul any stuff whenever I need to,rather than drive the 4-wheel 'cage'..

[BenelliSEI]

Totally agree! It’s unseasonably warm(ish) here today. May squeeze in another ride.

[RAFster122s]

Transalps have a loyal following and are great bikes. The 600 and 650 versions are actually more desirable for off road use despite the improvements...

[BenelliSEI]

My buddy and I pulled the back wheel from the Transalp. He’s bought a set of new tires and the rear brake was totally ineffective. Shoes were not worn out, but truly oil soaked and softened up. Not sure why, the drum area isn’t wet. When we pulled out the drive hub, only 4 of 6 Cush rubbers in their homes.....? He’s order a new pair and shoes. Came apart easily, nice bike to work on.

Strangely, no centre stand (annoying too), and nobody makes one anymore. I had to buy an aftermarket one for my KLR650. I guess an economy measure at the time? I have several extra CB750 stands, so we may fabricate a bolt in mount, if it looks feasible.

[dave500]

nice adventure bikes,between the dominator and africa twins etc honda has made some great off bikes to suit all tastes.

[BenelliSEI]

Agreed! So far, missing two cushion rubbers behind the rear sprocket, a thrust washer under the rear brake pivot, no spring in the rear brake actuating rod, and a newer looking chain that is so short, the wheel is too far ahead and the brake rod is too long (probably why the brake spring is out). This is why some people should not work on their own motorcycles!