But it's a Honda! No doo rag here!
I was keeping my eyes peeled for a dual sport like a DR350SE to use as a second bike and while I finish my engine project on the 500 Four. Having learned as a kid on a DR125 I was partial to Suzuki dual sports and craved the one cylinder simplicity and tractor like reliability these. This Honda Transalp came up on craigslist a while back for what seemed to be dirt cheap. I couldn't resist the temptation to go check it out.
It turns out the owner was a high school kid who really had no idea what it was. In the US the transalp is a rare bird, having been imported only in '89 and '90. This one's in okay shape. It runs amazingly well but the rear brakes are sh&t and the body work is a little shabby. I'm going to spend a little time reparing some body mounts and I have to fix the turn signals. The black paint is a hack job but I kind of like it. It suits the beast.
I am thoroughly impressed with the way this thing runs and handles. It starts up immediately even in sub 35 degree weather and idles perfectly. The supertrapp muffler sounds great. On paper it's 50 horses, pretty close to my 500 four but it feels much faster. It's got more torque.
It's not pretty but my is it a fun bike. Now I'll be able to ride first thing this spring even if I haven't finished my 500 engine. It's funny. This transalp is big, faired, watercooled, from the 80s, all things I thought I'd never want! But it's a great bike and I'm looking forward to using it more. It's starting to get cold here.
I may buy the Givi windshield, a better seat, and some luggage stuff for it. Either the original rear rack or something homemade. I may sell the thing after a year if my vintage projects come along. We'll see how I feel about it.
Anyway that's it I thought I'd share.
CHeers
Jeremy B
