Honda Transalp 600

[tatters]

I,m currently looking at the pre-2000 600cc models had any one got any experience owning one of theses? What are they like on/off road, and for doing long distances on?
____________________
Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[yen_powell]

I'm a very long term Africa Twin owner (about 15 years worth, 20k miles a year) and I've ridden a few 600 Transalps for comparison, one up they feel exactly the same engine wise, you wouldn't know it had 150cc less, two up they can be a bit slow on the acceleration front.

Off road they are pretty good, barring the easily damaged bodywork. Get this protected and most importantly, get an alloy bash plate and they should be fine off road.

Long distances are really what they are designed for. You can do all day at 80mph (about 6,000 rpm). The seat is much better than the Africa Twin. My mate fitted a sheepskin to the seat and took his to Morocco. I've seen pictures of him riding across the dunes at Erg Chebbi, plus him digging it out when he got stuck, he had no complaints about his or his girlfriends Transalp off road there.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[cimbian]

I'm fairly new on a 2001 650 TA so not a direct comparison but a couple of hundred mile stint (a tankful) and no numb-bum. Top-end for distance maybe 70-75 MPH. Carries loaded panniers well.

Had mismatched rubber when I bought it and changed to a pair of Anakee 2 and now very sure-footed. Not yet tried with a pillion.

Handlebar vibration was quite bad. Replaced grips with new rubber and now fine (also filled the weight are with silicone and re0inserted the weights).
____________________
22PlusY
Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
Bearded, Balding, Born again Buddhist Biker

[yen_powell]