Transalp Parts for a new user

[john_aero]

Hi,

Fist to say hello to ye all and look forward to picking your brains with questions.

1991 reg(1989model) Honda transalp 600v for sale.
Givi Top box and panniers. Laser Produro exhaust(original available).New
tyres.New fork spring

Just wondering if there are many users here from Ireland, as I am considering buying a 1989 model Transalp 600v for €800. There are a few parts that I was told need replacing, I got a quote from a honda dealer:

Front Right Fairing €114
Indicator Repay €82.45
1 off CDI Unit €308
Piston Rings €120 while open might do the pistons €220 extra
Speedo Worm gear €28.65

Is this worth the money and the work involved, i dont mind the rebuild but dont want to go over board as honda are charging huge prices for parts. Is there any where else i can get the above parts cheaper and not at honda price tag?

Finally is there any concers or problems with this year and model bike?

John

[Kakugo]

Cheers John. I can offer you my experience.
It's definetely not worth buying an OE indicator relay. I got a new one for 9 Euros from a bike parts shop and it works as well as the original.
The CDI unit is a bit expensive: you may want to source one from the Continent: I've seen new one going on sale for anything between 160 and 200 Euros. Also David Silver Spares is selling brand new CDI units for £89 plus VAT and shipping for you bike as well as piston ring kits... may be worth paying a visit: www.davidsilverspares.co.uk

[john_aero]

sound, i have sent him an email to ask for a price for the parts. i dont want to buy the bike it the parts end up being too dear. would prefer aftermarket parts for some of them. i must do some looking around to see if any one else sells them is there any areas on the bike hat need a good look over when i go to see it?

[Kakugo]

I've bought my 1988 bike used: it's pretty similar to yours (except a few engine parts...) so I'll give you a list of things that might be worth checking out.
Handlebar: must be straight and well planted to the yokes. A loose handlebar is usually a symptom for greater evils (poorly fitted steering bearings, crash damages etc) since it betrays haste or poor mechanical skills.
Wheels: these gold DID wheels are very good indeed but check for loose/damaged spokes and corrosion. At the first occasion strip the tyres and check the rims inside for signs of corrosion. This is particulary true for motorcycles stored in damp conditions.
Carburettors and fuel: one of my "favorite" issues. Chances are they'll need a bit of work. If the bike uses a lot of fuel chances are the float valves need adjustment. This is easily done. Also if the mileage is over 40.000 miles (64.000 km) the jet needles are probably on their way out too. I am currently trying to source pattern parts since Honda genuine carb spares are frighteningly expensive! The fuel tap might be in need of attention but repair kits are relatively cheap and readily available on the Net.
Saddle: chances are the foam is past its prime and this is a true pain in the *** on long journeys. It can be repaired for a reasonable sum or you can fit a gel cushion like I did.
CDI units: they are not as fragile as most people think but they are fitted in such a way that they'll become crushed under the saddle sooner or later. Sometimes they can be repaired but more often they need replacement. The best lasting cure is either to get a CDI holder from a 1993 bike or to reposition them more carefully.
Also check out for rust and other signs of neglect. Oh and don't forget tyres! There are excellent tyres available for the TA nowadays and you won't believe the difference they can make when compared to those old Yokohamas and Dunlops!

[john_aero]

As i was told by the owner, he had a crash on it already so he says the fairing is repaired but as you said handle bars might be fecked up. thanks a million for the help. one of the cdi units is as he states, nearly gone so i would replace that one and try sort them out in a safer place. if it is a bit grubby i was considering getting it cleaned and sprayed. all depending on best price for the bike and condition, i will probably strip bike to bare bones and rebuild it up again and replace and parts i find. i must find out the milage aswell. was told there is new tyres on it and the exhaust is one of the recomended units to replace the standard one.

That list will be great help when i go looking at it. how much are they worth? i will e getting it for €800, £600 with out the work done on it. is this a reasonable offer from the info given?

John

[Kakugo]

I have no idea of how much such a bike would cost in Eire.
I paid mine (1988 model) 750 Euros with topbox and an (almost useless) Givi windscreen. It needed the following to be 100%: new front tyre, new indicator relay, new brake pads, a few new light bulbs and... a very good clean!

[john_aero]

well if you got yours for such a low price and the one i am looking at needs good bit of work done, then i doubt it will be worth it

[RainMan]

Hey John,
My advice would be to walk away, unless you really want a project bike to work on for the fun of it. You certainly won't save any money on this deal, I'd say quite the opposite. If you're interested in this kind of machine I'd be looking at the next Island east, there is plenty of choice in the UK and the cost of VRT when importing a bike similer to the one you are considering is a whopping.......95Euro. As far as your initial question concerning members from Ireland, yes there are loads, from Cobh to North Antrim and from Salthill to East Dublin and everywhere in between, quite a few of us regularly meet up for ride outs, but the real joy of this forum is that the advice is solid gold, have had some invaluable tips from members that not only have improved the bike, but saved me a packet....

[john_aero]

Rainman,

I am from west limerick kerry region, been trying to get in touch with people so once i am ready and road legal i can head out on a few trips in a group. I am just finishng a complete rebuilt of a klx250 and have been made quite a good offer and will cover my costs on it. I am going to try get a provisional licence soon so was looking at a bike i could work on over a month or two till i turn 23 and insurance will be lower. i dont mind working on it, i find it very relaxing after work to spend few hours in the garage working away.600cc might be big for insurance but a kle500 was only €200 more expensive than my klx250 on insurance. the klx was fine its an enduro bike and simple in construction, the transalp probably litle mre complicated, got much better quote on parts from David silver's shop, for e.g. his CDI unit £89, Honda Ireland €308 / roughly £200 so far honda charging over double the price for all the parts.

[RainMan]

I don't think that you could find a better bike for your region than the Transalp, be it for exploring the Shannon estuary up North or traveling across the mountains towards Dingle (whoops sorry, I mean An Daingean) and over the Healey pass towards the rough roads of West Cork, the transalp takes it all in its stride. You are more than welcome to join us on our ride outs, we have people of every level including a few lads new to riding, so you don't have to worry about your level of experience and the pace is always relaxed. I'm still a little worried that you're taking on a bike that has been crashed, fine if it was a slow speed spill and the damage was only superficial, but any front end damage will most likely affect the forks and frame and will really be well beyond economic repair for an 18 year old bike. As regards your insurance I would recommend that you do the new Aon/Axa training initiative, which involves an assessment and grading of your riding skills, this in turn will dramatically reduce the cost of your insurance.