Dream Modifications.

[Mudwiz]

You have your TransAlp.

What would you do to it if money (and technical ability in my case) were no object, and why?
The only rules are the bike must be a TransAlp.
If possible, lets also include how much "alp cash" it would cost.

(Why not, I can't do any more work to mine tonight!)

[Mudwiz]

I'd like to keep it "TransAlp", but want to fit emulators and new springs, extra long fork tops, and the time to tune it to work to me.
Should cost about £200 total, plus any fitting work, dependent on fork tops price.

I'd also like to have a proper, eg. WP shock, with more adjustment, fitted with a "chopped cat" exhaust, allowing linkage turn over.
Possibly £500, plus welding work.

Results should be much better ground clearance (+about 30mm), and a much improved "rideablity" to the bike, especially on rough ground at speed.

[alpslapper]

I'd uprate the front forks and change the rear suspension

I'd add spots AND a search light

I'd have a garmin zumo fitted a road book and do a front end cockpit conversion

I'd have those quick release wheels fitted

Touratech or metal mule panniers

Everything on the bike would be stainless steel

Crashbars

theres more, but Ive just checked and have £2.85 in me pocket - I dont reckon Id get much change outa 4/5k for that lot

[alpslapper]

And I'd still like it lowered another inch

[sproggy]

I'd sort the front forks, probably with emulators - they're not bad with progressive springs and heavier oil but there's scope for improvement.
Cost something just over £100 I think? Rear with a Hagon with remote-adjust preload is spot on for the way I ride. Height is good for me - I'm a shortie.

The main thing is more power - I'd like about 20bhp more ideally and another dollop or two of torque. Top speed of about 120mph (not because I want to do that, but so that 100mph cruising is easy for distance work) and better acceleration two-up with luggage so that probably means a 6-speed gearbox to get the top end speed as well as acceleration. Probably priceless.....or........the cost of an F800GS.....Doh......that's not a TA

Better front end bodywork for looks and weather protection - maybe with an adjustable screen like the BMW R1200GS (I've got a screen off my old 12GS in the garage.....). Perhaps twin headlights for the AT look too. Cost maybe £100 for materials but lots of time.

Metal mule or similar luggage with mounting racks - what, £600 new?

Gel seat (rider and pillion - the Mrs finds it uncomfortable after an hour - I can go half an hour longer before getting ar*e ache). Probably £300.

And the conclusion? I've probably got the wrong bike.... But no-one makes my perfect bike (yet) so I'll stick with the TA as it is, possibly with a taller screen for the winter. It's good enough.

[FatFergie]

Tubeless rims.
Better headlight; the main is ok but the dip is pathetic.
Better and adjustable front and rear suspension.
I'd like more power/torque but I know it's not realistic. ie. I wouldn't want to compromise on reliablity or driveability. Maybe a good blueprint and an airbox/exhaust job would give 7 or 8%!
Better front brake but I still wouldn't want a twin disk, a nice opposed piston caliper would do the job.
A little less weight.

[sproggy]

OK, I have the answer. My perfect TA would be something like this:





Let me introduce the Honda Transalp Granpasso. About to be put into production for Honda by Morini........ Can't quite figure out how you'd attach luggage to it, though

I like the 'beak'/headlight/screen arrangement - I reckon that design could work pretty well on a 650TA

[SyRexx]

OK, I have the answer. My perfect TA would be something like this:





Let me introduce the Honda Transalp Granpasso. About to be put into production for Honda by Morini........ Can't quite figure out how you'd attach luggage to it, though

I like the 'beak'/headlight/screen arrangement - I reckon that design could work pretty well on a 650TA

is that a real bike?? O.o

if so I WANT 1

[sproggy]

is that a real bike?? O.o

if so I WANT 1

Yes, all 1200cc and 130bhp of it More info here:

http://www.motomorini.com/arenamorini.asp#novita70

It's pretty much my perfect bike from what I can tell. Oh, questionable luggage capacity aside.

[RickSkye]

I would like to make/have made, aluminium panniers that are made to fit both sides exactly, using up the space that is lost with box like panniers.
They would be stream lined. Size to take a helmet in the left hand one and the right hand one made so that they looked even.

I have been toying with the idea of making them in thin wood sheet and getting a company with a CNC machine to cut out the shapes then get them welded together. I would make them so that a frame was not needed, self supporting.........

OK, I guess you have all lost interest now, I am off to the pub...Hic