Another (or third) Newbie

[CAD]

Howdy from Finland! Seems like there are other foreigners too, so I dare to open my mouth

I have been riding bikes for 25 years - so far street-ones. My "main-bike" is LT-Beemer but to be honest - it has limitations. Weight and size has its downside also. So I have couple of years been every now and then been searching something more multipurpose and versatile (second) bike.

Last week I was offered 2006 TransAlp at Very Reasonable price (divorce and need for cash ). Bought the bike without seeing it. Just read few articles from the net and decided that this seems to be just the bike I have been searching for. It appears to be technically quite basic/simple and trouble free. I also like to maintain my own bikes - so "old fashioned" techniques is more than welcome. And as this will be the "light bike" for commuting and some offroading, I don't want to spend that many hours doing maintenance - or even repairing it. I trust TA being the answer to many wishes. So far I haven't even seen the bike - looking forward to get it "home".

I do know that the bike is basic - out of store. Just maintained and driven. No extras or farkles. Now I am asking is there some "absolute must" modification or accessories to be purchased?

At this time of the year you don't (in general) drive bike in Finland. So I do have couple of months to get to know the bike and do possible modifications.

Seppo

[Lutin]

Hello and welcome to the site.

As far as essential mods go, I suppose it depends on what exactly you will use the bike for. As for me, I would consdier a Scottoiler to be fairly essential - it doesn't mean that you can forget about chain maintenance, but at least it takes the chore out of keeping it lubed.

You will tell us all what you think of your new purchase once you get your hands on it, won't you?

[samben]

i would get a set of crash bars. you only need to drop the bike off the side stand and they will have paid for themselves.

[CAD]

Thanks. Keep those recommendations coming...

[idefix]

Hi and welcome neighbour (norway here), well you definitively need crashbars (Transalps are known for falling over .. he,he. Heavier than you expect once it starts to topple and you are standing still. However great once started rolling. Avoid that front brakedisc lock, easy to forget ..

I went for the pro-oiler, still fitting it. Ordered over internet from belgium, and the price not that bad. This one is electronically controlled pump device counting revolutions of the wheel .. i.e. no density problems. (do a search at google).

A top box is nice to have to put some stuff, I lately invested in some small E21 (21 l) Givi panniers/sidebags for a bit longer journeys.

some extra lights just under the fairing (fog lights) would be a good idea to improve visibility by other motorists ..

And that centre stand is great when doing any servicing ...

You did a good choice an excellent bike on narrow curved scandinavian roads, i have only been driving for a year, but very happy with mine. But, it is not a speed bike. I like the V 2-cyl solution, gives nice braking on the gears ...

You will get much good advice on this site, welcome.

Havard

[MCsanandreas]

Scotoiler and crashbars very good idea. had scotoiler on my bike when i bought it very good idea.

crashbars are next.

and topboxes(ugly ugly things!!) very useful too if its the bike you will use most.

[Lutin]

Silly me, I forgot about the topbox. The big ones are, I suppose, the most useful - but they are not the prettiest things on the planet.

[AIRWOLF]

Hello and welcome CAD.
Crashbars -- topbox -- scottoiler -- centre stand.

[FatFergie]

Hi CAD, Hyva Joula (did I spell it right), I'd put a scottoiler with one of the extra capacity resevoirs on the top of the list if low maintenance is important.

[CAD]

Hi CAD, Hyva Joula (did I spell it right), I'd put a scottoiler with one of the extra capacity resevoirs on the top of the list if low maintenance is important.

Almost Perfect! And the very same to you - and very Happy new Year!

That Scottoiler seems to be on the "toplist". So I must start tracing one!