Alp 700 Wheel Corrosion

[iainnic]

Just looked at the rear wheel on the Alp and there's the tell tale signs of pitting even after three months ! Washed, polished and looked after - still seems to be corroding !

Anyone else seen this or is it a fault ?

Iain

[StumpyFingers]

I think I have read somewhere about this symptom which was sorted by Honda under warranty, but it does seem to be more common than it should be.

[Dan 78]

I've had my Alp for just 4 weeks or so from new now and the spokes of the rear wheel are looking like going the same way..! The front wheel was damaged on delivery, so another one is on order, but now the rear wheel is causing concern.

I originally thought it would be just chain lube depositing onto the wheel, but after an hour of scrubbing with engine degreaser and solvol, very little if any improvement.. The rim is still like new, but the chrome spokes are like a bike five years its senior..!

Anyone else's thoughts or comments would be much appreciated.. If there's some wonder cleaner out there, I'd love to know, otherwise its gonna be another trip to the dealer..!

Cheers, Dan

P.S. Still glad I got in before that HUGE price increase..!! Painful..!

[iainnic]

Just cleaned the bike down throroughly and it's only the rear that is pitted - and like yours Dan the spokes look galvanised !

One to phone into the dealler !

[sporlan66]

Had mine since March first,and they're going the same way as others,as Iainnic says they've got a galvanised look to them.Front spokes are perfect.I do hope my choice of Alp over Versys isn't about to bite me in the arse.

[MIKE67]

I have the same problem with the back wheel and i have contacted honda and have been told to take it to my local honda shop to be assessed and then they will contact honda about the wheels. so the 700 is going in on sat for them to have a look will keep you posted.

[iainnic]

Just had the call from Honda - the new wheel arrives tomorrow and swapped under warranty !

Taking the opportunity of swapping out the "deathwings" for some Tourance (old model at the deallers recomendation - not the Exp as !)at the same time as off to the Alps in 4 weeks and scred myself sh*tless last year on the deathwings !

[rlkat]

Why is it that Honda still can't sort this problem even after all the years of Transalp production?

Rob

[Agent Orange]

Are they changing the wheel like for like? I hear this is a common problem with the 700 wheels, I am having the same issue. If Honda are replacing the wheel with the standard item, I expect the same problem will happen again. The only real fix would be to have the OE spokes replaced with stainless steel ones.

Last time I was at the dealers, I had the opportunity to have a good look at their demo machine, which of course it not the best looked after machine. The spokes had gone as well as the fittings on the brake hoses and several other fasterners. The quality of some of the parts is more like that of Kawasaki rather than Honda's high standards. If they are not careful, Honda could end up losing its legendary build quality tag.

But still, it is an enjoyable bike to ride and suits my needs perfectly. Just need to replace some of the poor quality parts for better ones.

[Ryan]

When I got my TA both wheels needed replacing. I got two new ones from part searches for £80 each. I coated the nipples on the inside with a wd40 watered down waxoil solution so it would penetrate then seal. I then used the waxoil alone on the back of the rim under the tape and on spokes and rim outer. It lasts extremely well if you leave it and dries clear. Mine are still mint and I do large mileage under varied conditions.