Transalp 600

From Honda Trail Bike Wiki

The Honda Transalp 600

[edit] General Info

The Transalp, in the UK at least, has never been a popular bike. In Europe and especially central Europe it has been very popular, as the price has always been reasonable. It has been on the market since 1987 and has only really been through a few changes until the release of the new XL650V Transalp this year. The major changes in appearance was in 1994, 2000 and 2007.

The bike is a 600cc V-twin with an engine that dates from the VT500. The engine is housed in a trail bike frame with long travel suspension and, at least for the pre-twin rotor models, laughable brakes.

It has a fairly substantial fairing and an 18 litre petrol tank which can give 120 miles (200 km) before hitting reserve. It is capable of going off-road although I'd be cautious of riding anything more than the easiest of trails... unmade roads and farm tracks is probably the limit with the 'normal' road biased tyres.

It can cruise at 80mph with a little in hand for overtaking on the motorway... the fairing makes this a very stress free. It says Rally Touring on the side panel which gives you a clue to usage. It's a bike for relaxed A/B road touring and is capable of riding down rough roads on to a rally site. It also makes a great commuter as it is thin enough to get through gaps in traffic and tall enough to see over cars. It also looks physically big enough to scare a lot of drivers into giving way. It is an excellent bike for beginners.

The Transalp XL600V is a very well built bike, made to last and to expect the worst. It has some problems with rust on parts of the frame, but not serious. Also some pitting on the alu rims may occur if not maintained properly.

[edit] Specifications

[edit] Dimensions

[edit] Fuel Tank Capacity

[edit] Fluid Capacity

[edit] Wheels And Tyres

[edit] Maintenance

Limited maintenance needed, recommended to fit a Chain oiler of some sort to avoid a lot of greasy stuff. Also a good Idea to add a mudflap in front of the rear wheel to protect the linkages and rear suspension from mud and water. Change oil, air filter and sparkplugs (4 pcs) regularly.

Brakes |- Brake pads are easy to replace and fit, there is a sliding bushing on the rear caliper that might get stuck. If so replace it (or get a workshop to do it for you, if really stuck). Replace brakefluids and air the brakes regularly (once per year).

Swing Arm |- The aft swingarm linkage bolt might prove very difficult to remove. Do not attempt to remove the swingarm yourself, unless you know what you are doing. There should normally be no need to remove the swingarm. Swingarm has tendency of trapping moisture and water, dry it out and sprauy inside with rust penetrating oil (special type for internal body works).

Chain |- If fitting new chain, cut it and join it again with a rivet link, try to avoid removing the swing arm (aft frame). Old chain you can grind off easily, do not use the rivet/driver tool before you have grinded off the side of the previously riveted "bolt".

Sprockets |- Aft sprocket might be very difficult to remove, The nuts are normally very well torqued and difficult to release, try using a long arm slow motion force, to get them loose. Or get a workshop to do them for you. Good to have relacements available. Last option, grind bolts off at sprocket side (sprocket off the wheel of course, remember to cover the bearings).

Cooling System |- Normally running on very low temperature, and might increase rapidly to 3/4 of high temp, before fan kicks in and keeps temperature steady in e.g. traffic jam situation. It is water cooled and can run all year without problems. Dual radiator system.

Switches |- Light switches that gets stuck can be opened and lubed with electronic spray or similar, that might help.

Extra lights |- Several people have fitted extra fog lights of 2x55w without problems. Can fit below the front fairing or on the crash bar.

[edit] Colour Schemes

Model 1995, PD06, Wine red and Black, Color: NH-343P / Code: NH 343K

[edit] Revisions

Last edited by Idefix 12/11-2007

[edit] External links

http://www.ta-deti.de/ta/ - Lots of info here including faq's. http://www.transalp.org/ - American TA site. Lots of info on maintenance.