Transalp at 6000 miles, now 14370 miles

[Pete Rock]

yes, why not? My Transalp´s got right to a review of her own, like the exotic and beautiful Aprilia, the ugly V-Strom and the dragster Bandit.

It has recently accomplished 10000kms - 6250miles, and has done it during this ride

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/PeteCosta/16-07-2005/16-07-2005029.jpg


She has gone through 3 oil changes, the first one at around 580 miles, the second one at 3550 miles, and the third at 5850. I used Castrol GPS, in the first two, but in the third changed to Silkolene Semi Synthetic, as I read here it would smooth the gearchange, I am not sure it did, maybe a bit, or maybe I´m just getting smoother, but the engine is smooth and I don´t care wether that´s up to the oil or the end of the break in.

The only time she went down was when riding in soft sand, and it was simply me being overconfident and not concentrated, no harm was done except for a sandy chain that I didn´t really enjoy cleaning.

I had one front disc changed under warranty, but am again hearing a soft ps ps ps ps sound as if the pads are touching the discs and these are warped, but the brake feel is smooth and the power hasn´t faded, this isn´t worrying me much.

Changed the Trailwings for Tourances, the rear lasted a bit over 5000 miles, and would last more, I didn´t think it was worth risking and changed them, the Tourances are better on tarmac but only adequate on hard dirt and rocky trails, they seem soft on rocks and I try to avoid sharp ones.

During the first or second rideout with the Tourances, I found that the Givi engine bars touch the ground when cornering, it was on a bumpy corner so it might be harder to do on a smooth one, still, the bounce it originated was a good moment to look back on:lg:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/PeteCosta/02-07-2005/02-07-2005001.jpg



The fuel consumption is between 5 liters/100km and 5,9. Changing according to if the tank is spent on a single ride, if giving it some stick or mellowing allong, or used to commute. I think it drinks more when doing trails but that´s obvious since the speeds are a lot lower and a lot of time is spent stopped.

I think the fan came on only twice, once when in traffic, I was filtering in first and sometimes second and it was probably hotter than 30ºC and the other time was when on a very rocky slow track. It sometimes creeps up a bit when doing trails since I use first gear a lot in the tight sections.

It cruises perfectly comfortable at 80 or a bit more, starts to creep up at 100, but I rarely do, I like to keep it slow at motorways, find it more relaxing and it suits the bike better since I enter the motorway with the engine not fully warm yet. I notice that after a blast on a motorway the gearchange is smoother in the low gears, don´t know why. It likes to be revved hard on a tight section of road I know, just like a supermotard, using second gear from turn to turn, feels great doing that. The engine is also very friendly (some call it boring) and tractable on dirt.

I am enjoying this motorcycle and quite like it, it´s treating me well and dealt fine with what I wanted her to do, only had to turn back on trails three or four times, the other times the track ended and I wouldn´t create new tracks unless on a beach even if riding a motocross bike. It´s heavy offroad and hard to turn around on single track, but it´s also stable on speed so it´s a trade.

One thing I´ld like is a taller height of the hand grips, so that they could more easily pass over more car mirrors more easily. Sometimes the traffic here is so tight one can´t move even on a bike, that´s when a 21 inch wheel comes handy, on curbs and jumping steps. I once was between cars behind a dude on a Cagiva Navigator sitting at a stop light, we couldn´t moove because the cars were too close together and this dude just wheelied his bike on first gear taking the bars over the mirrors of the cars in front, if not with the front wheel on the air he couldn´t have done it, I got jealous that time, more of his riding than the bike though.

I like the Transalp, it´s as fast as I can probably cope, and inspires confidence in me :XTmotard:


oh, forgot this, a proper pic

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/PeteCosta/11-06-2005/11-06-2005001.jpg

[monoi]

Is it me or does it look like a pegaso from this angle ?

[Pete Rock]

Is it me or does it look like a pegaso from this angle ?

it´s you :mad:

[monoi]

:ljl: but seriously, it does. Its a compliment in any case !

[yen_powell]

You're right Petey boy, there's far too much Suzuki at x mileage stuff on this site. I too intend to join in. I'm in the middle of writing 'Africa Twin at x miles'. Watch for it.

[Pete Rock]

Watch for it.

you know what unfinished report I´m going to mention now don´t you?

[yen_powell]

you know what unfinished report I´m going to mention now don´t you? I know, I know. Must scan my poo chart. I kept a diary of my toiletting and drew a daily graph of solidarity. I want to include that don't I. ;)

[Pete Rock]

I want to include that don't I. ;)

;) ? ;) ?

don´t you ;) me, just post the damm report:mad: if knowing how many times you took a dump is the price to pay, so be it

[modrover]

Nice report ROCK. I think you've got the right bike for you. I sure sounds like it anyway. :ys:

[XTreme]

Nice report Pete! :)

[boboneleg]

Well done Pete, I've just put 2338 miles on mine in 10 days. No bother whatsoever. ;)

[Falp]

Nice review on your (our) :cool: Transalp...

Mine has 9300km now, and fuel consumption is about 6 to 6.5 (allmost city traffic).

Stock tires, front is very good, rear maybe at 1/3 to 1/2 wear...

[Pete Rock]

Nice review on your (our) :cool: Transalp..



Another Portuguese, cool


welcome, join in mate

[modrover]

No... not another one. :da919:

[Falp]

And hoping to do 10000km today! :ljl:

I'm thinking a rear Metzeler Tourance is coming sooner than I was hoping...:r7:

I adjusted rear suspension to max and improved handling, may drop just a little for the bumps..

[Pete Rock]

mine´s been standing still and quiet for one month, tomorrow she´ll rumble :aws:

[Buckster]

mine´s been standing still and quiet for one month, tomorrow she´ll rumble :aws:

That will be the main bearing.

[Renegade]

That will be the main bearing.


Or his stomach :poop: :unsure:

[Pete Rock]

you´re both :twat:

[Renegade]

you´re both :twat:


:bleh: :rofl:

[Pete Rock]

:bleh: :rofl:

this is a great forum isn´t it?

[Renegade]

this is a great forum isn´t it?

The best mate :smile:

[XTreme]

The best mate :smile:

ButtRock's your best mate? :o:
Dipper's gonna take this bad you know! :cool:

[Pete Rock]

here´s a shot on you guys :bc:

[Renegade]

ButtRock's your best mate? :o:
Dipper's gonna take this bad you know! :cool:

I love everyone :bleh:

[XTreme]

We'll meet up when I get out that way Pete. Weather permitting! :ljl:

[Pete Rock]

We'll meet up when I get out that way Pete. Weather permitting! :ljl:

where you´ll be living, the weather´s always gonna permit, I´ll be making a visit for sure

[XTreme]

where you´ll be living, the weather´s always gonna permit, I´ll be making a visit for sure

Nice one Pete! :aws:

[Pete Rock]

I´m half drunk now, so it´s all gonna be peace and love until tomorrow :cla: :cla: :cla: :cla: :cla:

[Falp]

:ljl: :rofl:

[Renegade]

:ljl: :rofl:

Must be a Portugeezer joke ! :fre:

[Pete Rock]

Must be a Portugeezer joke ! :fre:

my guess is that he was also under the influence

[Falp]

my guess is that he was also under the influence

Nop, but in 1 or 2 hours from now maybe...:cool:

[Renegade]

Go for it you Portugeezers :bc:

[Pete Rock]

not me, not today

[Falp]

Beer...? Naaaah...:cool:

[Pete Rock]

O que é que se bebe aqui?

[Renegade]

O que é que se bebe aqui?


Oh shit !! here they go :ljl:

[Pete Rock]

Licor Beirão :cla::cla::cla:

[Renegade]

Licor Beirão :cla::cla::cla:

:unsure: :yen:

[Pete Rock]

http://www.der-portugiese.de/grfx/Produkte/1-14.jpg


it´s a soft smooth stuff, but fun after a bottle

interesting how my threads always get offtopic innit?

[Falp]

10000km on my Transalp today...:cla:

And a few light rain drops in the morning...

[Pete Rock]

10000km on my Transalp today...:cla:

And a few light rain drops in the morning...

:cla:

[Suzuki Al]

Good report Pete.

We need more owner reports, then people who visit the site can get a feel for what bike owners think.

For what it's worth:
I think that the TA's strongest card is its do everything robustness. It has a dependable, untemperamental quality that is pretty well unique amongst today's bikes.
This is something to do with having one of the best bike engines ever beneath the fuel tank.

[Falp]

How about trading my 2002 Transalp for a BMW 650 GS, would it make sense? :cool: :r7:


Other options, with no more weight and more power... TDM?

I don't like the V Strom looks...

[Pete Rock]

doesn´t your Transalp have about 11000kms?

[Falp]

doesn´t your Transalp have about 11000kms?Around 10400 km... :cool:

[XTreme]

How about trading my 2002 Transalp for a BMW 650 GS, would it make sense? :cool: :r7:

None....the Transalp is far superior.

Other options, with no more weight and more power... TDM?

That's a good bike....but I just didn't like mine.


I don't like the V Strom looks...

That's the bike to replace the TA....but take a long, high speed testride first to see how badly the turbulence affects you.

[Pete Rock]

Around 10400 km... :cool:

so I guess you´re just looking for something cooler?

an Africa Twin is my vote, but you´ld probably have to get a bike with more miles than the one you have now

I´m out of choices then except: a new Transalp?:ljl:

[monoi]

I saw the new Aprilia pegaso strada at the dealer yesterday....I think its very nice, certainly does not look as dated as the AT :cool:

There was also their Tuono demo bike...might have to give that a try....

[yen_powell]

certainly does not look as dated as the AT :cool:

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

[Pete Rock]

I saw the new Aprilia pegaso strada at the dealer yesterday....I think its very nice, certainly does not look as dated as the AT :cool:

:nonono:

[monoi]

Well, the Africa Twin is a nice bike, but it doesnt do it for me anymore to be honest. 20 yrs ago, sure.....but now you have this...http://www.aprilia.com/models03/adventure/dati//foto_mod_pg_753_1113991842.jpg

:ys: :ys: :ys:

[Pete Rock]

why is my serious Transalp (almost VStrom forum serious) report being hijacked by pictures with Aprilia´s 10 year old bike with new supermoto wheels?

why? :nonono:

moderators, do the thing

Monoi, prepare to pay :aws:






sorry, just a slow boring Friday taking it´s toll

[Pete Rock]

...but now you have this...


and it´s cruel showing such a blue sky to the welsh :rofl:

[yen_powell]

and it´s cruel showing such a blue sky to the welsh :rofl:
They think the sky is a huge grey bowl supported on the shoulders of four tortoises, swimming in a sea of leek soup.

[Pete Rock]

Just a slight update on my bike´s review


it´s now got close to 10000 perfectly reliable miles, yes, it´s a boring bike :smile: . Did over 1600 miles last weekend and didn´t miss a beat.

New complaints are about motorway cruising lack of power, but then again, a Paneuro wouldn´t like those trails I followed Pete on, would it?




And Pete, it´s dirty

[XTreme]

And Pete, it´s dirty


Medic! Medic! :da919:

[Pete Rock]

Medic! Medic! :da919:

do you remember how it was in La Manga? it´s on a totally different level now :cool:

[Suzuki Al]

TAs are great bikes and I cannot see that you could get anything with more integrity.
I remember posting, some while ago, that you could make a case for it being the best bike in the world - if the measure is reliabilty and fitness for purpose.

If you are after more speed and style, then there are plenty of choices, but whatever you got, you would not be getting a better bike.:lg:

[Falp]

My Transalp is having the 12000km service today and a new rear 130/80 Tourance...:cool:

Decided 2 weeks ago not to trade it for a 3400km :da: TDM900 for just a few more money...:da919: We'll see in a year or so..:bc:

[Suzuki Al]

My Transalp is having the 12000km service today and a new rear 130/80 Tourance...:cool:

Decided 2 weeks ago not to trade it for a 3400km :da: TDM900 for just a few more money...:da919: We'll see in a year or so..:bc:

Good decision. In time you'll be mature enough to see through the BS certain people talk and get one of these:

As comfy and reliable as a TA and it will eat TDMs without exceeding 6000 of its 11000 rpm, stay with pretty much anything on the road and all for the price of a Honda CBF600:

http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/files/images/Bandit_1200SA_K6/520_1200S_02YKZ.jpg

[XTreme]

OMFG he's off again! :da919:

[Suzuki Al]

OMFG he's off again! :da919:

Draw the curtains, take an aspirin and lie down with your teddy Pete.
Only a year before Euro 3 comes in and then there won't be any scarey B12s to keep you awake at night.

Falco's young with fresh blood in his veins, he'd have a great time on a proper bike :ys:

[Falp]

:unsure:Good decision. In time you'll be mature enough to see through the BS certain people talk and get one of these:

As comfy and reliable as a TA and it will eat TDMs without exceeding 6000 of its 11000 rpm, stay with pretty much anything on the road and all for the price of a Honda CBF600:

http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/files/images/Bandit_1200SA_K6/520_1200S_02YKZ.jpgThanx, but no thanx...

Trails or pseudo-trails only, please... :lg:

That looks like a CBF600...:da919:

371€ for the service...!!!:o: :unsure: :da919:

[Suzuki Al]

That looks like a CBF600...:da919:


Wrong :smile:
This looks like a CBF600 - the new CBF1000:



http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/2006/gallery/cbf1000_2.jpg

[Falp]

OK... so that Bandit looks like a CBF1000... :ljl:

Advantage to both CBFs...

[XTC]

So what's the fuel range of the Transalp? I might consider one of these next.

[R M]

The transalp fuel gauge is notoriously dodgy - for 100 miles it doesn't move from full, the next fifty miles see it drop rapidly to a quarter of a tank, 150 to 175 miles and the guage drops to empty and then you can get another 25 miles. The reason for this unreliability is the shape of the fuel tank which is narrower at the bottom than the top.

When we started riding the transalps Nikki and I would wait until 190 miles to fill up.

Whilst touring we got into the habit of filling up at 150 miles or thereabouts.

You can get 205 miles out of a tank - I did - just. When we started touring I ran out of fuel at 176 miles.

Riding style and weight carried will make a difference. My bike was carrying more weight and when we came to fill up I regularly needed one litre of fuel more than Nikki. The times when we rode the bikes unladen our fuel economy was almost the same so it wasn't down to riding styles.

Fuel economy with luggage >50mpg.

[Pete Rock]

Fuel economy with luggage >50mpg.

that is very good, are talking about cruising on the motorway or back roads? What speed were you guys cruising on motorways?

[Falp]

that is very good, are talking about cruising on the motorway or back roads? What speed were you guys cruising on motorways?

I make 200 to 240 Km on one tank, never more.

a minimum of 5.5L/100km in the city and about 8L/100km (máx) in the highway.

1 ou 2 more than a F650gs..

[R M]

that is very good, are talking about cruising on the motorway or back roads? What speed were you guys cruising on motorways?

We typically took quieter roads and stuck to the speed limits. Sensible riding, not really racing around like you young kids!

From memory I think we tended to be at 4,000 to 5,500 rev's.

On the motorways at 130km/h the fuel economy dropped below 50mpg with the rev's at circa 6,500.

Putting in 15 litres after doing 165 miles would give 50mpg.

15 litres / 4.546 gives 3.3 gallons
165 miles / 3.3 gallons = 50mpg.

[R M]

I make 200 to 240 on one tank, never more.

a minimum of 5.5L/100km in the city and about 8L/100km in the highway.

1 ou 2 more than a F650gs..
Falp

I can't work out your figures. I don't think you are getting anywhere near emptying the bike and then filling it up completely. The tank has 16 litres plus three and a bit in reserve. On occassion Nikki and I put in over 18 litres of fuel but usually put in 15 to 17 litres.

240 kilometres / 1.6 gives 150 miles. This seems low for one tank of fuel (i.e 15 to 17 litres).

Out of interest, how would you describe your riding style?

[Pete Rock]

The thing that freaks me out on the Transalp´s fuel needle is that it get´s past the lower possible on the empty scale and you still have over 3 liters, but by then it´s really hard to tell if you still have those 3 liters. I highly dislike it :ljl:

[Falp]

Falp

I can't work out your figures. I don't think you are getting anywhere near emptying the bike and then filling it up completely. The tank has 16 litres plus three and a bit in reserve. On occassion Nikki and I put in over 18 litres of fuel but usually put in 15 to 17 litres.

240 kilometres / 1.6 gives 150 miles. This seems low for one tank of fuel (i.e 15 to 17 litres).

Out of interest, how would you describe your riding style?

I put about 19 L when I get near the end of the Reserve...

My riding is medium to sometimes quick, not more, I have a trail and that's what's all about. :smile:

In the highway (recent and rare) it has been fast because after 6 months in the city commuting only I had to stretch the bike engine and exhaust a little... after a few kms it's has been easier to go up the revs, it needed.

[R M]

Hi Falp - just spotted that you are in Lisbon.

Mmmm, sitting in traffic in Lisbon not really knowing where we were going... ahh "fond" memories. When Nikki and I were there we took two attempts and lots of kilometres trying to find the Decathlon store. I now understand your relatively poor fuel economy.

We loved the aquarium in Lisbon and spent about five hours there. It is well worth a visit. When we saw that big bridge ( I forget what it is called) I said to Nikki when we leave we are going over that. We did and it was massive.

[Falp]

Hi Falp - just spotted that you are in Lisbon.

Mmmm, sitting in traffic in Lisbon not really knowing where we were going... ahh "fond" memories. When Nikki and I were there we took two attempts and lots of kilometres trying to find the Decathlon store. I now understand your relatively poor fuel economy.

We loved the aquarium in Lisbon and spent about five hours there. It is well worth a visit. When we saw that big bridge ( I forget what it is called) I said to Nikki when we leave we are going over that. We did and it was massive.
You just need to ask someone where it is...:ljl:

A new Decathlon store opened near me a week ago... bought a pair of boots there to ride the bike... :cool:
I live in Almada, in front of Lisbon, in the other side of the river next to the old bridge.:smile:

[fazerider]

why is my serious Transalp (almost VStrom forum serious) report being hijacked by pictures with Aprilia´s 10 year old bike with new supermoto wheels?

It`s not 10 year`s old,the new Aprilias have the Yam XT660 motor and are totally new.

[Suzuki Al]

I've said before, the TA is probably the best bike on the road, if reliability and functionality are the criteria. If you HAVE to have a bike that WILL get you where you're going, no matter where that is - there is nothing better.

[oldrider]

I've said before, the TA is probably the best bike on the road, if reliability and functionality are the criteria. If you HAVE to have a bike that WILL get you where you're going, no matter where that is - there is nothing better.

Geeeze Suzuki Al you will just have to stop all this praise of the T/A, it's so true and excites me so when I read it.

My T/A does 365km per tank give or take a couple depending on how I have been riding it.

Mrs O'rider and I do a lot of two up and loaded (the bike) riding. 45ltr box on top with two x 21ltrs on the sides.

When I am on my own I like to give it a bit of stick on both gravel and tarmac.

I was a bit concerned that my fuel use was a bit high but reading earlier posts on here I don't think I have any worries.

My last bike was a ST1100 Honda Pan European (Last two actually) and that was extremely economical even at 100mph cruising two up.

It's harder to ride at speeds over the 100kph limit here these days as Plod has been given orders to spoil our day if we are caught. Damn!

You are right though Suzuki Al, I agree with you that the T/A is a very very good and under rated bike. Especially out here in NZ. Cheers John.

[Pete Rock]

My T/A does 365km per tank give or take a couple depending on how I have been riding it.

How many liters do you put back in after 365kms? That´s a whole lot of kms

[R M]

365kms seems high to me. Do you do that regularly? Do you carry fuel with you / do you run the bike completely empty?

The highest mileage I dared go to was 328kms once. I wouldn't be confident if I made a habit of going beyond 300kms without filling up.

[Falp]

My average is really 220~230km in everyday commuting...

Mininimum 200km on highway fast driving, maximum 240km.

Never took the TA for a big ride...

[oldrider]

How many liters do you put back in after 365kms? That´s a whole lot of kms
Hi Guy's, that mileage is to tank empty.
I carry a little 5ltr plastic can in the Givi 21ltr side box. Could put one in each side and have an extra 10ltrs and still carry a bit of gear but have never had the need to.
I use the trip meter because that damn fuel gauge is a joke so had to know just how far she would go on a "tank" of fuel as well.
Yes it has been pretty consistent too, 365km give or take a little for conditions and riding, hard easy, or 2 up and load.
As I said it has been pretty consistently close to 365km per tank.
We don't usually exceed 300km by much before filling up, that gives a good safety margin. Cheers John.

[Falp]

Hi Guy's, that mileage is to tank empty.
We don't usually exceed 300km by much before filling up, that gives a good safety margin. Cheers John.

That's 200km for me... and I've done 200km on a tank once, but with highway fast driving...:unsure: Fast for a Transalp or a 1100cc car that is...:da919:

[Pete Rock]

Hi Guy's, that mileage is to tank empty.

I can see that if you let it run 100% dry, and completely agree with your remarks about the fuel gauge.

[Pete Rock]

20000kms, nothing to update really :da919:



Had the valves adjusted, airfilter changed, sparkplugs changed, oil (provided by me) and filter changed, and brake fluid changed, all this at a Honda dealer for 40€ of labour.

With the new oil, plugs and valves adjusted, it´s a lot smoother, so it revs much better, and cruises a lot more effortlessly at higher speeds, plus the intake sound is much crisper, and I find myself commuting to work at 95mph, and at over 100 it doesn´t vibrate anymore :unsure:

It´s still a boring bike :lg:

[XTreme]

You haven't done as much mileage recently then Pedro?

[Pete Rock]

You haven't done as much mileage recently then Pedro?

No, there was a batch of weekends when I just didn´t feel like it, and a couple of weeks when it was too hot to use the bike to commute, a lot comfier on the car.
I expect to ride it a bit during the second week of August, I´ll either go South to catch a spot on a beach somewhere, or ride over to buy you a beer, or to the Picos.

[Falp]

18090km on mine, needs the 18000 service...:unsure:

But everything's OK...:cool:

[Pete Rock]

14370 miles today, and last week I had to do some work on it.


Had to change a bulb and top up the scottoiler reservoir, the scottoiler reservoir meant that I had to replace a ziptie and get the tip of my fingers dirty as there was a bit of oil on the oil canister, stupid unreliable piece of shit :nonono:

Didn´t fit a Honda bulb, will it increase oil consumption? Should I mail Honda 5 Euros to make up for it and just to be on the safe side? :unsure:

[yen_powell]

14370 miles today, and last week I had to do some work on it.


Had to change a bulb and top up the scottoiler reservoir, the scottoiler reservoir meant that I had to replace a ziptie and get the tip of my fingers dirty as there was a bit of oil on the oil canister, stupid unreliable piece of shit :nonono:

Didn´t fit a Honda bulb, will it increase oil consumption? Should I mail Honda 5 Euros to make up for it and just to be on the safe side? :unsure:That's your warranty bollocksed then !!!!:nonono:

[Pete Rock]

That's your warranty bollocksed then !!!!:nonono:


haha, I beat them to it, warranty expired 13 days ago :ljl:

[yen_powell]

haha, I beat them to it, warranty expired 13 days ago :ljl:Best tell Pete what that means:ljl:

[Pete Rock]

My Transalp´s now up for sale at a local dealer.

Felt nostalgic watching it going away, it´s a very good and tough bike.


Down to the XR now.

[XTreme]

Why Pedro?

[Pete Rock]

I don´t like having vehicles I don´t use, and lately I haven´t been using it.

Any work trips I do are better taken in the car, since it´s far and I find it tyresome to do long miles on a bike on a work day, also have to carry a few samples and stuff.

Also, I have always chosen the XR over the Transalp for weekend fun rides since I bought the 400. Don´t do nearly as many miles on it, but do have more fun.

Plus the money will come in handy.

[XTreme]

No big bike then?

[Pete Rock]

No big bike then?

Not for now