Problems with my own Transalp 600, so far

last update 26-4-2009

The following list the problems appeared on my TA, in chronological order, after about 90.000 km. It might be of some importance to you, since at least a few of those issues will appear on your TA too, sooner or later :-)

Rear wheel spokes breaking intermittently (5.000 ~ 20.000 km)

A well known problem of italian made TAs, it annoyed me much but it disappear after some thorough spoke adjustment, at a specialized workshop.

Rectifier malfunctioning (~ 40.000 km)

The rectifier was overheating (small cracks all over the resin seal on its back) but, in order to deceive me, it was able to provide some current to the battery, when the lights weren't on. Thus, when I measured the battery voltage according to the HONDA Workshop Manual procedure, I failed to notice the problem. As a result, the battery was severely drained when I had the headlight on. In less than a year, battery was rendered useless.
Conclusion : do use HONDA procedure when testing rectifier operation (voltage measurement, engine reving up to 4000 RPM) but with the headlight on !

Front wheel: speedometer's rack and pinion mechanism broken (~ 50.000 km)

As if a small time-bomb exists inside it, all TAs will bring the issue on, at about 50.000 km! To prevent it, I suggest periodical cleaning (e.g. with WD-40) and lubrication (with "white" grease) of the speedometer cable. When speed indication starts wiggling at low speeds, it might be too late!

Front wheel leaking grease

I noticed some leakage on the right side. The problem isn't that important so I'll deal with it later.

Carburetor collars leaking (starting at ~ 70.000 km)

Those rubber collars had dried up, leading to compression loss. I failed to notice the change of the colouring of the metallic parts, a clear sign of burning gas leakage. It seriously affects air / fuel mixture so the collars must be replased asap. Well known TA problem, after some tenths of thousands of km.

Oil pressure sensor malfunctioning (~ 80.000 km)

Later, the low-pressure indication lamp ceased to light when the ignition switch was on and the engine wasn't rotating.

Small oil leakage from the cylinder-head cover rubber seal (~ 80.000 km)

The rear-cylinder top cover seal needed replacement. Well known problem, as far as I know: HONDA is the one to blame because they used only 2 bolts for mounting the top cover on the cylinder head.

Increased engine oil consumption (started slowly at about 50.000 km)

At about 90.000 km, oil consumption was annoying enough (500ml / 1000 km, depending on driving speed). I could leave it untouched for a while but, finally, I decided to see how real hell looks like :-)
I replaced piston rings and valve rubber seals (the usual suspects). There was a great amount of deposits on the exhaust valves and their seats, probably responsible for compression loss. Cam chains were worn almost up to their limit, a finding quite surprising at this stage. Clutch disks were in satisfactory condition (but that was expected since I rarely drive in traffic).

Corroded contacts on one of the rectifier connectors (at about 100.000 km)

This one was particularly painful as I had to replace at least one battery and I suffered many problematic startups in the morning. Eventually, I pinpointed the problem: One of the contacts of the connector that connects the rectifier with the alternator was loose. This caused overheat and destroyed the connector plastic case. This connector is located very close to the rectifier.

Cracks on some rubber tubes, very worn drive chain slider (at about 100.000 km)

The former problem is, perhaps, to be expected after 12 years of intermittent use. Well, I don't know. Maybe the italian manufacturing is the reason. I wouldn't blame the harsh Greek sun since I rarely leave the bike exposed to it for too much time. The last problem of this kind was found on the vacuum tube between the rear cylinder head and the fuel cock.
However, the wear of the chain slider must be attributed entirely to myself, for I had neglected the chain maintenance (lubrication, tightening).