Yes, it’s actually possible, for just 27,000 kroner, a few extra patches and a talented industrial designer, you can transform a tired and slightly drunken Honda Transalp from 2005 into a gem that almost looks better than a brand new 2024 model. Even Wøllo likes to have a winter project and from time to time buys a Honda project that he restores to its former glory. Even is a skilled hobby mechanic and award-winning designer who doesn’t think like the rest of us. His profession as a designer has taught him to look at challenges, opportunities and the potential of old, tired motorcycles in a completely different way. It produces results that many people notice. “You have to find a bike you like and want to work with, restoration projects shouldn’t stray too far from the model’s original DNA, otherwise it often becomes vulgar,” adds Even, who has a fondness for Transalp.
The three golden rules
Evens’ philosophy is that small things create big and important changes and in his projects he always follows three main rules:
- What looks good – don’t touch it
- Some things look good but need to be tightened up
- Things that don’t look good need to change
When Even buys a project, he initially spends a lot of time studying the bike before creating and testing solutions that he thinks will work. Windscreens in particular are made in large numbers and details are studied in detail, tested before they are finally selected and fitted.
Round shapes are challenged with edges
One of Even’s principles is that modernization should be prioritized over rebuilding and in this case, edges have been used to challenge the round shapes that were perhaps a little too dominant on this model. The entire bike has been given a thorough overhaul: the dampers have been dismantled, cleaned and given new oil, the brakes have been overhauled, the chain and drive have been renewed and the engine has been serviced with new oil and air filter. The engine, which has only covered 60,000 km in 20 years, is in good condition and it was therefore not necessary to do anything to it. Otherwise, the bike has been polished and paint damage repaired. The biggest visual difference is at the front, where Even has created a new windscreen with a sharper, more upright profile and distinctive edges that give the bike a completely different identity. The screen is placed on top of the fairing section to create a sharper visual impression but will also direct the wind to the back of the screen to reduce turbulence.
Even has fitted new angular indicators and modified the original indicators that were integrated into the hood and turned them into daytime running lights. It turned out really cool.
The new upright cowl glass gives the Transalp a completely new and modern look that is very reminiscent of an Africa Twin seen from the side. More modern and contemporary and a whole lot cooler. In addition to this, the front fender has been raised a few centimetres and the bike has been raised 4 cm at the front and rear, giving Transalpen a completely different and fresher look. Even has had a new base made for the rear shock and new spacers for the front shocks.
He has taken many steps to bring the bike back to its glory days and it’s really fun to see how much passion for detail has gone into this highly successful transformation. Just look at the integrated grille plate mounted on the side cover, these tiny details elevate the overall impression almost without you noticing these small details. Very well done.
The instrument panel has been dismantled, cleaned and painted, the power supply has been rearranged and the instruments have been given stronger bulbs to make it easier to read the instrument.
It’s simply amusing to see how simple Even’s thinking is and how much effect these simple measures have on a 20-year-old motorcycle. Just look at the difference between the old and the new indicators that Even bought for cheap on Finn.no.
The somewhat boring belly pan has been given a new lease of life with some very unique touches. Even has simply drilled a few holes in the sides of this one and it looks much cooler as a result.
Round mirrors have been replaced with rectangular mirrors and new Metzeler Tourance tires will ensure that the team sits like a ball on firm and loose surfaces.
The whole project is so successful that it almost challenges today’s Transalp in terms of design. Of course, in terms of performance, it can’t match modern technology, but the job Even has done with simple means challenges all traditional thinking and should be an inspiration to anyone who likes to renovate older models. When I see how much joy these projects bring, it’s even cooler. In fact, it’s fun to see that bikes that cost a tenth of the price of new models can provide so much pleasure in use and riding. It will be exciting to see what the raising project does to the steering geometry and comfort, we will keep an eye on that.
In terms of design, the restored 2005 model can certainly match a 2024 model, right?
Photo/text:
Ole-Andreas Isdahl
