Honda Transalp XL700v
Sold on the idea? Well if you haven’t got one already, you’re going to need a really competent all-rounder. Nothing too flashy; nothing too heavy; nothing too thirsty; and nothing that’s going to break down (ever). Enter then, the Honda Transalp -- a bike that’s being performing exactly this function for the last hundred years, or so it seems.
For 2008, Honda have breathed fresh life into their easy-going traillie. Formerly known as the XL650V upon its introduction in 1987, it has since undergone numerous revamps, upgrades and facelifts to get where it is today, most notably an increase in engine size to give a bit more oomph in all departments. Honda have used the same engine that they put in their Deauville last year - an unbreakable 680cc V-twin unit with four-valve heads, a new fuel injection set-up and higher compression.
With peak output coming in at just 59 bhp, you might well expect languid performance, but be prepared for a surprise. Obviously it’s no rocket ship, but this motor is nice and torquey throughout and spins up to a red line of 8,000rpm, so if you keep on the gas you can make some serious progress. And should you find yourself on the autobahn running late for your ferry, the Transalp will charge on to an impressive 130 mph. Quite why a sixth gear still hasn’t been factored in though I’m not sure, as an overdrive would allow for a more relaxed ride and reduced fuel consumption from a tank that’s already a little bit on the stingy side.
While the bike’s frame and suspension are pretty much unchanged from the model it supersedes, the most useful alteration for 2008 is the reduction in the size of the front wheel, down from a 21-inch rim to a 19-incher. This serves to improve the Transalp’s road manners greatly, as well as its ability to cut through traffic, albeit slightly at the expense of its off-road capabilities. The rear tyre gets fatter, too, rising from a 120-section cross-ply to a 130-section radial. The semi-knobbly tyres do an equally good job of handling Tarmac as well as the kind of dusty tracks normally reserved for goats, while the rack on the back offers a huge platform for panniers, tents, sleeping bags, whatever you want to strap on really.
The seat is pretty tall at 841mm, but it’s wonderfully comfortable with all-day-long ergonomics as the screen and hand guards deflect the majority of wind blast. The dash is neatly laid out and colour-coded too, looking more like something from a French car than a Japanese motorcycle.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the coordinates on the Transalp’s graphics refer to the Col de la Bonette Alpins pass in the south of France. Not only is it the highest paved road in Europe, it’s where Honda chose to launch the Transalp back in January this year. And it’s where I’ll be heading just as soon as I get that month off work…
The Honda Transalp was kindly loaned by Fowlers Honda of York Road, Bristol.
Article written: July 25, 2008
OUR STEER ON THE HONDA TRANSALP
Price: £5,521
Engine: 680cc V-twin
Power: 59 bhp @ ,000 rpm
Torque: 44 lb ft @ 10,000 rpm
Transmission: five-speed, chain-drive
Weight: 214 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.5 litres
Top speed: 130 mph
Seat height: 841 mm
by Jon Bennett
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