Motorcycle "Honda Transalp": description, specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

If you are tired of riding around the city from traffic light to traffic light, and your soul asks for space and travel, perhaps the Honda Transalp motorcycle is what you are looking for. This hardy horse will confidently travel hundreds and thousands of kilometers, providing you with comfort on a long journey and without requiring special treatment.

This bike belongs to the class of tourist enduros, designed equally for motodalnoboy on the highway, and for cross-country riding. Of course, in terms of cross-country ability, it cannot be compared with a 4x4 jeep, but forest paths, swampy glades and hilly terrain are very much up to it. That is, on the wheel. Well, or on the suspension.

Target Audience

Honda Transalp, like most tour enduros, most often becomes the choice of those who have already skated more than one thousand kilometers. It is purchased by those who are tired of high-speed, but demanding sports, or those who are tired of the imposing slowness of the chopper. Sometimes fans of ordinary enduro "grow up" to tours -maneuverable and sharp, but not hardy enough for long-range combat.

And the reviews of those who moved to the Transalp, having driving experience, usually relate to the following qualities of the enduro tour:

• maneuverability in urban environments;
• excellent handling in the forest, steppe, hilly terrain;
• endurance on a long journey;
• pilot and passenger comfort;
• average appetites for fuel and consumables;
• nice design;
• extensive tuning options;
• parts availability, service network.

But the first bike "Transalp" becomes quite rare. Old bearded bikers say it needs to mature.

This is not to say that driving a motorcycle "Honda Transalp" is associated with some problems. It's just that this category of bikes is very specific.

Benefits

The very first thing that worries everyone who decides to start getting acquainted with the Honda Transalp motorcycle is the technical specifications. They are largely the same for all models. The heart of the bike is a powerful and reliable V-shaped motor, the resource of which is designed for 300,000 km or more. An experienced pilot will be able to accelerate the Transalp to hundreds in just 5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 170-180 km / h. Comfortable cruising speed should not exceed 140 km/h.

Powerful suspension makes it possible not to slow down in front of obstacles in the form of bumps or speed bumps. A motorcyclist on a Honda Transalp can even jump in at full speed.walking on a curb or jumping over an impressive branch (but, of course, not a sawn tree). Our roads are an ideal place where the high-spirited character and huge potential of Transalp can manifest itself in all its glory.

The pilot's landing is comfortable, he will not have to slouch, his legs will not numb in an uncomfortable position. In addition, the motorcyclist is located relatively high, which gives him the opportunity to see the road over the roofs of cars. This is an indisputable plus in the prevention of emergencies. The second number is also unlikely to complain about life, even on a long trip.

"Transalp" I, model 1987

The very first motorcycle "Honda Transalp" was released back in 1987 and is still being produced. For almost 30 years, this "SUV" has evolved several times in design and technical terms, but the philosophy of a calm bike for long-distance roads has remained unchanged. The ideologically correct Transalp is a motorcycle covered with road dust with voluminous cases and high touring glass. And its pilot is a seasoned tourist, accustomed to the hardships of the road, and easily overcomes about a thousand kilometers per day. Reviews of the new bike quickly spread around the world, fueling its popularity.

The photo above shows an '87 model. Looking at it, you can see that the concept of the bike remains unchanged today.

Transalp XL600

From 1987 to 2000, Honda produced the 600cc Transalp. If alook with passion, the engine size was 583 cm3. For 13 years, the XL 600 has undergone some changes and even changed the country of origin. It originally looked like this:

After 1991, the Honda Transalp was no longer equipped with a drum brake, but with a rear disc brake, 240 mm in size, working with a single-piston caliper. In 1994, some restyling took place, the shape of the plastic body kit and the dashboard changed. After 1996, electric ignition and a throttle sensor appeared. The rear wheel has changed size to 120/90-17. 1997 was marked by the relocation of Transalpa production from Japan to Italy. On the bike of Italian assembly, a second front brake disc appeared, and the radius of the brake disc decreased. Since then, this bike has been fitted with a pair of 256mm discs.

XL650

"Transalps" with engines of 650 cubic meters were assembled in Italy in the period 2000-2008. They have more streamlined plastic. Their power is 52 liters. s., which is 2 liters. With. more than the previous version of the Honda Transalp. Reviews indicate that the XL600 is more road-friendly than off-road, and the 600 is a better fit for those who love to endure.

There is an opinion that the 650 is more whimsical to maintain. In order to make a simple repair, you will need to remove the plastic. However, it is the XL650 that is flooding the market, and it is problematic to find a 600 these days.

BIn 2005, the new model has undergone some changes. They touched exclusively on the design: the saddle, handlebars, and some parts of the body kit were modernized.

Honda Transalp XL700

In 2008, the first Transalp 700 was released, which is still in production. It is very different from the 650 cc. The XL700 is fuel-injected, equipped with ABS, and the radius of the front wheel has become 19 instead of 21 inches, as on its predecessor.

The appearance of the novelty is more rally, although the XL700 model is more focused not on off-road, but on the highway. The suspension is quite stiff, the pilot feels too large potholes and bumps.

Baby XL400

This small car was produced from 1987 to 1999. A compact bike with a power of 37 horses weighs only 180 kg. At the same time, it is equipped with a five-speed gearbox, telescopic fork and mono suspension.

At the same time, the design of the striker is quite interesting, it clearly shows the spirit of an enduro tourist.

Prices

Genuine Honda Transalp spare parts can be purchased today at service centers almost everywhere. This is one of the advantages of the brand. Honda always cares about expanding dealer networks and service centers. Buying a new original motorcycle is also not a problem. The price level rather refers this model to the middle category, both in the motor market as a whole and among other products of Honda itself.

First of all, the price depends on the year of manufacture of the motorcycle and the degree of wear. For example,400 can cost 90 thousand. And it’s worth looking for the Transalp XL600 if you have at least 140 thousand rubles. The XL650 will cost an average of 180-190 thousand rubles, and the XL700 is unlikely to be cheaper than 260 thousand rubles.

Tuning

Thinking about tuning, start from the goals and objectives that you set for your iron horse. On a long journey, elements such as a mesh on the headlight, hand protection, and comfortable roomy wardrobe trunks can be very useful. Think about safety arcs, because the Honda Transalp is still too plastic. In the event of an accident, their role cannot be overestimated.

Some people put voluminous windshields - this also makes a long journey much easier. Comfort lovers, especially those whose motorcycle season is not limited to three summer months, often acquire such a useful option as heated handles. There are ample opportunities for tuning in the field of design. All of the above can be reduced to one thing: each motorist can "fit" his beloved "Honda Transalp" for himself, taking into account his own ideas about beauty, reliability and comfort.