Honda Transalp motorcycle: specifications, photos and reviews

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

Honda once set out to build a motorcycle "for everything and for everyone". For long-distance roads and night races around the metropolis, for those who just got into the saddle, and those who managed to skate many thousands of miles, and maybe even made some venerable motorcycle publication happy with their own portrait.

This is how the famous Honda Transalp was born. Back in 1986, when the new model was announced, the manufacturer assured its eager fans that the new bike "can do anything and go anywhere".

How did the eminent creator manage to make his dream come true? To answer this question, let's take a closer look at the entire Transalp lineup, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the models, and, of course, turn to the experience of those who were lucky enough to ride this legendary bike.

Species

The Honda Transalp motorcycle combines enduro and tourist features in design, performance characteristics and functionality. He also has something from the family of sports, in any case, he can withstand the speed well. Its main purpose is to drive on a good road over long distances. However, the intersectionhe is very much in the teeth. "Transalp" is not an all-terrain vehicle, it is unlikely to overcome a swamp and a ford river. But with hilly terrain, steppe, country road, puddles and knee-deep mud, the Honda Transalp can handle it easily. This gives him the rightful place in the touring enduro class.

Owners of "Transalp"

Who most often chooses this brand? Who are they - the people who choose this frisky Honda character, encased in a streamlined plastic?

Many experts agree that the Honda Transalp, whose characteristics make it belong to the touring enduro class, rarely becomes the first bike. Most often it becomes the second, and even the third transport. Simply put, the buyers of the Transalps are those who love to drive around the city, craving open spaces and new adventures; these are motor-truckers who are no longer satisfied with the impressiveness of cruisers; these are yesterday's streetfighters, dreaming of the expanses of long-distance roads; they are ex-athletes who want to switch from high-spirited enduro to something more classic and versatile. Everyone finds in the philosophy of "Transalpa" something of their own.

But beginners rarely pay attention to this model. This is not surprising, in the role of a desk for studying traffic rules and honing driving skills, a Honda Transalp motorcycle is really hard to imagine. It's not that it's too difficult to ride, just like most touring enduros, you need to grow and gain experience.

By the way, the reviews of those who have already made the "transalpine transition" are unanimous: bikers claim that the landing on it is so comfortable that the period of adaptation even after sports, even after a chopper, is minimal. The same applies not only to the position of the pilot's body, but also to handling. Obedient "Transalp" quickly adapts to the new owner and behaves obediently on the road.

The start of the journey

For the first time, Honda announced its intention to launch the "transalpine" line in 1986. The event was supposed to be timed to coincide with the next stage of the Paris-Dakkar rally. By the way, this is not accidental - the family was originally developed for motorcycle tourism in Europe.

The first Transalp rolled off the assembly line in 1987. Beneath his plastic skin, a powerful 600cm V-shaped heart beat3. It was produced in metallic silver with red and blue stripes. If you compare photos of the first Honda Transalp motorcycle with its later versions, you can see some changes in design. Initially, the outlines of the bike were more angular and sharp, the headlight had an almost square categorical shape.

Expansion of the model range

First, the bike was mass-produced in Japan - the home of the Honda concern. In 1997, production was moved to Italy, and this further tied the family to the European market.

From 1987 to 1999, Honda also produced a small car - a motorcycle with400cc engine. This lightweight model of the entire line was considered the easiest to manage. It was often chosen by those who have just discovered the world of motorcycle tourism, but do not yet have the necessary experience in driving long distances and overcoming obstacles.

In 2000, the Honda Transalp 650 was added to the family. An increase in engine capacity by 50 cubes allowed a slight increase in power - up to 52 hp. With. Its assembly also took place at a factory in Italy. The model was produced until 2008. It was distinguished from its predecessor by a laconic streamlined shape and a new braking system with two discs on the front wheel. In 2005, several restyling events were held at once. However, the Honda XL 650 Transalp motorcycle has not undergone so many changes. They mainly touched on the design.

In 2008, the production of "six hundred fifty" was discontinued. It was replaced by the new Honda 750 Transalp. This model was very different from all its predecessors. She was injector, more powerful and more enduring. The appearance of the bike has also changed a lot: smooth lining lines, massive exhaust pipes, a reduced diameter of the front wheel, visually making it not as transparent and light as it was before.

Features of "Transalp" models

Each motorcycle in the Transalp range has its own style and distinctive features. In many respects, models similar in performance characteristics are still very different from each other.

Japanese-built motorcycles have only one disc brake on the front wheel, Italian ones have two. ModelThe 750, while more rally-like than others in the lineup, is actually the least off-road capable. If it comes to your mind to endure on this bike, get ready for the fact that you will feel all the potholes and bumps well. Compared to this model, the Honda Transalp 650 is much more likely to get you excited on the trail through the hills.

The second generation of Honda Transalp motorcycles is noticeably more progressive than the first. In the front, they have a new headlight and unusual turn signals. A nice bonus was the appearance of the luggage compartment under the seat. In addition, a full-fledged fuel sensor appeared instead of the outdated gas tap. But the brake system, dimensions and chassis have not changed a bit, well, except that the rear wheel is slightly narrowed, and the preload adjustment has appeared.

Worth mentioning is the light. The regular rectangular headlight shone quite far, which also affected the passive safety - the motorcycle was visible from afar in the dark. Although sound played a big role here. The new "Transalps" are equipped with rounded headlights with diffusers, which also illuminate the area of the road directly in front of the motorcycle.

What do people say?

If you are just planning to buy a Honda Transalp motorcycle, owner reviews will help you find answers to many questions. They usually boil down to:

• motorcycle has a soft ride, does not "massage the heels" even on paving stones;
• excellent braking system, two discs are not one after all;
• fuel-efficient (althoughif you overclock the speed too much, "Transalp" will gobble up 10 liters per hundred);
• obedience in the hands of the owner, excellent handling;
• wide Honda dealer network, availability of spare parts, a huge number of special stages.

Customizing and tuning

If the standard equipment does not suit you for some objective reason, you will always have the opportunity to customize the bike for yourself. For this, there is a fairly impressive number of branded service centers and an established traffic for the supply of accessories. It is worth mentioning that the Honda Transalp motorcycle, whose technical characteristics beckon to a long journey, could be equipped with panniers. But it does not even have mounts for them - everything needs to be purchased separately. Good thing, Honda provides such an opportunity.

Some truckers change the standard windshield. According to their reviews, with an increase it is much more comfortable to ride at high speeds.

Where can I get the Transalp and how much will it cost?

Honda showrooms and representative offices are located in many large cities of Russia and CIS countries. Even if the desired model is not on sale, there is a chance to order it from catalogs. The cost of a new motorcycle Honda Transalp is unlikely to be less than 200 thousand rubles.

There are a lot of offers on the secondary market. First of all, the price will depend on the model of the bike, the degree of wear and tear, the year of manufacture, the number of previous owners andmany other factors. Pay attention to the documents and do not be lazy to conduct a test drive before buying.