Honda Transalp


The Honda Transalp is the XL400V, XL600V, XL650V, and XL700V series of dual-sport motorcycles manufactured in Japan by Honda since 1987. The Transalp bikes series feature a liquid-cooled, four-stroke 52° V-twin engine.

History

The first prototype was built in 1985 as an off-road motorbike with a engine. Further development introduced an increase to and more road-oriented features, notably an improved fairing.

Models

The most usual models are:
Other versions exist, such as the 400 cc version aimed at the Japanese market.
The first version output at 8,000 rpm, increased to for the 1989 and 1990 version. Later models returned to the original 50 hp.
From 1991, the rear drum brake was replaced by a disc brake, with a single-piston brake caliper.
The appearance was altered in 1994: the original square lights were changed, and a new fairing was introduced.
In 1996, new 34 mm carburetors were introduced, and the CDI ignition system was replaced by a microprocessor-driven design.
The front brake was modified in 1997, introducing a second disc and reducing the diameter to.
The weight of the Transalp increased over time, from for the first models to for the latest version.
In 2000, the XL650V Transalp replaced the XL600V, introducing the engine from the Deauville and Honda Revere. The power output increased to at 7,500 rpm, torque increased to at 5,500 rpm. A 4 mm bore diameter increase gave a 64 cc displacement increase. The shock absorbers were redesigned for road use, the exhaust system was updated, the fuel capacity increased by one litre, the control panel was redesigned, and weight diminished by.
In 2007, the XL700V Transalp was introduced, with a new 680 cc engine, which was also fitted to the NT700V Deauville, and compatible with Euro 3 emission standards. The front wheel diameter was reduced from 21 inches to 19 inches, the exhaust system was fitted with a catalytic converter, the lights were redesigned, and ABS was introduced.
The 2008 model reinforces the road orientation of the Transalp, with larger tyres, lower saddle and more road-oriented shock absorbers. The 2008 XL700V engine is a liquid-cooled, eight-valve, four-stroke, single-overhead cam, 52° V-twin.