If you are tired of driving around the city from traffic lights to traffic lights, and your soul asks for space and travel, perhaps the Honda Transalp motorcycle is what you are looking for. This hardy horse will confidently pass hundreds and thousands of kilometers, providing you comfort on a long journey and without requiring special treatment.
This bike belongs to the class of tourist enduro, designed equally for motodobnoboy along the highway, and for driving along the intersection. 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 affordable for him. That is, on the wheel. Well, or on the suspension.
The target audience
“Honda Transalp”, like most tour enduro, most often becomes the choice of those who have already skated more than one thousand kilometers. It is acquired by those who are tired of high-speed, but demanding sports, or those who are tired of the imposing leisurelyness 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 Transalp, having driving experience, usually relate to the following qualities of a tour enduro:
- maneuverability in urban environments;
- excellent controllability in the forest, steppe, hilly terrain;
- endurance on a long journey;
- pilot and passenger comfort;
- average "appetites" in relation to fuel and consumables;
- nice design;
- ample opportunities for tuning;
- availability of spare parts, a network of service centers.
But the first Transalp bike becomes quite rare. Old bearded bikers claim that he needs to be ripened.
This does not say at all that the management of the Honda Transalp motorcycle is fraught with some problems. It's just that this category of bikes is very specific.
Benefits
The very first thing that excites everyone who decided to start acquaintance with the Honda Transalp motorcycle is the technical specifications. They are very similar in all models. The heart of the bike is a powerful and reliable V-shaped motor, the resource of which is designed for 300 thousand or more kilometers. An experienced pilot will be able to disperse 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. The rider on the Honda Transalp will even be able to jump at full speed to the curb or jump over an impressive branch (but, of course, not a sawn tree). Our roads are an ideal place where the frisky character and huge potential of Transalpa can manifest itself in all its glory.
The pilot's landing is comfortable, he will not have to stoop, 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 undeniable plus in the prevention of emergency situations. The second issue is also unlikely to complain about life, even on a long trip.
Transalp I, 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 quiet bike for long roads has remained unchanged. Ideologically correct Transalp is a motorcycle covered with road dust with voluminous trunks and high touring glass. And his pilot is a scorched tourist, accustomed to road hardships, and easily overcoming about a thousand kilometers per day. Reviews of the new bike quickly spread around the world, contributing to the growth of its popularity.
The above photo shows a model of 87. Looking at it, you can see that the concept of the bike remains unchanged in our days.
Transalp XL600
From 1987 to 2000, Honda produced the 600 cc Transalp. If you look with prejudice, the engine size was 583 cm 3 . For 13 years, the XL 600 has undergone some changes and even replaced the country of origin. Initially, it looked like this:
After 1991, the Honda Transalp was no longer equipped with a drum brake, but with a rear disc, 240 mm in size, working with a single-piston caliper. In 1994, there was some restyling, the shape of the plastic body kit, the dashboard changed. After 1996, electric ignition and a throttle sensor appeared. The rear wheel has changed the size to 120 / 90-17. 1997 was marked by the relocation of Transalpa production from Japan to Italy. A second front brake disc appeared on the bike of the Italian assembly, and the radius of the brake disc decreased. Since then, a pair of discs of 256 mm in diameter has been installed on this motorcycle.
XL650
"Transalps" with engines of 650 cubic meters were collected in Italy in the period 2000-2008. They have more streamlined plastic. Their power is 52 liters. with. that 2 liters. from. more than the previous version of the Honda Transalp. Reviews indicate that the XL600 model is more suitable for the highway, and not for off-road, and for lovers of "endura" is better suited "six hundred."
There is an opinion that 650 is more fastidious in maintenance. In order to make a simple repair, you will need to remove the plastic. However, the XL650 is overwhelming the market, nowadays it is problematic to find 600.
In 2005, the new model underwent some changes. They dealt exclusively with the design: the saddle, steering wheel, and some details of the body kit were modernized.
Honda Transalp XL700
In 2008, the first Transalp 700 was released, which is still being produced. It is very different from the 650 cc. The XL700 model is an injection model, equipped with ABS, and the radius of the front wheel is 19, not 21 inches, as on its predecessor.
The appearance of the novelty is more rally, although the XL700 model is more oriented not on the roads, but on the highway. The suspension is stiff enough, the pilot feels too large potholes and bumps.
Toddler XL400
This small car was produced from 1987 to 1999. A compact bike with a capacity 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, the spirit of the enduro tourist is clearly observed in it.
Prices
Original spare parts Honda Transalp today can be purchased at service centers almost everywhere. This is one of the advantages of the brand. Honda always cares about expanding its dealer networks and service centers. Buying a new original motorcycle is also not a problem. The price level most likely classifies this model in 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 the motorcycle was bored and the degree of wear. For example, 400 can cost 90 thousand. And it’s worth looking for the Transalp XL600, if there is at least 140 thousand rubles. XL650 will cost an average of 180-190 thousand, 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 headlight mesh, hand protection, comfortable roomy wardrobe trunks can be very useful. Think about the security arcs, because the Honda Transalp is still too plastic. In the event of an accident, their role is difficult to overestimate.
Some people put voluminous windshields - this also greatly facilitates the long journey. Fans of comfort, especially those whose motorcycle season is not limited to three summer months, often acquire such a useful option as heated handles. Wide opportunities for tuning in the field of design. All of the above can be reduced to one: each car owner can "customize" his beloved Honda Transalp for himself, taking into account his own ideas about beauty, reliability and comfort.