Honda XL750 Transalp Launched at Eicma Motor Show - November 2022
After endless online speculation, gossip, and artists’ impressions, the Honda Transalp has officially returned for 2023, sporting the same 755cc parallel twin as the new CB750 Hornet.
The Transalp first arrived in 1986 as a 583cc V-twin, growing to 647cc by 2000 and then 680cc for the last version in 2008.
The XL750 Transalp, to give it its full name, returns in the new year boasting a claimed 90.5bhp and 55.4lb.ft – putting it squarely in competition with the likes of the 94bhp BMW F850GS for the middleweight top spot.
Honda has managed to keep the engine compact and lightweight, with the primary drive gear doubling up duties to spin the balancer shaft and the water pump tucked inside the left engine cover.
A 47bhp A2 license option will be available, but it’s unlikely many 19-year-olds will have the cash for the deposit, let alone anything else.
Cradling this twin pot motor – complete with 270-degree firing order for more of a V-twin feel – is an 18.3kg steel diamond frame with an integrated subframe, which weighs a claimed 10% less than the chassis on Honda’s A2-friendly CB500X.
Overall, the XL tips the scales at a manageable 208kg wet, with a seat height of 850mm (an 820mm option is available) and 16.9 litres of fuel capacity. An assist/slipper clutch is said to reduce clutch drag torque by 30%, leading to a lighter feel at the lever.
Elsewhere, helping the bike to tackle long distances on road, as well as the occasional rutted lane are upside-down 43mm Showa separate function cartridge forks, adjustable for rebound with 200mm of travel.
Ground clearance sits at 210mm, with the rear shock also supplied by Showa – complete with remote preload adjustment and 190mm of movement. A 42° steering angle is also said to contribute to a tight turning circle of just 2.6m.
These springs are met by a 21in front and 18in rear wheel, with options for either Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour rubber depending on your riding intentions.
Meanwhile, stopping power is provided by front 310mm discs with axial-mounted twin-piston calipers complete with ABS.
Other electronic goodies also include four standard riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, and Gravel, with a further User mode for customisation.
Controllable via a five-inch colour TFT display, you get four levels of power, three levels of engine braking, and five levels of traction control (each mode offers different amounts of each).
There’s also anti-wheelie should you need it, and the traction and rear ABS can be switched off for off-road riding. The colour dash can also be paired with your mobile and there’s LED lighting throughout.
Much like the rest of the new Hondas arriving for 2023, a range of accessory packs are available, plus three colour designs – including a Tricolour livery paying tribute to the original XL600V model. The packs cater for riders wanting to tour, added practicality, head off road, and more.
In Stores in New Zealand 2023 ... details to follow