Honda Transalp 650
This is a case of welcome old friend. I road tested the Transalp 600 for Australian Motorcycle News in the mid 1980s and really like it. Lovely spread of power from the V-twin, better sorted than its XLV750 predecessor, and a package that basically said yAlmost 20 years later I got to have a quick ride on the 650 version which has been available in Europe for years, and being reconsidered for local import. It's pretty much as I remember, though the handling has been tightened up.
It's tallish in the saddle compared to most road bikes, but still far lower than the really big adventure touring devices like Honda's own Varadero or BMW's class-leading R1150GS. Power is healthy, without being anything to write home about. Enough to sit on a steady 130 all day with ample acceleration in hand.
I like its handling better than the Deauville (also reviewed on this site), mostly because it's more lively in the steering without sacrificing too much stability. Gearing is also lower, which gave it a bit more punch when you played in turns. Chain drive might hold it back a little in this market (though it shouldn't), while it has a 19 litre tank that should see it easily exceed a 350km fuel range with reasonable use.
If the Deauville will take you across the nation tomorrow, the Transalp will do it via a far more interesting set of roads. I developed a soft spot for the 600 version in the 1980s and its progression over the years has done nothing to change that. No price or launch date yet - again it was an evaluation bike at the time of writing (July 2002).
Story: Guy Allen
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
