The Transalp is, together with BMW’s GS, one of the real grand-daddies of the class. First hitting the streets in 1987, this unassuming middleweight machine carved out a niche with European riders as a lightweight touring bike, that was able to keep going on poorly-finished roads that would defeat less capable machines. It wasn’t a particularly powerful machine, with a rather elderly (even then) 52°V-twin engine design based on the VT500. Updates in 2000 and 2007 to 650 then 700cc capacity, the Transalp gradually acquired more performance, and the current bike is certainly more of a match for other bikes in the class, like Suzuki’s DL650 V-Strom. Like the engine, the chassis looks unexceptional on paper, but works well. The suspension is soft, without feeling soggy, the ABS-equipped brakes give ample stopping power, and lightly-offroad styled wheels and tyres mean the XL can be used on unpaved surfaces; although muddy or sandy ground will still defeat them.
The XL700V can also be equipped with Honda accessories, such as hard luggage and GPS sat-nav, and this latest 2008 version continues the unassuming, yet very capable heritage of the Transalp range.
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