They had more or less announced it themselves and after the launch of the new CB750 Hornet at the Intermot you could already have sensed that the new XL750 Transalp would be unveiled on the press day of the EICMA in Milan. The XL750 Transalp is the second model to be powered by the new 92 hp 755cc 270° parallel twin.
Since its introduction in 1986, the Transalp has been a household name in motorcycle land. What started that year as a 583 cc V-twin quickly became a legend, a smooth and comfortable all-rounder that could also handle rough terrain thanks to the long-travel suspension and dynamics that guaranteed high performance even in off-road use.
In 2000 the engine capacity grew to 647 cc. The last version, released in 2008, had 680 cc, petrol injection and a curb weight of 214 kg. Four years later, however, the curtain fell for the Transalp.
Until now, because after the Africa Twin, Honda has now also restored the Transalp, albeit that the V-twin drive has made way for a 270° twin. According to Honda, the XL750 Transalp can be used perfectly for an extended, multi-day ride, as a convenient and fast means of transport through city traffic and everything in between.
The bike should feel at home on a winding mountain pass in the Alps as well as on a dusty gravel road. Just like the first Transalp did. In short, according to Honda, the XL750 Transalp is a brilliant all-rounder that only asks one question: “How far do you want to go with it?”
“Before we started with the new Transalp, we looked closely at what made the first model so great. We wanted to find the perfect balance between everyday usability, comfort for long rides on the asphalt and the ability to ride off-road as well. We examined and approached all these aspects in a comprehensive manner. As a result, we can now introduce this brand new model as a fun new option within Honda’s product range for all riders, regardless of experience level. The appearance revives the classic Transalp in a modern approach. The new engine is incredibly powerful and versatile and the bike has an attractive, richly filled spec list. Through the city or throughout the world: our Transalp is ready!
The beating heart of the Transalp is the same 755cc 270° twin that Honda has used in the new CB750 Hornet. The 8-valve Unicam engine produces a peak power of 92 hp at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The new engine is extremely compact and light, thanks mainly to the Unicam head (also used on the MX competition crosser, the CRF450R) which operates the 35.5mm intake valves (with 9.3mm lift) via the cam and the 29 mm exhaust valves (with 8.2 mm lift) via rocker arms.
The smart construction of the block also contributes to its compact dimensions. For example, there is no balance drive gear as the primary drive gear also rotates the balance shaft. The water pump is hidden in the left crankcase cover and no water cooled oil cooler is needed.
Patented Vortex Flow Ducts provide a more uniformly distributed airflow from the air intakes to the airbox, which then feeds the 46mm diameter throttle bodies via vertical intakes. According to Honda, this ensures a razor-sharp pick-up and sharp throttle response.
The crankshaft uses a 270° staged firing sequence which provides a characteristic twin-cylinder feel. The exhaust note has been fine-tuned for a pleasant rumble at low revs and an exhilarating howl in the top range.
Mechanically, the engine is identical to that of the new Hornet. However, the ride-by-wire settings have been set up differently to better suit the Transalp’s long-distance and touring aspirations.
A slip-assist clutch – with angled disc segments – reduces clutch drag by 30% for a light lever feel. In addition, it makes upshifts easier and prevents rear wheel bounce under hard braking and fast downshifts.
Fuel consumption of 1 in 23 offers a potential range of 390 km from the 16.9 l fuel tank. As for the Hornet, a 35 kW A2 version will also be available for the Transalp.
The ride-by-wire throttle control, called Throttle By Wire (TBW) by Honda, offers the following four standard riding modes: SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN and GRAVEL. In addition, power delivery and engine feel are adjusted to suit riding conditions and rider intent. There is also the USER mode in which you can set everything to your own preference.
There are four levels of engine power (Engine Power or EP), three for engine braking (Engine Brake or EB), two for ABS and five for traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control or HSTC). HSTC and ABS can also be disabled. The driving modes each set a different combination of the parameters. Wheelie control is standard and integrated into HSTC.
SPORT mode offers maximum performance with level 4 EP, level 2 ABS and level 1 EB and HSTC for powerful acceleration with minimal intervention. STANDARD mode finds a middle ground for city and town traffic with level 3 EP and HSTC and level 2 EB and ABS
In RAIN mode, the Transalp can handle the most challenging asphalt conditions with the lowest EP setting (level 1) for the least aggressive power delivery, level 2 EB and ABS and level 5 HSTC. GRAVEL mode sets EP to level 2, EB to level 3, HSTC to level 4 and ABS to level 1. Of course, the ABS on the rear wheel can be turned off in User mode.
The steel diamond frame is lightweight at just 18.3kg – 10% lighter than that of the CB500X. The stiffness balance must have provided accurate feedback for the rider in all conditions. The integrated, sturdy subframe, made of high-quality steel, is robust and very strong.
The steering head angle and trail are set at 27° and 111 mm with a wheelbase of 1,560 mm and a curb weight of 208 kg. A 42° steering angle and minimum turning circle of 2.6 m make U-turns at low speed very easy.
As far as the specifications of the suspension are concerned, according to Honda, the all-round character of the Transalp has been at the top. Long suspension travel and excellent shock absorption for optimum comfort and smooth performance on both asphalt and unpaved roads were indispensable.
That is why they opted for Showa 43 mm SFF-CA (Separate Function Fork-Cartridge) fork with 200 mm travel and adjustable preload. The fork is mounted in a forged aluminum lower triple clamp and a cast aluminum upper triple clamp.
The Showa rear shock, with adjustable preload and remote reservoir, has 190mm of travel via the Pro-Link on the swingarm. It uses the same castings as the CRF1100LL Africa Twin and is made from an aluminum material that is only used for the Transalp. The ground clearance is 210 mm.
Compact two-piston calipers bite on two 310mm ‘wave-type’ discs. A single-piston caliper operates the 256mm wavedisk at the rear. The stainless steel wire wheels, 21 inch front and 18 inch rear, are fitted with a 90/90-21 front and 150/70-18 rear tire with a Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour inner tube.
The 23YM XL750 Transalp will be available in three different color options including, of course, the unrivaled Tricolor color scheme that pays homage to the original XL600V and highlights the return of a legend. Price and delivery time is not yet known.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.