2008 Honda XL 700V Transalp
If you know the name, you'll know the gruelling event that began as a three week race through some of the harshest conditions in Africa, and has recently evolved into an equally tough test through Argentina and Chile.
The popularity of the Paris-Dakar with actual and wannabe adventure tourers has led to the creation of a number of Dakar-inspired dual sports specials, most notably from BMW, Yamaha and Honda.
Derived from a long line of Honda XL trailbikes, including 1984's XL 600 LM, the first Transalp - the XL 600V - debuted in 1987. Where the Transalp differed from its XL predecessors was in the choice of engine - a 583cc V-twin, instead of a single. The 52 degree V-twin (where the 'V' in the model spec comes from) featured a single overhead cam with three valves per cylinder and was fed by twin 32mm Keihin carbs. Big singles, while great for dirt bikes, aren't ideal for road bike use, so Honda turned to their works NXR off-road racers, which had won the motorcycle section of the Paris-Dakar four years in a row from 1986.
The NXR's VT500 V-twin was bored out to a 600, with smaller carbs, 9.2:1 compression ratio and a wider ratio five speed gearbox, which made for a more practical roadbike than the close ratio six speed on the race bikes. Long travel suspension (41mm hydraulic front forks and Pro Link monoshock rear) ensured a comfortable ride over rough trails, even when carrying a pillion and gear, but the debut Transalp did have its flaws. Engine vibration was harsh above 6000rpm, which transferred through the footrests during regular stints above 120kph.
Bodywork/colour changes and the addition of dual front discs aside, the Transalp remained in this same basic spec for more than a decade, until the arrival of a 650cc version in 2001. Aside from the extra CCs, the XL 650 V featured 34mm Keihin carbs, an enlarged capacity fuel tank and bodywork mods that brought it more into line with the bigger XL 1000V Varadero. A niche product from the outset, the Transalp has always sold well enough (especially in Europe) to stay in production, but not in the sort of volume to warrant regular major upgrades.
After seven years of minor upgrades, 2008 marked the next step in the Transalp evolution - the XL 700V. More than just a capacity upgrade, the 2008 Transalp was a complete style upgrade too, featuring vertically-stacked headlights, smaller (19") front wheel wrapped in a wider 100/90 tyre and an all-new 'Adventure Sports' bodywork design. A slightly lower, slimmer and more contoured seat allowed easier reach to the ground for shorter riders, and the rear carrier featured integrated pillion handgrips. The handlebars are still high and wide to make slow speed manoeuvring easier, aided by a slightly larger wheelbase. The suspension remained as compliant as ever, although adjustable rear compression damping, first offered on the 2001 model, did allow adjustment to suit different road conditions.
Under the new bodywork, the 680cc fuel injected 52 degree v-twin engine featured lighter pistons and connecting rods, which also offered sharper throttle response. Four valve heads also debuted with this model. A new catalyser chamber reduced emissions to below EURO-3 standards, and was relocated under the rear swingarm pivot to lower the centre of gravity.
2008 models offered a redesigned bikini fairing that claimed better wind protection at speed, a chunky undercowl and predominantly black bodywork with accents in either Barley Yellow, Carnelian Red or Moody Blue.
If the majority of your rides are either long rides or REALLY long rides, the Transalp, especially a 'new' model like the XL 700V is an attractive option.
2008 Honda XL 700V Transalp
Engine: 680cc V-twin, 4 stroke, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore/stroke: 81 x 66mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Power/torque: 44kW @ 7750 RPM / 60Nm @ 5500 RPM
Est/claimed top speed: 173kph
Fuel system: electronic fuel injection w/40mm throttle bodies
Cooling system: liquid
Transmission/drive: 5 speed manual/chain drive
Front brake: 256mm twin ventilated disc w/2 piston calipers
Rear brake: 240mm ventilated disc w/1 piston caliper
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 130/80-17
Dry weight: 219kg
Seat height: 837mm
Length: 2255mm
Ground clearance: 182mm
Fuel capacity: 17lt
Transalp trivia
Specific motorcycle licensing requirements in Japan saw Honda release a 400cc version of the Transalp exclusively for the domestic market. Engine capacity aside, it's identical to the XL 600V.
The graphics on the XL 700V Transalp were said to be inspired by the design of a GPS readout. The co-ordinate numbers featured on the tank shrouds refer to the 'Col de la Bonette' in the French Alps, which has the highest motorcycle-accessible paved road in Europe.
Following hot on the heels of the first Transalp, Honda offered the XRV 650 'Africa Twin' in 1988, which was a more performance oriented derivation of the NXR race bikes, as well as more closely resembling them in appearance.
Source: JUST BIKES, August 2010, Collectors Issue #254
