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Honda Transalp

Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	XL600V, XL650V, XL700V
Production	since 1987
Engine	Liquid-cooled, six-valve, 4-Stroke, 52° V-twin 583 cc (XL600V) 647 cc (XL650V) 680 cc (XL700V)
Top speed	177 km/h (110 mph) (XL600V) 180 km/h (110 mph) (XL650V)
Fuel capacity	18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal)
Related	NT650V & NT700V Deauville

XL650V 2001

The Honda Transalp is the name given to the XL600V, XL650V, and XL700V series of dual-sport motorcycles manufactured in Japan by Honda since 1987.^[1] The Transalp bikes all feature a liquid-cooled, four-stroke 52° V-twin engine.

History

The first prototype was built in 1985, as an off-road motorbike with a 500 cc engine. Further development introduced an increase to 600 cc and more road-oriented features, notably an improved fairing.

Models

The most usual models are:

• The XL600V from 1987 - available in the United States in 1989^[2]
• The XL650V from 2000^[3]
• The XL700V from 2008^[4]

Other versions exist, such as the 400 cc version (ND-06) aimed at the Japanese market.

The first version output 50 hp (37 kW) at 8,000 rpm, increased to 55 hp (41 kW) for the 1989 and 1990 version. Later models returned to the original 50 hp.

From 1991, the rear drum brake was replaced by a 240 mm disc brake, with a single-piston brake caliper.

The appearance was altered in 1994: the original square lights were changed, and a new fairing was introduced.

In 1996, new 34 mm carburetors were introduced, and the CDI ignition system was replaced by a microprocessor-driven design.

The front brake was modified in 1997, introducing a second disc and reducing the diameter to 256 mm.

The weight of the Transalp increased over time, from 175 kg (390 lb) for the first models to 218 kg (480 lb) for the latest version.^[5]

In 2000, the XL650V Transalp replaced the XL600V, introducing the engine from the Deauville and Honda Revere. The power output increased to 39 kW (52 hp) at 7,500 rpm, torque increased to 54 N·m (40 lbf·ft) at 5,500 rpm. A 4 mm bore diameter increase gave a 64 cc displacement increase. The shock absorbers were redesigned for road use, the exhaust system was updated, the fuel capacity increased by one litre, the control panel was redesigned, and weight diminished by 4 kg (8.8 lb).

In 2007, the XL700V Transalp was introduced, with a new 680 cc engine, which was also fitted to the NT700V Deauville, and compatible with Euro 3 emission standards. The front wheel diameter was reduced from 21-inches to 19-inches, the exhaust system was fitted with a catalytic converter, the lights were redesigned, and ABS was introduced.

The 2008 model reinforces the road orientation of the Transalp, with larger tyres, lower saddle and more road-oriented shock absorbers. The 2008 XL700V engine is a liquid-cooled, eight-valve, four-stroke, single-overhead cam, 52° V-twin.^[6]

Technical Data

XL700V 2008

• Gearbox
  • 5-speed constant mesh

• Maximum Power
  • XL600V 34.7 kW (46.5 hp) at 7,542 rpm
  • XL650V 39 kW (52 hp) at 7,500 rpm
  • XL700V 44 kW (59 hp) at 7,750 rpm

• Maximum Torque
  • XL600V 49 N·m (36 lbf·ft) at 5,798 rpm
  • XL650V 54 N·m (40 lbf·ft) at 5,500 rpm
  • XL700V 60 N·m (44 lbf·ft) at 6,000 rpm

• Average Fuel Consumption
  • XL600V 6.7 l / 100 km
  • XL650V 8.5 l / 100 km

• Fuel Tank Range
  • XL600V 273 km (170 mi)
  • XL650V 228 km (142 mi)

Model list

The Police of Northern Ireland on XL650V

Transalp 650 is the motorcycle of the Greek Police

Transalp being used off road

• 1987–1988 XL600V-H and V-J Transalp
• 1989 XL600V-K
• 1991 XL600V-M Transalp
  • Rear wheel brake drum was replaced with a single piston disc system
• 1994–1995 XL600V-R
• 1996 XL600V-T
• 1997 XL600V-V
  • Front wheel brake replaced with a twin disc system
• 2000–2002 XL650V-Y V-1 V-2
  • Displacement is increased from 600 cc to 650 cc
• 2007 XL700V
  • Completely redesigned 680 cc engine with fuel injection, catalytic converter, ABS, new smaller front wheel, new body styling but a smaller tank

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Honda Transalp

• XL700V Transalp at Honda UK