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How Far Do You Want To Go ?
Around town or around the world , Honda ’ s XL750 Transalp carries the adventure on from the iconic original , ready for a fresh generation of riders looking to travel wherever the road leads . Leading the 25YM updates is a new front face comprising powerful dual LED projector headlights for an distinctive new look , and revised DurabioTM screen . As before the eight-valve , parallel twin-cylinder engine delivers 67.5kW and 75Nm ; Throttle By Wire ( TBW ) serves up four default riding modes plus User option , five-level Honda Selectable Torque Control ( HSTC ) with integrated Wheelie Control and three levels of Engine Braking and Power . The steel frame wears full Showa suspension : 43mm SFF-CATM USD forks and rear shock working through Pro-Link ; both front and rear suspension feature revised damping settings . Dual , two-piston calipers bite hard up front and 21 / 18-inch wheels wear tubed tyres . The Transalp ’ s premium specification includes a new five-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and four-way toggle switch , auto-indicator cancel and Emergency Stop Signals ( ESS ) technology .
The original Transalp , introduced in 1986 with a 583cc V-Twin engine , is something of a legend . And , as testament to the sheer quality of its build and timelessness of its design , many can still be seen on roads today .
Back then , its focus was as a smooth , comfortable do-it-all crossover that could cope with rougher ground thanks to long-travel suspension and light off-road dynamic . By 2000 the engine had grown to 647cc and , for the last version in 2008 it landed with 680cc , fuel injection and a 214kg kerb weight .
The XL750 Transalp – which debuted in 23YM – was designed to fill a gap in the mid-capacity sector of Honda ’ s range as a model to attract customers with a different set of adventurous aspirations . Fittingly it takes inspiration from the original and is perfect for an extended touring trip as well as the urban cut and thrust – and all points in-between .
It ’ s equally at home slicing through an Alpine pass as it is kicking up dust on rough tracks . And adds to the formula a high-performance engine and top-draw equipment level that modern riders demand .
“ For the Transalp we looked hard at what made the first model so good and wanted to strike the right balance between urban agility , long-distance , on-road touring comfort and off-road ability ," explains Masatoshi Sato , Transalp Large Project Leader , Honda R & D . " In arriving where we did , we considered all these aspects in a ‘ 360 °’ way and created a bike that gives riders of all experience levels a fresh new option in the Honda range . Around town or around the world – the Transalp is ready !”
Updated for 25YM – after an extensive European riding tour by both Honda Japan and Honda Europe development engineers – with some thoughtful details that owners will appreciate , and a refreshed front end with powerful new headlight , the XL750 Transalp carries on as a brilliant all-rounder that leaves only one question unanswered :
How far do you want to go ?
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