NEW MODEL COMMING
Transalp XL750
With our new 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. In arriving where we are, we have considered all these aspects in a 360 degree way, and created a bike that gives riders of all experience levels a fresh new option in the Honda range. The look revives the classic Transalp presence in a modern key, the new engine is incredibly strong and versatile, and the bike has an appealingly long and rich specification list. Around town or around the world our Transalp is ready!
The XL750 Transalp takes inspiration from the original 1986 model. A smooth, comfortable, do-it-all crossover that could cope with rougher terrain thanks to long travel suspension and light off-road dynamic. The new model design projects an unmistakeable feeling of adventure touring in a package that works superbly on the road.
In imagining the perfect lines for the Transalp’s bodywork, the R&D designers’ aim was to strike a balance between aerodynamic performance and wind protection at speed, matched to a sense of lightness and freedom at low speeds. The concept tagline used throughout was “Friendly Toughness”.
The result is sleek, simple and clean bodywork. It has a purposeful look and feel, with zero excess, and is built tough. For open visibility forward, and excellent wind deflection, the screen’s height has been carefully optimised. Its compact width also minimises turbulence from trapped air.
This bike is built to go the distance, so genuine comfort, for rider and passenger, matters. Seat height is relatively low at 850mm and the riding position is upright for natural control and leverage. The riding geometry also works well when standing up. A rear carrier is standard and there’s a USB socket under the seat for convenience.
The instruments comprise a 5-inch, full colour high-visibility TFT screen, which offers four types of speed/rpm display (3 analogue rev-counter styles and 1 bar) according to rider preference, as well as fuel gauge and consumption, riding mode selection and engine parameters, gear selected and customisable shift-up point on the rev-counter. Management is via the screen and switchgear on the left handlebar.
Also incorporated into the interface is the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), which links the rider to their smartphone while on the move, and allows voice management of phone calls, messages, music and navigation. Connecton is via Bluetooth, and a helmet-mounted headset is needed. Management of HSVCS is also possible using the left switchgear buttons.
All lighting is LED, the indicators auto-cancel and also include Emergency Stop System (ESS).
The XL750 Transalps brand-new 755c parallel twin-cylinder engine has bore and stroke set at 87 x 63.5mm, with compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces a hard hit of top end power, with maximum output of 67.5kW @ 9,500rpm. This is accompanied by significant usable torque in the low to mid rpm range, rising to a peak of 75Nm @ 7,250rpm. The result is an engine that provides usable, enjoyable performance for rides of all types and all distances, and for riders of all experience levels.
Compact, competition CRF-derived Unicam 8-valve cylinder heads employ downdraft air intakes and a Vortex Flow Duct to ensure optimal combustion. The Unicam head operates the 35.5mm inlet valves via cam, and the 29mm exhaust by rocker arms. Inlet lift is 9.3mm, exhaust 8.2mm. A 270° crank and uneven firing order deliver feel and character.
To make the engine as tightly wrapped as possible there’s no balancer drive gear; the primary drive gear doubles up duties and also spins the balance shaft. The water pump is tucked away inside the lefthand engine cover and there’s no need for a water-cooled oil-cooler. The cylinders also use a Ni-SiC (Nickel-Silicon Carbide) coating, as also used in the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and CRF450R.
While mechanically identical to the CB750 Hornet’s unit, the Transalp’s engine TBW settings are tuned differently to focus on an engine intended for the long distance, touring work for which the Transalp will be the ideal machine.
An assist/slipper clutch offers light lever feel, eases up shifts and manages rear wheel hop under hard braking and rapid down changes.
Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) engine control offers four default riding modes: “SPORT”, “STANDARD”, “RAIN” and “GRAVEL”, adjusting the engine’s performance delivery and feel to suit conditions and rider’s intent. There is also a specific “USER” mode that allows the rider to fine tune their own personal settings.
There are 4 levels of Engine Power (EP), 3 levels of Engine Brake (EB), 2 levels of ABS, and 5 levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) available; HSTC and rear ABS can also be switched off. The riding modes offer different combinations of each parameter. Wheelie Control is also standard and integrated to HSTC.
“SPORT” mode delivers maximum performance with minimum intervention. “STANDARD” is a well balanced setting for everyday riding. “RAIN” delivers the least aggressive power delivery, while “GRAVEL” is the ideal setting for riding on rougher off-road terrain. “USER” allows the rider to choose their preferred settings for each parameter and save them for future use. Modes are easily switched and managed between the left handlebar mode and TFT screen.
At just 18.3kg, the steel diamond mainframe is lightweight, 10% lighter than the frame of the CB500X. A major R&D process of reducing the number of reinforcing parts, thinning of the main and down tubes, and optimisation of the upper shock mount and swingarm pivot shape has produced a hugely strong platform, with rigidity balanced to deliver feel to the rider across all conditions and geometry set to inspire confident handling agility. The integrated heavy-duty subframe employs high-tension steel pipework for strength and toughness. Ground clearance is 210mm.
The suspension specifications have been selected based on the all-round concept, with long travel and superb bump absorption to deliver smooth performance and comfort on-road, and reassuring control off-road. Showa 43mm SFF-CATM (Separate Function Fork-Cartridge) USD forks offer 200mm travel with spring preload adjustment, and mount by a forged aluminium bottom yoke and cast aluminium top yoke, for a perfect balance of strength and rigidity in wide-ranging riding situations.
With 190mm travel, the Pro-link rear suspension with remote reservoir Showa shock has adjustable preload . The swingarm employs the same castings as the CRF1100L Africa Twin, but uses aluminium material exclusive to the Transalp.
Compact, two-piston calipers work dual 310mm “wave” brake discs. The rear 256mm “wave” disc is operated by a single-piston caliper. Stainless steel spoked wheels and tubed tyres are a combination of 90/90-21 at the front and 150/70-18 at the rear.
Slow speed U-turns are easy thanks to a 42° steering angle and 2.6m minimum turning circle.
The XL750 Transalp is available in Ross White, Matte Ballistic Black and Matte Iridium Gray. It is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2023. Price will be announced closer to the release date.
SKU:.NXL750TRANSALP
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