Honda XL 650 V Transalp 2007 — Specifications

Who would have bet on the longevity of this on/off-road touring bike when it appeared in 1987? Yet, here is the Honda XL 650 V Transalp entering its majority in 2007, slightly refreshed but fundamentally unchanged. A loyalty that resembles a snub in a world obsessed with novelty. The heart of the beast remains this V-twin of 647 cm3, delivering 55 horsepower and 54.9 Nm of torque. Figures that will not make the technical specifications of competitors tremble, but which speak the language of reliability and accessibility, especially for A2 licenses. With its 212 kg all fueled up and a 19-liter tank, it positions itself as a partner for serene journeys, not a race machine.

The restyling of this year is barely perceptible. New exhaust tips, black rims, gold calipers, and a tinted bubble… Honda has mainly dusted off the interior with a new dashboard with red needles. The offer remains pragmatic: a double-texture seat, available in standard height (843 mm) or in a low version upon request. That’s it. And perhaps that is its strength compared to the BMW F 650 GS or Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom of the time, often more technical and expensive. The Transalp cultivates its status as a simple, robust, and incredibly versatile machine. It swallows the asphalt, carries luggage, and ventures onto trails without drama.

But let's not be mistaken: this maturity comes at a price, both literally and figuratively. At €6990, it is not cheap, but its usage cost and reputation for solidity make it a safe bet on the used market. On the other hand, the braking, with its two 256 mm front discs, sometimes lacks bite when the machine is loaded. A point that some owners address by changing the original hoses for aviation-type models, such as the Speedbrakes stainless steel with aluminum fittings, an upgrade that promises better feel at the lever. A modification that aptly illustrates the philosophy of this motorcycle: a healthy base that is personalized according to one's needs.

So, who rides this 18-year-old lady? For the globetrotter who prioritizes travel over pure performance, for the daily rider looking for a reliable and comfortable mount, or for the novice with an A2 license seeking a reassuring first large displacement. It's not a motorcycle that electrifies, but a road companion that reassures. In a test of the Honda XL 650 V Transalp, one does not discover technical perfection, but a form of mechanical wisdom. It doesn't make you dream on paper, it simply makes the road and trails accessible, day after day, kilometer after kilometer. And sometimes, that’s all that is asked of it.