Honda XL700V Transalp 2011 — Specifications

Does a trail bike necessarily have to play the adventurer to be appealing? In 2008, Honda seems to answer yes with this XL700V Transalp, resolutely turning its back on the sensible image of its predecessor. We move from a discreet utility vehicle to a machine with a willing, almost burly look, proclaiming its appetite for adventure. The wink is even inscribed in the graphics: the coordinates on the fairing point to the Col de la Bonette. The message is clear, even if the call of the road will remain mostly paved.

Under this new exterior, the evolution is real, especially on the mechanical side. The old three-valve twin-cylinder gives way to the 680 cm3 V2 from the Deauville, now equipped with four valves and PGM-FI injection. The gain is not monstrous – 60 horsepower at 7750 rpm and 60 Nm of torque – but it is welcome, accompanied by a claimed sobriety. This flexible and linear engine is perfect for the traveler who prioritizes regularity over a burst of emotion. For the rider seeking thrills, you will have to look elsewhere; here, the engine is a reliable partner, not a source of chills.

The chassis, for its part, evolves sparingly. The double cradle frame and the 41 mm telescopic fork remain in place, guaranteeing a certain economy. The wheelbase is slightly extended for stability, and the front wheel goes to 19 inches, a choice that clearly orients the machine towards the asphalt. The real technical progress lies in the optional combined braking system with ABS, an effective system that inspires confidence, especially when considering loading the beast for a long journey. With 214 kg fully fueled and a seat at 841 mm, the Transalp imposes a certain stature, but remains accessible thanks to its controlled center of gravity.

Who is this third-generation Transalp for? For the pragmatic globetrotter who wants a unique motorcycle for the city, the national roads, and vacations. It excels in the role of a Swiss army knife on two wheels, devouring the kilometers with ease and offering, through a plethora of Honda accessories, the possibility of transforming it into a perfect urban trekking vehicle. It will never be a track beast or a true adventurer of rocky trails, but it is a solid and reassuring road companion.

Today, looking for a used Honda XL700V Transalp is a sensible approach. For a budget well below its original price (7690 €), you acquire a robust motorcycle, technically mature without being complex, and with great versatility. It has its flaws: a look that may have aged, an aerodynamic protection that could be improved, and an engine that lacks punch compared to more recent competitors. But its qualities – reliability, comfort, serenity – make it an excellent platform for long-distance travel or everyday riding without complications. It is the choice of adventurous reason, not of grand folly.