tuningblog.eu Your magazine about tuning the car
The new Honda XL 750 Transalp aims to continue the legacy of its popular predecessor, in the city, far away or around the world; and is aimed at motorcyclists who appreciate patent all-round qualities wherever the road leads. The newly developed eight-valve parallel twin offers lively 92 hp (67,5 kW), smooth running and plenty of torque. The electronics assist with four driving programs including traction control and a user option. The steel frame, which is also new, is completed by Showa 43 mm SFF-CA inverted forks and aluminum swingarm with Pro-Link suspension. A double disc brake decelerates the front wheel, the spoked wheels (21/18 inches front/rear) have tubular tires. The equipment includes a 5-inch TFT display, smartphone voice control, LED lighting technology, automatic turn signal deactivation and emergency brake signal function. A 48 hp variant for A2 entry-level drivers is also available.
Honda XL750 Transalp
Honda's former Transalp, for the 1986 season with a 583 cm3-V-Twin debuted, can undoubtedly be called a legend. Just how many bikes are still on the road in Europe today and are used with pleasure is good proof of the ingenious concept, the constructive quality and the reliability of the popular and successful machine.
This first XL600V Transalp created a new category with the lettering "Adventure Touring" on the side covers and shone as a smooth-running, comfortable all-rounder bike that, thanks to long-travel suspension and the best off-road qualities, also mastered rough terrain. By 2000, the engine had grown to 647 cc. The third version in 2008 with fuel injection brought it to 680 cm3 Displacement and 214 kg weight fully tanked.
In the meantime, the adventure segment has grown enormously in popularity. Honda currently offers the lightweight and A2-compatible CB500X as well as the high-capacity flagship CRF1100L Africa Twin (split into standard and adventure sports variants). In between there was still room for a medium-size model for customers with far-reaching adventurous ambitions. That's exactly what the new XL750 Transalp was designed to do - as an adventure touring legend reborn.
The XL750 Transalp, inspired by the former original, is suitable as an all-round multi-tool for extended tours into the countryside, local transport operations and trips into urban areas - and everything else that comes into question, from the alpine pass curve orgy to dust raising off-road -Terrain, remote dirt roads and gravel paths. The patented formula is rounded off by modern engine technology, an attractive design, complete equipment and favorable pricing – just as prospective buyers can rightly expect. In short: the XL750 Transalp is an attractive all-rounder that leaves it up to its owners to decide where and how far the adventure tour should go.
Masatoshi Sato, Project Manager XL750 Transalp, Honda R&D, Japan:
“For the new Transalp, we carefully studied what made the original model so good. Consequently, it was necessary to find the perfect balance between urban agility, touring comfort and long-distance qualities as well as off-road capability; and to illuminate all aspects from all angles. Thanks to this 360 degree view, it has been possible to create a motorcycle that offers riders of all skill levels an attractive option in the Honda range. The design revives the legacy of the Transalp in a modern appearance, the new engine inspires in a variety of ways and the equipment leaves nothing to be desired. Whether you want to go across town or around the world - our Transalp is well equipped for everything!
Model overview
The design of the XL750 Transalp already invites you to a pleasurable ride. Over paved roads or unpaved paths, which is already indicated by tall stature and block profile tires. Perfect function is guaranteed here and there. The seating position is upright and comfortable, the fairing and window offer wind protection without appearing too expansive. The visual appearance pleases with well-proportioned, slim and timeless beauty - pleasing and clean.
Honda's developers have designed an engine with compact dimensions that combines sympathetic running culture and powerful performance with plenty of torque from all engine speeds. The parallel two-cylinder with 755 cm3 Displacement, which is also used in the CB750 Hornet, produces 92 hp (67,5 kW) at 9.500 rpm and a strong torque across the entire speed range, which peaks at 75 Nm. Carefully perfected settings for the PGM-FI injection in conjunction with the electronically controlled Throttle-by-Wire throttle grip also align the engine character in the direction of touring and sensitive response.
Compact Unicam eight-valve cylinder heads (derived from the CRF Crossers) use downdraft air intakes and vortex flow channels to ensure optimal combustion. The twin's crankshaft, offset by 270 degrees, results in a pleasantly pulsating running culture. The electronic assistance systems include four driving modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel) and a user mode. Configurable parameters are engine output, engine braking, ABS and HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control) with integrated wheelie control.
The handling of the XL750 Transalp is balanced and willing to take bends, the stable straight-line stability also supports confidence. The newly designed bridge frame made of steel is particularly light thanks to carefully optimized wall and tube thicknesses, and the spring elements are of selected quality. Showa 43mm SFF-CA inverted forks and an aluminum monoshock swingarm with Pro-Link suspension perform well on asphalt and off-road excursions. The double disc brakes with two-piston calipers at the front ensure superior braking deceleration, while the block profile tires in the dimensions 90/90-R21 (front) and 150/70-R18 (rear) ensure versatility on the road and off-road.
The rich equipment includes a 5 inch TFT color display, Honda's Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVC) enables connectivity on Android and iOS devices. The lighting technology is fully equipped with LEDs. The turn signals are self-resetting and Honda's ESS emergency brake signal function warns following traffic of unexpectedly hard braking manoeuvres. A comprehensive range of accessories fulfills individual equipment requirements, including shift assistants, luggage solutions, special rally and touring equipment and cosmetic finishing touches (see complete list under 4. equipment). The new XL750 Transalp will be available in three colours, including a tricolour, in homage to the original XL600V Transalp:
- Matt Iridium Gray Metallic
- Matt Ballistic Black Metallic
- Ross White Tricolor
Styling & equipment
- Paneling and bodywork permit a practical balance of wind protection, on-road comfort and off-road suitability.
- Generous ground clearance, 850 mm seat height, USB charging socket, luggage rack.
- 5 inch TFT display and Honda Smartphone Voice Control connectivity.
- All-round LED lighting technology, rear light with ESS emergency stop signal function.
When creating the Transalp bodywork, the designers of the European R&D department in Rome strived to create a balance between aerodynamic design, practical wind protection and a feeling of lightness and freedom at low speeds.
The result - a slim and clean bodywork - is more than impressive. The impression turned out to be functional, straightforward and robust. The placement of the cockpit display combines good readability with a clear view to the front. The visually elegant and narrow fairing works aerodynamically while helping to avoid unwanted turbulence. If you want more protection: higher windshields and additional side wind deflectors are available as original accessories.
A pleasing engine character and problem-free handling of the XL750 Transalp provide plenty of driving pleasure over short and long distances. In addition, the comfort offered is convincing, even with a passenger. Seat height is low for this class at 850mm (an 820mm seat is available as an option); the upright driving position allows an ergonomically relaxed posture. It goes without saying that the seat is comfortably padded and the handlebars are easy to hold. A luggage rack is part of the factory equipment, and there is also a USB charging socket under the seat.
The cockpit is equipped with a 5 inch TFT color screen. The driver can choose between four representations for the display of speed and rpm as well as further options for fuel gauge, consumption, driving mode and engine settings as well as a shift-up display. A gear indicator is also included. Control is via the left switch panel on the handlebars and directly via the touchscreen.
The Honda Smartphone Voice Control system is integrated into the cockpit, which allows the use of telephony, emails, music and navigation via the Honda Road Sync app and Android smartphone connection. With iOS smartphones, certain functions may only be used to a limited extent. A helmet with headset is required for voice-controlled use and the smartphone must be connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth. Connectivity functions can also be controlled via the left handlebar switch panel.
The on-board network of the XL750 Transalp is characterized by modern electronics, in addition to CAN technology (Controller Area Network) there is also a Body Control Unit (BCU). The BCU unit is located on the left side of the frame under the tank and processes the control signals from the ABS modulator, TFT screen and switch units separately. Headlights, rear lights and indicators are equipped with LED lighting technology. The rear indicators also offer an ESS emergency stop signal function (Emergency Stop Signal). In the event of emergency braking, these flash as hazard warning lights to warn following road users of an abrupt stop. The speed must be over 56 km/h and the negative acceleration 6.0 m/s2 exceeded so that the emergency stop signal function is triggered. If the ABS is triggered earlier (on slippery or wet roads), the activation threshold is set to a negative acceleration of at least 2,5 m/s2 reduced.
In addition, the indicators are self-resetting. This function is not controlled by a simple timer, but by the on-board electronics, which measure the wheel revolutions on the front and rear wheels when turning or changing lanes. The detection of the driving dynamics situation allows a much more practical resetting of the turn signal function, which contributes to increased driving safety.
Motor
- 755 cm3 Parallel twin, Unicam camshaft, 8 valves, 270 degree crankshaft.
- Power 92 hp (67,5 kW) at 9.500 rpm. Also as a 48 hp variant.
- Torque 75 Nm at 7.250 rpm.
- Electronically controlled throttle with Transalp specific mapping.
- Patented vortex downdraft intake ports.
- Assist slipper clutch.
The completely newly developed two-cylinder engine will be installed in both the new XL750 Transalp and the new CB750 Hornet. The liquid-cooled parallel twin has a displacement of 755 cc, OHC Unicam cylinder heads and 4 valves per cylinder. Bore and stroke are 87 x 63,5 mm, compression is 11,0:1. This produces 92 hp (67,5 kW) at 9.500 rpm, accompanied by ample and highly usable torque in the low and medium engine speed ranges, which increases to 75 Nm at 7.250 rpm. As a result, the engine delivers pleasantly available power for drivers of all ages and levels of experience and for every gait on short and long distances alike.
The engine is characterized by its low weight and compact dimensions, which allowed the developers of the XL750 Transalp to pull out all the stops for the overall vehicle, for example in terms of design, packaging, weight distribution and seating position. The space-saving design with Unicam cylinder heads (this technology was borrowed from the 250/450 CRF motocrossers) also plays a part in this. In the cylinder head, the 35,5 mm inlet valves are actuated by rocker arms and the 29 mm outlet valves by rocker arms. The intake valve lift is 9,3 mm and the exhaust valve lift is 8,2 mm.
The primary drive wheel is also used to drive the balancer shaft, which helps to save weight, components and the overall width of the housing. With a view to the best response, the mixture is prepared via the electronic PGM-FI injection and in an aerodynamic downdraft arrangement, with patented vortex intake channels supporting the gas intake. The airbox is fed from two air intakes. The throttle bodies have a diameter of 46 mm.
The cylinder liners are treated with a wear-reducing Ni-SiC (Nickel Silicon Carbide) coating, as on the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and CRF450R crossers. The 270-degree offset crankshaft and uneven firing order create characterful two-cylinder pulsation. The noise development pleases with a pleasant low-end beat and a sporty top-end sound.
The Transalp engine is mechanically identical to that of the Hornet. However, the software mappings for the PGM-FI injection and the electronic ride-by-wire throttle control have been specially tuned to ideally support the engine character in adventure touring, for which the Transalp is intended, and even better for to let come into play. The Assist anti-hopping clutch (with sloping start-up ramps) from supplier FCC supports the 30% lighter feeling on the clutch lever, makes shifting maneuvers smoother and prevents the rear wheel from stamping under heavy braking and rapid downshifts at the same time.
The tank volume is 16,9 liters. The economical fuel consumption of 4,3 km per liter (or 23 km per liter) allows a range of an impressive 390 km. As with the CB750 Hornet, the 750hp XL48 Transalp is available for A2 license holders; another ECU mapping that can be installed at the Honda dealer makes the conversion unproblematic.
Engine electronics
- There are four riding modes to choose from: Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel.
- In addition, a user mode can be individually configured.
- The engine power can be adjusted 4 times, the engine brake 3 times.
- The HSTC traction control offers 5 settings.
- The off-road ABS can optionally be switched off in user mode.
The electronic assistance systems offer four riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel), which are managed via the left handlebar panel and displayed on the TFT screen. The driving modes combine the parameters of power delivery (in 4 levels), engine braking (in 3 levels), ABS anti-lock braking (in 2 levels) and HSTC traction control (in 5 levels) in different ways. A wheelie control is also integrated into the traction control. Optionally, ABS and traction control can also be switched off entirely.
In user mode, the driver can select each parameter individually and save the resulting configuration for use.
- The Sport driving mode uses maximum engine power (Level 4), ABS at Level 2, lowest possible engine braking and traction control (both at Level 1) to allow maximum performance with minimal intervention.
- Im Driving mode standard for everyday use and city traffic, the power delivery and traction control parameters at level 3 are combined with the engine braking and ABS parameters at level 2.
- The Driving mode Rain for tricky conditions such as slick rain, use the gentlest engine performance (level 1), engine brake and ABS on level 2 and the most sensitive intervention (level 5) of the traction control.
- The Gravel driving mode combines engine power at level 2, engine braking at level 3, traction control at level 4 and ABS at level 1. This is the best way to safely master rough terrain and off-road surfaces.
- Im USER mode the driver is free to combine and save the parameters individually. Engine power in 4 levels, traction control in 5 levels, engine braking in 3 levels; to do this, the ABS on the rear wheel can be switched off.
Suspension
- Lightweight steel bridge frame with welded rear frame.
- Showa 43mm SFF-CA inverted forks, Pro-Link rear suspension.
- Front and rear suspension with adjustable spring base.
- Dual 310mm wave discs and two-piston calipers up front.
- 256 mm wave single disc with single-piston caliper at the rear.
- 21 inch front wheel with 90/90 R21 tires; 18 inch rear wheel with 150/70-R18 tyres.
The steel bridge frame weighs only 18,3 kg and is therefore 10% lighter than the frame of the CB500X, for example. Architecture and pipe routing with specifically optimized diameters, wall thicknesses and reinforcements support the desired balance of rigidity. The geometry is tailored for safe straight-line stability with agile handling at the same time. Forged steel is used in the area of the swingarm mounts, and the upper shock absorber mount is specially reinforced. The firmly welded rear frame is made of light but high-strength steel tubes. The steering head angle is 42 degrees, trail is 111 mm and the wheelbase is 1.560 mm. The weight with a full tank is 208 kg. The turning circle is 2,6 meters.
The spring elements for the Transalp ideally support the all-round concept. Long spring deflections and carefully coordinated damping ensure comfort, safe road holding and the best possible traction on asphalt and off-road. A Showa 43 mm SFF-CA (Separate Function Fork Cartridge) USD fork offers 200 mm of travel and the spring preload is adjustable. The lower triple tree is made of forged aluminum, the upper triple tree is made of cast aluminum. Front suspension is optimized to ensure the perfect balance of strength and stiffness in a wide variety of riding situations.
The Showa mono shock absorber with additional gas pressure reservoir cushions the rear wheel swing arm via a progressive Pro-Link lever system and offers 190 mm of travel. The attractive aluminum swing arm is manufactured in the molds of the Africa Twin, but a Transalp-specific aluminum alloy is used for the casting. The ground clearance is 210 mm.
On the double disc brakes in the front wheel, Nissin two-piston calipers access 310 mm wave brake discs. A single-piston caliper is used for the 256 mm brake disc on the rear wheel. The spoked wheels measure 21 inches and 18 inches (front/rear) and are fitted with hoses and stainless steel spokes. The tire dimensions are 90/90-R21 and 150/70-R18. Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour are mounted ex works.
Accessories
Right from the start, Honda offers a comprehensive range of original accessories for the XL750 Transalp, with which the equipment can be customized or supplemented. The tank bag and passenger seat bag offer soft luggage storage space for taking luggage with you, while hard side cases complete the range. A shift assistant and a low seat are also included. All accessories are available individually, and Honda dealers also offer accessory packages at a reduced price. About:
Urban package
- (suitability for everyday use and storage space solution)
50 liter top box with one key system, matching aluminum panelling, carrier base, backrest, 25 liter inner pannier, high windscreen, center stand.
Travel Package
- (Comfort and luggage solution)
Side case set (26 liters on the right/33 liters on the left), matching aluminum panels, pannier rack system, inner pannier set, heated grips.
Adventure package
- (style and protection)
Front crash bar*, LED fog lights including attachment, radiator grille.
*Requires mounting kit, sold separately.
Rally Package
- (style and functionality)
Shift assistant, engine protection bar incl. mounting kit, engine protection, rally footrest set, hand protectors.
Comfort Package
- (Comfort and suitability for everyday use)
3 liter tank bag, additional wind deflectors, comfort passenger footrests, 12V socket, luggage rope.
Technical data
| MOTOR | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled OHC Uni-Cam four-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crankshaft, Euro 5 |
| Capacity | 755 cm3 |
| Bore x stroke | 87 x 63,5 mm |
| compression | 11.0:1 |
| Maximum power | 92 PS (67,5 kW) at 9.500 RPM |
| Max. Torque | 75 Nm at 7.250 rpm |
| Engine oil quantity | 3,9 liters |
| Starter | E-Starter |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| mixture preparation | PGM-FI petrol injection |
| Tankinhalt | 16,9 liters |
| CO2 Emissions | 103 g / km |
| Consumption** (WMTC) | 4,4 km per 100 km (23 km per liter) |
| ELECTRICS | |
| Battery | 12 volts / 8,6 Ah |
| DRIVE | |
| Clutch | Multi-discs in oil bath, anti-hopping function |
| Transmission | 6 gears |
| Final drive | O-ring chain |
| LANDING GEAR | |
| frame | Steel tube bridge frame |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2.325 x 838 x 1.450 mm |
| wheelbase | 1560 mm |
| Steering head angle | 27° |
| trailing | 111 mm |
| seat height | 850 mm |
| ground clearance | 210 mm |
| Weight with a full tank | 208 kg |
| turning circle | 2,6 meters |
| WHEEL SUSPENSION | |
| your Front Wheel. | Showa 43mm SFF-CA fork, travel 200mm |
| behind | Pro-Link aluminum swingarm, Showa mono shock absorber, Pro-Link linkage, travel 190 mm |
| BIKES | |
| Rim in front | 21 inch spoke rims (stainless steel spokes) |
| Rim at the back | 18 inch spoke rims (stainless steel spokes) |
| Front tire | 90/90-R21 M/C 54H |
| Tire behind | 150/70-R18 M/C 70H |
| BRAKES | |
| ABS | 2 Channel |
| Front brake | Double wave discs, Ø 310 mm x 4,5 mm, double-piston brake calipers |
| rear brake | A wave disc, Ø 256 mm x 6,0 mm, single-piston caliper |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRONICS | |
| Instruments | TFT |
| headlights | LED |
| Taillight | LED |
| connectivity | Honda smartphone voice control system |
| USB | Type C (under the seat) |
| 12V on-board socket | Optional |
| Blinker | LED, self-resetting, ESS emergency stop signal |
| Quickshifters | Optional |
| immobilizer | HISS |
Of course, that was far from it. Our tuning magazine has countless other tuning reports in stock. And also with the topic Motorcycle and motorcycle tuning we meet regularly. Do you want to see all posts about motorcycles and motorcycle tuning? Just click HERE and look around. Or is a small extract enough? Then take a look at the following Mopped posts.
other related posts
|
2023 Honda CMX1100 Rebel - now with even more technology!
|
|
|
|
|
New model 2023: Honda XL750 Transalp
Photo credit: Honda
