PERFECT BALANCE

Honda have tried to blur the lines between an ADV and a sport bike. We endeavour to seek some clarity

- Joshua Varghese

THE HONDA TRANSALP IS NOT A NEW name. In fact, it is a legend that began life in 1986 as a 583-cc motorcycle. It grew to 647 cc and, finally, to 680 cc in 2008 before it left the scene for a break.

Now the Transalp is back and the XL750 is the biggest Transalp yet but, unlike its predecessors, this one does not have a V-twin engine. It is powered by a 755-cc parallel-twin unit from the CB750 Hornet. In some markets these motorcycles are offered alongside each other but we get only the Transalp for now and here is what we have to say about this ADV that sits immediately below the CRF1100L Africa Twin range.

Personally, I find the Transalp a handsome motorcycle. Although I do not think much of the black paint scheme, this white-red-blue combination with golden spoke wheels tugs at the heartstrings. When combined with the 18-inch rear and 21-inch front wheels, the ADV stance is complete and rather tasteful. The quality of parts and fit-andfinish live up to our expectations of Honda. This thing feels like it has been built to last. Some may find the design far too similar to that of the NX500 but the latter is a significantly smaller motorcycle.