Honda has brought back the Transalp adventure bike for 2023, based off the CB750 Hornet platform that we saw released earlier this year.
That means we get a 755cc parallel twin Unicam engine, with 270-degree crank, four-valve heads, six-speed gearbox, assist/slipper clutch, and throttle-by-wire. Although it’s mechanically the same as the Hornet, Honda says it’s retuned for ADV duty. Max claimed output is 90 hp at 9,500 rpm and 55 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm.
Of course, there’s a comprehensive electronics package on the bike. Honda’s Euro press release says “Electronic rider aids run via Throttle By Wire (TBW) and include 5 riding modes, 4 of which contain pre-set combinations of Engine Power, Engine Braking, ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control. The 5th ‘User’ mode allows the rider to fix their own preferred combination.” So, you can set the bike’s electro-trickery to your own preference, or just select one of the factory settings.
Hondas are typically known for sensible fuel consumption numbers, and the new Transalp is no different. It’s supposed to do as well as 23 km/l, which allows you to extend that 16.9-liter tank as far as 390 km, which will no doubt cut into the sales of aftermarket tanks. Very few buyers will ever realistically need to push beyond 300 km.
The Transalp uses a lightweight steel diamond frame, even lighter than the frame on the CB500X, with integrated subframe. Showa provides both front suspension (SFF-CATM Separate Function Fork) and rear suspension, with 200 mm of travel and 190 mm of travel respectively. Both front and rear end are adjustable for preload.
Front braking comes from dual 310 mm discs with two-piston calipers; in back, there’s a solo 256 mm disc with single-piston caliper. The machine comes with dual-channel ABS. The front tire is an offroad-friendly 21-incher, and there’s an 18-inch tire in rear. In Europe, riders will get either Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour tires.
We haven’t seen Canadian pricing or availability for this bike yet, but it seems certain it’ll be here for next season.
Africa Twit rims,hubs and spoke cost in USD approx, front +rear
tubed wheels $741.06 + $1091.92 = $1832.98
tubeless wheels $892.05 + $1226.15 = $2118.20
would only cost HonDUD $285.22 approx to install tubeless rims on TRANSLAP
cost to replace tubes ~ $65 every tire change
how many dakar wannabees are taking these 500 lb compensators on serious offroad where they need to air down tires
new TRANSLAP is marketed more for on road use
very nostalgic, tube tires,what next carbs and needs leaded fuel
[…] with the idea of riding a little more off the beaten track, and is smitten with the now-announced Honda Transalp. If a trade in of her cruiser-style bike is in the cards, we will likely have more riding together, […]
Would be sweet if Honda would include an optional under rear fender/seat gas tank like the Desert X for those that want max range.
Hopefully the aftermarket can figure out how to add 3-4 more litres
I’ve been waiting on this bike for years. I’m mostly happy with what I see as well as the specs. I would have preferred more fuel capacity (20 l) and tubeless wheels, though. You won’t be able to use all 16.9 l, so you’re not likely going get 390 km out of a tank, especially if you’re doing any significant distance on rough roads, trails or at higher speeds on the highway. It’s also a pain to fix a flat on the side of the road when running tube type tires, and yes, I’ve done it; I’ve had 4 flat tires in the past 5 years. RoadAndTrail (roadandtrail.net)