Niall's Spin: Honda XL650V Transalp
It may look exciting and tough but turns out to be a complete softy in the end
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IT LOOKS EXCITING and rufty-tufty but in fact it's an ultra-reliable softy. Forget the dirt bike looks - it's more of a medium size tourer. The chugging engine wafts you around while you wallow in comfort. The seat's not too high either - unusual for bikes of this sort.
Reliability is excellent (or better). Handling and brakes are more than acceptable - although this isn't a bike to take on a track. Now some 19 years old in concept, the Transalp is the first Japanese big capacity multi-cylinder trail bike (it began as a 600 in '87 but grew to 650 in 2001) predating the Africa Twin and the Super Ténéré.
In fact it's a good alternative to buying a BMW F650GS. It's barely any more powerful at around 50hp, and a little heavier at 195kg, but where it gains is the added smoothness the V-twin configuration offers. It's a willing workhorse when revved between 3 and 8000rpm, feels a little more relaxed at motorway speeds and with decent weather protection from the fairing is a fair bit more versatile than the German single.
The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination mean you can fit decent dual sport rubber (Metzeler Tourances are favourite), only given the slightly saggy suspension you'd be advised to keep your dirt-pace steady. Serious off-road types will also find the standard gearing high, so a change of front sprocket would be needed to save the clutch. And you'll want to fit fairing-protecting crash bars if the going is anything other than lush grassy fields.
Servicing is relatively simple, although the requirement for four spark plugs and the time-consuming need to remove tank, fairings and such do add cost and complication.
A centrestand is an optional extra - it really should be standard - and owners would also be interested in a higher screen (for tall types) or lower seat (for shorter types).
Remains a sought after model - adventure tourers like them - with good condition examples fetching decent money.
Key ID: 2004 bikes got catalytic converters and hard-wired headlights.
Walk away: if it's a ratty, high-mileage ex-despatch hound.
