Thursday, October 25, 2007

New Honda Transalp XL700V





Press Release


Dynamic new Adventure Sports styling really sets the pace for the all-new 2008 XL700V Transalp. Powered by a new fuel-injected V-twin engine that carries it down the road with impressive power and confident cruising speed, the new Transalp reasserts its position as Europe’s most versatile midsized motorcycle. The Transalp debuted on the European motorcycling scene in 1987 in response to the surging popularity of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Combining elements of a mid-displacement tourer with a trail-going enduro chassis and look, the Transalp pioneered a fresh new direction in motorcycle development that has remained popular for over twenty years. Although initially based on the intrepid rally bikes that raced across Africa, the Transalp also won a strong and growing following for its superbly comfortable ergonomics, confidence-inspiring control and inherent ability to cruise high-speed motorways with strong, agile performance, and remarkable riding ease. Offering impressive appeal to a wide cross-section of riders who appreciate it uncanny ability to do most jobs remarkably well, from day-to-day commuting to long-distance touring, to exploring off the beaten path, the Transalp has always combined the best of on-road and off-road riding styles into a unique riding experience. However, eight years after its last major change in design, the Transalp has gradually fallen behind the times in terms of both style and performance, and was in need of both a new jolt of visual excitement and updates in its motorcycle technology to keep it at the front of its class in power, performance and environmental compatibility. Setting out to firmly reassert the Transalp’s leading position in the mid-displacement Adventure Sports class, its development team drew up plans to give the next-generation Transalp a boldly dynamic new look, stronger power delivery and a more accessible range of riding enjoyment that would boost its appeal to even more riders attracted to its unique brand of versatile go-anywhere performance. Offering cutting-edge style, strong, satisfying performance and an always inviting sense of adventure that makes every ride a great escape, the exciting new 2008 Transalp encourages one to seek out all the fun that lies just over the next horizon.

The all-new XL700V Transalp really stands out with dynamic new Adventure Sports styling that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Its sleeker, more aggressively curved and angled bodywork speaks of breathtaking road-going agility and a lighter, fresher way of enjoying all the thrills that motorcycling has to offer. Modelled on the image of galloping horse, the Transalp’s intrepid new lines seem to strain at the reins even when standing still. The Transalp’s compact new front cowl area features an aggressive wind management design that intentionally does not provide the same degree of wind protection offered by its predecessor. Instead, this crisply attractive new design reduces the amount of wind blast to the chest while providing a more enhanced wind feel that deftly avoids becoming uncomfortable. Wind-tunnel-tested ports under the mini windscreen and to the sides of the headlight expand air flow around the rider for enhanced wind protection at higher speeds and lighter, more responsive handling. Behind the screen resides a compact, cleanly integrated instrument panel with large tachometer dial and large LCD readout of speed, odometer, dual trip, clock and six-segment fuel level. The new Transalp’s fuel tank is smaller in capacity than its previous version (down from 19 to 17.5 litres), but the greatly improved fuel consumption figures of its new fuel-injected engine actually extend its riding range. A flat, flush-mount hinged fuel tank cap eases fill-ups while contributing to the bodywork’s more modern look.


Price : 5399 pounds


680cc, 44KW, 60Nm of torque, 17.5 L fuel tank.


Read MCN's ride report

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