HONDA XL650V TRANSALP (1987-2007) Review

Light, agile, economical and brilliant at touring.

I am likely overly harsh when rating the bike overall, partly due to my requirements for a bike that would be positioned distinctly more in the off-road / 'scrambling' space than the Transalp was ever designed or intended for.

Wonderfully easy to ride, if a little underpowered midrange I bought this bike 2yrs ago as a workhorse/commuter (150mils+ aweek main roads/town). My other bike is a '94' GSXR1100WP (you see why I needed a commuter) and I didn't expect to 'love' this bike...but I do! I guess I'm a bit criticall of the power delivery as I'm used to the 'rush' of the GSXR putting 156bhp down at the wheel, but this little Honda has me smiling for all the right reasons. Its solid, reliable, and cheap to run, all ive done in 18000 miles is basic servicing, chain and sprockets and a clutch, it never misses a beat, but one small critisiem would be that even though my version has the 'better headlight' it's rubbish, I live in a rural area, national speedlimit roads, high banks and no lighting, and the Honda is no where near the GSXR in the hedlamp area...but I guess a couple of after market spotlamps on the engine bars, is a small price to pay.

I bought this Transalp as a daily commute bike. it replaces my XJ900 diversion which I hated from day one. but wow, commuting became fun now! enough power for the motorway, excellent in town and on rural backroads and I even have the option of taking a part off-road route on my way to work now! corners real easy, sits comfy and makes the ride a pleasant thing to do! only thing I dislike is the sound and looks of the standard exhaust...

I have to confess a liking for these machines, amongst many others bikes I have owned, I am about to buy my fourth Transalp! You need to take the machine in perspective though, it isn't going to challenge a big GS, or a Pan European, or an R1, but then it isn't meant to. What it is is a reliable, economical, comfortable, gentle all rounder. I have never had mechanical problems with one of these, and I've done a lot of miles on them. I'm tall, so find them comfortable. The handling is ok, the suspension isn't budget rubbish and seems to last well. Equipment and weather protection is good, compared to the beemer parallel twins and the 800 tiger. It doesn't have the performance of those machines, but then is cheaper to buy and run. My only criticism is finish quality. My first two Transalps were Jap built 600s, had a hard life and stood up well. The 650 is Euro built, and the difference shows if you don't look after them. I've seen far, far worse finishes on budget four cylinder bikes though. Oh, and it has a really annoying restrictor in the tank that makes it a pain in the fundament to fill up, really slow. Economy and range is pretty good though. Doesn't have the grunt for long motorway hauls, but then motorways and bikes = boredom. Shouldn't you be on a more interesting route? The smaller the road gets, the more sense it makes. Great through traffic too, that 21" front wheel keeps it nimble and stable. And there is proper road rubber available for it, which I prefer to fit than the semi triallie stuff. So, you want practicality, these are pretty hard to beat.

I owned a 2003 Transalp for about 4 months and the only reason I changed is because of the lack of power. I done a run from Derry N.Ireland to salou(down through France)on it and found the seat very hard. A great commuter but take it to 100mph and it feels like its about to lay down,If you want the Transalp looks and luggage capability go for the Varadero 1000

I bought a 2005 Tranny as a second/ winter bike especially to explore the backwaters of N.Wales, however, I currently live in London but intend relocate 2012 on retirement. I use the bike to commute in London and up to Wales on a regular basis and personally rate this bike highly. I also own a Harley Davidson and a Scott Flying Squirrel, and speak as a life long biker. I intend to change things to better suit my needs which will have no significance to the next reader, so, all next readers please view YouTube: TransAlp 650 Long Way Dany. A most inspirational 4 minutes which say's it better than I ever will.

Spent 18 months commuting M4 into London, all weather, never let me down.Comfortable riding position/visibility, you can see the 4 wheeled idiots texting, reading and doing there make-up, well in advance. Then out at the weekend into the country 2-up.

I got this in December because it felt right, not to heavy and comfortable riding position. It goes like a tractor just plodding along putting a smile on my face. It does not have a high sustainable top speed, but at the legal speeds it is comfortable.

I've have had the XL650 now for two months.I have ridden it in the worst weather Scotland has to offer and it has coped with it all no problem .Took it up into the Lammermuirs today with a pillion onboard and it did everything i asked of it. Starts first time and behaves well. It doesnt have too much grunt but you dont buy a Transalp for muscle power. You buy it for its staying power. Overall a very good hard working bike.

I thought I add a few comments on the 600, which was built until 2000. I bought this bike after owning bikes like VFR800, Hornet 600 etc. What a revelation! On paper this bike is a disappointment, not a lot of power, quite heavy. Ignore the specs, this a great bike, more than the sum of it parts. Sure it struggles at illegal speeds, but get to 60/70 pretty quickly, won't scare you in process and is the BEST town and B-road bike I've ridden (out of about 30). So easy to ride, great to blasting on country lanes and the steering geometry allow you to brake (lightly) midcorner if you overcook it. Engine note is quite good and build quality very good. Can't think of many negative to be honest, maybe too tall for some and useless on motorways, but apart from that a great bike.

My 650 Transalp is my first big bike. I've only been riding for 6 months and I'm over the moon with her. I commute 20 miles each way on the bike (mostly motorway) and I get out into the Pennines and Peak Distict at weekends, and the TA has done everything I've asked of it. I'm only 5ft 8in so I'm on tip-toes and she does feel a bit big and heavy when I'm pushing her around but she's smooth as you like once I get going. There's plenty of power for my needs, I love the engine note and I get 50mpg. What's not to like? :)

Well, Ive been riding for 22 years now and I've tried most things from an RGV250 to a GSXR1000, etc etc. Last few year I've used bikes for touring and pleasure. I have to say that the transalp is comfy, will (contrary to whats published) return 60mpg plus if used frugally, and makes riding enjoyable. I actually enjoy throwing it around more than a sportster. Can't reccommned it highly enough. Strengths: Comfort, good road view due to height, simple engine. Weaknesses: None that I know of.

I find it leaves plenty of room for my 6 foot frame. It has been faultless throughout the winter (touch wood). I have ridden constantly and the bike loves it. It's done the 200miles from London to Devon no problem. It does 6 miles commute through heavy traffic every day. It can cruise at slow traffic crawling speeds and filter well. Great for strapping loads of stuff to the back and tank. I've had no complaints from my pillion's - the seat is very comfortable and the riding position is very relaxed. There is increased confidence from greater field of view due to sit-up-and-beg riding position. Strengths: Reliable, good rider view over traffic, powerful twin, versatility (excellent for long journeys and commuting). Weaknesses: Probably not enough go for two-up touring.

I'm 5 foot ten and could just touch the floor, on the standard seat, although a lower seat is available. I test rode one in high wind and I did not even notice it, for a high bike, just a bit of head buffeting at 80mph. Tall screen available. It's a very easy bike to ride, very comfy, very solid ride. Felt light on the move, they say power is week, but I found it very quick and responsive and I'm 15 stone! Corners very well even with the dual purpose tyres. A bit lumpy when in slow moving traffic. Same as most big bikes. Good view allround. Very effective brakes, bike slows down very quickly when accelorator shut, all round a very nice bike to work rest and play on. Strengths: Easy ride, strong solid feel, new fairing, fuel consumption good. Weaknesses: Pegs a bit small and buttons also a bit small fidley.