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Review: Honda XL 700 V Transalp (Baujahr 2009)

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17.04.2018

There are such motorcycles that have a reputation like Thunderhall. Because they are beautiful (Ducati 916), retro (Yamaha SR 500) or arrow-fast (Suzuki Hayabusa) for example. The first glance is enough: the Honda XL 700 V Transalp can't even show all this in its approach. But the thing is simply unbreakable and the best buddy for such days, if you want to get a beer in the middle of the Sahara.

Enduro instead of Adventure-Bike

Let's say it right away and with the necessary directness: The Honda is a travel enduro that can really get into the terrain. Enduro stop, not adventure bike. OFF-road vehicles instead of SUVs. Canned beer instead of prosecco lukewarmly poured over ice. In doing so, she is not able to see down from above on the adventure bikes, despite her abilities. Nor could it - this is the last oblique comparison, promised - because where this Honda goes without crumbling, the others would not even make the journey without needing a gaaaaanz large inspection.
You should know this in a serious travel enduro, because you pay for these skills on the other hand - the question is only how much. Luckily, you got us, because we got a test model from 2009 and found out.

This can make it

Then we start to check the currency in which the ground capability is paid. Those who drive off the road would be pleased about good driving comfort. You wouldn't have to feel every stone hammering into the intervertebral discs from below. Advantage Honda: The comfort is more than neat.
But there's a downside to that, because the Honda is already slightly under-dampened. In the test (see also the video) it could be one reason why the Honda on asphalt wags slightly with the handlebars at some speeds. This effect could also be due to the rather coarse tyres, which is disturbing overall - no matter where it comes from.
This does not affect driving safety. On the contrary: For an enduro, the Honda is daring on asphalt. Although it has a rather rustic driving behaviour, it steers precisely and safely at all times. Next plus: Contrary to expectations, it is handy. So handy that it can be driven very well far away from its intended purpose: in the traffic jungle of the city.
The seat height of the Honda of more than 83 centimetres helps here, which ensures a good overview. This naturally only applies to long-legged ones. We cannot make any reliable statements about seat comfort, because our test model was retrofitted with a modified bench. Also, "without my lawyer, I'm not saying anything anymore" for the sound: The Honda had lost its standard exhaust somewhere on its way since 2009 and was retrofitted with a LeoVince One Evo system. You can hear them here.

The engine of the Honda XL 700 V Transalp

Then there's the engine. Firstly, there is one. V2-shaped, transversely built-in and 680 cubic centimeters in size. Secondly, it also has power: 60 hp, which could be described as sufficient. Honda also attaches torque as standard, 60 Newton meters have become. Thirdly, I should stop slowly tinkering around like this, because the Newton meters could be the problem for sporty drivers. As it should be for an Enduro, the Honda engine is making strong start and reliably pushing up the mountains. Positive! Cons: The maximum torque is at 6,000 revolutions, and to continue using the knife between the teeth to get the last out of the engine is a completely inconclusive undertaking. Don't bring anything.
The bottom line: The driving performance is fine with a top speed of 172 km/h, an acceleration of 0-100 in 5.1 seconds and a passage in 5.8 seconds from 60 to 100 km/h. No more, but no less.
The five-speed gearbox does an impeccable job and is well tuned. The assistance systems are also well-coordinated with the character of the bike: an ABS was subject to a surcharge in the year of the Lord anno 2009, the other helpers are limited to an electric starter. And that - how could it be otherwise - worked.

Conclusion - what gets stuck

To get back to the start: We couldn't find out during our test whether the Honda would have lasted another 42,000 kilometers. This also applies to other things in our country: for example, we cannot confirm that cockroaches would survive a nuclear war, also a reputation like Thunderhall. However, we would strongly assume that the cockroaches would have to learn to ride motorcycles in the event of nuclear war, because all The Honda Transalps are still there.
How do I get back to the motorcycle from the disgusting insect? Not at all, that's why it's over now.

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