Model returned with the name of an old and darling of the brand and unlike others, it did not displease the general public
Honda has brought its Transalp back to the market. Now with a very different style from the old 700, the new XL750 Transalp gained more grandeur and a body that pleases even off-road. We tested the model downhill from the Serra do Rio do Rastro, in Santa Catarina, and took the main impressions.
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Even though it was made under the same engine base as the new CB 750 Hornet, the Honda XL750 Transalp was more accepted by popular taste. The new Hornet was heavily criticized for not having four cylinders anymore and perhaps the fact that it had a different, adventurous proposal made Transalp not suffer from it. After all, off-road riders do better with few cylinders.
Regardless of anything, even though it has the same 755 cm³ twin-cylinder engine, 69.3 hp of power and 7.04 kgf.m of torque, the new Honda Transalp behaves differently from its sister. Its acceleration is smoother at low revs and close to the apex of 7,000 rpm the model delivers much of its capacity, making a leap in speed and strength.
It is possible to say that the engine behaves very well and fits both on-road and off-road proposals. The rider’s attention should always be working with the engine a little fuller, escaping the lack of power that the model can present at lower revs, especially in higher gears. Still, it is a motorcycle that does not present risks and even “weaker” guarantees safe riding for the rider on any road.
In other aspects, such as chassis and comfort, the new Honda XL750 Transalp was also positive. When assembling the model, the ergonomics are already pleasing and despite the dimensions of a motorcycle between intermediate and large, nothing seems so exaggerated. The safety of the bike’s dominance is present at all times and cornering with this 750, even with 21-inch wheels at the front and 18 at the rear, 200 mm and 190 mm suspensions, respectively, is no challenge. Here, what really stands out is the feeling and certainty of dominance of the bike at all times.
On off-road terrain, the model did not displease. Even though it is not a Honda CRF model, that is, not so prepared to run on dirt, the set does a good job and is able to face the quietest trails without problems. At this point, technology still helps, because among the six riding modes, the Gravel mode (dirt) and the customizable ones (User 1 and User 2) allow the ABS and Traction Control (HSTC) brakes to be turned off.
Continuing with the technology, nothing less than expected on a bike of this level. Full LED lighting, driving assistants (already mentioned) and a 5-inch TFT panel that can be accessed by a joystick on the left handle and still displays all the functions that the rider needs. The flaw comes from the lack of connectivity with smartphone devices, a technology that already exists in this same panel, in Europe, but here in South America has not yet been “released”.
In addition, the USB charging port is not close to the handlebars but under the pillion seat. It is necessary to remove the upholstery and leave the cell phone there.
On the negative points, in addition to the USB cable, the model deserves at least two. The first, without a doubt, is the high temperature in the left leg, which comes when the fan sets. In a quieter drive, probably nothing bothers you, but with a greater effort and the fan armed, the expelled air comes out near the left knee and can get in the way. Nothing that makes you need a stop, but with thin pants and on hot days it can be bad.
In addition, the rider may feel a slight discomfort when stopping the model and resting his left legs on the ground, as the fairing below the seat is bulging and touches the rider. While driving, with your foot on the pedal, no problem. But when it’s time to stop, the driver may have to position himself a little further in front of the seat.
Finally, it is undoubtedly a very versatile motorcycle with more positives than negatives, but the suggested public price of R$ 65.545 and more than R$ 70 thousand in stores makes the consumer rethink his choice.
