1998 Honda XL 600V Transalp

Make Model	Honda XL 600V Transalp
Year	1998
Engine	Four stroke,. 52^°V-Twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder
Capacity	583 cc / 35.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	75.0 x 66 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	9.2:1
Induction	2x 32 mm Keihin Carburettor CV
Ignition	Microprocessor-driven transistorised system
Electrical	Electronical double CD-I ingnition,12Vdc, 12V/12Ah battery, AC-generator, electrical starter, electronic safegard on side stand
Generator	0.310 kW / 5000 rpm
Starting	Electric
Max Power	50 hp / 36.5 kW @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	52.6 Nm / 38.8 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Gear Ratio	1st: 2.500 2nd: 1.722 3rd: 1.333 4th: 1.111 5th: 0.961
Frame	Single downtube with double loop cradle of rectangular section
Front Suspension	41 mm Telescopic hydraulic forks
Front Wheel Travel	200 mm / 7.8 in
Rear Suspension	Pro-link monoshock
Rear Wheel Travel	187 mm / 7.4 in
Front Brakes	2x 256 mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 240 mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	90/90-21
Rear Tyre	120/90-17
Dimensions	Length 2260 mm / 89.0 in Width 865 mm / 34.0 in Height 905 mm / 35.6 in
Wheelbase	1505 mm / 59.2 in
Seat Height	850 mm / 33.5 in
Ground Clearance	195 mm / 7.7 in
Wet Weight	218 kg / 481 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Consumption Average	18.3 km/lit
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	13.3 m / 42.1 m
Standing ¼ Mile	13.4 sec / 152.8 km/h
Top Speed	172.5 km/h
Related Links	Technical / xrv.org.uk / blackbears.ru

BARCELONA, Spain, May, 1998 -- The Honda Transalp was born on the trails, but through the years the XLV600 has evolved into a street-tourer. The comfortable riding position, the friendly power spread, its durability and low maintenance have made the Transalp one of the most versatile bikes sold in Europe. Her cousin, the 750 Africa Twin, is built with the same philosophy but but leans decidedly more toward off-road riding.

The success of the Transalp lies with its engine. The water cooled 583cc, 52° V-twin, with twin spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, makes 50 bhp at 8,000 rpm. It is fed by a pair of 34mm carburetors. The power spread is accessible by any kind of rider.

Touring two-up is comfortable. The only drawback is that with only 50 bhp, power is sacrificed.

Forget high speeds, lightning acceleration and sport riding, this is a comfortable, calm bike. Since 1988, the Transalp has seen primarily cosmetic changes. Basically, the original engine and the frame design have remained intact.

The seat, the fairing and the instrument panel have changed, but not so much as to render earlier Transalp silhouettes unrecognizable.

The brakes are strong enough to stop this bike with authority. Originally, the XLV600 was equipped with only two rotors -- one front and one rear -- but in 1997 Honda added another rotor on the front. The front brakes consist of a pair of 256mm rotors with two-piston calipers.

At the rear, ithe Transalp is equipped with a 240mm rotor with a one-piston caliper. With this new configuration the Transalp has become a rally-touring bike and few of its original off-road characteristics are left. Only the 21-inch front wheel remains to remind you of its earlier, off-road roots.

With a comfortable seat, good ergonomics, indestructible engine and excellent hertiage, the Honda Transalp is a great rally-touring bike, good for perhaps 85% street and 15% off-road riding.

Our only gripe is its power: 50 bhp is little low if you want to take a trip two-up and carry bags. Even so, the Honda XLV600 Transalp is still a very good purchase.