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Press Information 2000

XL650V Transalp

XL650V TransalpIntroduction

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Honda’s unique, ‘Rally Touring’ XL600V Transalp has been an extraordinarily popular fixture on the European motorcycle scene since its first introduction in1987, and has enjoyed strong, steady sales every year of its production life. Based initially on the rugged, rally-type motorcycles Honda built specially to chal-lenge such long-distance races as the Paris-Dakar and Pharaoh rallies, the Transalpcreated a whole new category of midsized, multipurpose tourer that instantly gaineda wide following among Europe’s rally and long-distance riding aficionados.

Featuring a compact, integrated fair-ing and relaxed, upright riding posi-tion, the first-generation Transalpprovided excellent wind protectionand riding comfort, whether mean-dering along unpaved country roadsor flying down the autobahn. Its strong, liquid-cooled 583cm3

V-twin engine produced a broadband of power that combined with

its compliant, long-travel suspensionsystem to deliver a versatile blend of performance for long-term ridingsatisfaction wherever it roamed. In 1994, the Transalp received a newbody design that featured sleekerstyling and detailed improvements to its operating components to ensureit maintained the highest degree ofriding satisfaction. Never intended to

be anything more than a strong, competent, all-purpose midsizedriding machine, the Transalp strictlymaintained its 600cc-class displace-ment to provide just enough—butnever too much—power for thespecialised type of riding enjoyment it was designed to offer.

XL650V TransalpIntroduction

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Now, six years after its last majorchange, the Transalp again under-goes a full transformation to bringits performance, looks and opera-tion up to date with the most recentadvances in motorcycle design.Featuring sleekly stunning newbodywork that offers enhancedwind protection, a boost in enginedisplacement for stronger perfor-mance to better meet the demands

of tandem riding, and extensiveefforts made to reduce and centraliseweight for easier handling whilebroadening its overall appeal, thenew Year 2000 XL650V Transalpoffers a superb balance of perfor-mance, comfort and style that willensure its proud standing as the lead-er of the middleweight rally touringclass into the new century.

In redesigning the all-new Year2000 Transalp, its developmentteam made every effort to remaintrue to the fundamental conceptsthat have won the Transalp such alarge and loyal following. Startingwith a new theme of ‘SophisticatedAdventure,’ the team examinedevery facet of the current model’sdesign and construction for poten-tial areas of improvement with thegoal of realising stronger, more use-ful performance and lighter, easier-handling control.

Under the key words of ‘Cool’ and‘Tough,’ the new concept called for‘cool’ looks to fit the fast-pacedurban scene combined with ‘tough’components and construction tobetter tackle the rigours of bothhigh-speed touring and off-roadexploration. Another importantfactor in this class of motorcycle is its ability to be easily fitted outwith aftermarket accessories thatfurther expand its range of ridingenjoyment. The Transalp has alwaysallowed easy modification, but this

year the Transalp’s design teamworked closely with Honda Accessto develop a full range of optionalparts and equipment designed notonly to extend its touring range,but also to enhance its level of com-fort in all sorts of riding conditions.This range of optional equipmentalone should prove to be a majorattraction to the new Transalp’swide world of riding pleasure.

XL650V TransalpDevelopment Concept

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The Year 2000 Transalp’s excitingnew aerodynamic look of speed isbrilliantly expressed in three beau-tiful colour variations that are sureto attract admiring glances withtheir shimmering shades. Exuding a clean, contemporarycharm, these colours effectively com-plement the attractive new curves ofthe Transalp’s bodywork, requiringonly a minimum of graphics for a statement of elegant simplicity.

Leading off is a light, greenish-silver hue that gives the Transalp amodern and stylish look with a dis-tinctly European flavour. A deep,luxurious metallic red emphasisesthe Transalp’s sleek, attractive formand superb quality of execution,while a dark, near-black metallicgrey projects a mature image ofurban brilliance that makes theTransalp seem right at home in the richest company.

Colours• Bud Green Metallic• Rich Red Metallic• Cynos Grey Metallic

XL650V TransalpColouring Concept

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In the pursuit of the ultimate in‘Cool’ in its exterior design, the Year2000 Transalp’s all-new bodyworkfeatures a curvaceous ‘gliding bird’silhouette that dramatically conveysa look of speed and sleek urbansophistication. Designed to offerexcellent touring comfort at speedsranging upward of 130km/h, theTransalp’s compact, integratedframe-mounted fairing has always

played a central role in enhancing thepleasures of riding for both rider andpassenger. The fairing’s air-manage-ment design is also augmented by a new windshield that provides en-hanced wind protection, while newporting and deeper tank recessesfor the rider’s legs contribute toimproved wind protection for therider’s lower body parts.

Towards the rear of the machine, theseat terminates into a sleekly restyledtail cowl that incorporates a cleanlyintegrated new multi-reflector tail-light, and beneath the seat, a set ofelegant new die-cast aluminium rearstep holders feature a slimmer, moreadvanced design to complement theTransalp’s impressive new look.

XL650V TransalpStyling Concept

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New Multi-Reflector HeadlightContributing to the Transalp’s morecentralised mass is a large, new flush-mounted multi-reflector headlightfeaturing lightweight plastic con-struction. The new headlight cast a brighter beam through its clearplastic cover, with a precision-formedpattern created by the multiple anglesof its reflector. Flush-integrated into

the ‘shoulders’ of the new fairing area pair of large front indicators thatadd a crowning touch of style to the fairing’s highly attractive designwhile enhancing its forward and sidevisibility. Another pair of large andstylish multi-reflector indicators takeup position at the rear, mounted onoff-road-style flexible stems.

XL650V TransalpStyling Concept

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The lightweight, compact liquid-cooled V-twin engine that has pow-ered the Transalp since its firstintroduction has won consistentpraise over the years for its amplepower and torque output, andsmooth, unruffled acceleration andhigh-speed cruising capability, notto mention its excellent long-termreliability. Its heads feature a 3-valve/2-sparkplug configuration that opti-mises combustion efficiency and fuel

economy while assuring strong res-ponse, and its offset dual-pin crank-shaft minimises the V-twin’s inherentprimary vibration to ensure smoothperformance and long hours of high-speed touring comfort.

From the start, one of the develop-ment team’s first goals was to in-crease the engine’s power output in order to realise stronger two-upriding performance, particularly

when passing traffic up a grade orcruising down a high-speed express-way. However, while more powerwas desired, it was firmly felt thatthe Transalp’s engine size shouldremain in the mid-displacementrange and not be boosted to the750cc class, which would negatemost of the Transalp’s fundamentaldesign ideals with an undesirable cor-responding increase size and weight.

XL650V TransalpEngine

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Thus, the new Year 2000 XL650VTransalp features a total 64cm3

increase in displacement to bringit up to 647cm3 for a 5PS increasein maximum power output. This boost in power combines witha stronger surge of low-to-midrangetorque to provide more responsiveand powerful performance and anotably wider range of riding capabil-ity, especially for the tandem touringthe Transalp was specially designed

to perform. A digital transistorisedignition system complements the2 spark plugs in each head to ensure quick, reliable starts andstrong performance.

As always, the Transalp’s highlyefficient liquid-cooling systemfeatures two lightweight, large-capacity aluminium radiators with a thermoswitch-controlled fan attached to the right side unit

to ensure backup cooling capacityin the heat of stop-and-go trafficand when stopped.

To take full advantage of theengine’s new power increase, the Transalp’s 5-speed transmissionwas modified with all-new ratiosthat better match its wider powerand torque curves.

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Engine Performance Comparison

! New Transalp@ Current Model# Power curve$ Torque curve

% Power Output (kw)^ Torque (Nm)& Engine Speed (rpm)

Engine Performance Comparison

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New, Lightweight PistonsTo ensure that the new engine’sincreased displacement didn’t alsoadd to the engine’s vibration, newlighter weight pistons were selectedto maintain an optimal internalbalance of reciprocating weight forreduced primary vibration whilecontributing to reduced overallengine weight.

New Aircleaner ConfigurationUntil now, the Transalp’s 4.5-litreaircleaner has resided under its seat,connected to the engine’s centrallypositioned carburettors by way of along, large-diameter tube feeding up

under the length of the fuel tank. In the interests of lighter weight and a more compact configuration,this bulky unit was replaced with aslimmer, yet larger capacity airclean-er positioned directly over the carbu-rettors. This new 5.5-litre airboxmounts a panel-type filter elementwith a large, free-breathing surfacearea that provides stronger, moreresponsive acceleration than thecylindrical-type unit it replaces.

New Air Induction SystemLike most of Honda’s most recentmotorcycles, the new Transalp alsodemonstrates Honda’s concerns for

the environment by incorporatingan air induction system to helpreduce harmful exhaust emissions.Injecting a small jet of fresh air into each cylinder’s exhaust portjust behind the exhaust valve, the system extends the burning of exhaust gases into the exhaustport for more complete combus-tion. The new system also ensuresthat the Transalp easily complieswith Europe’s EURO-1 exhaustemissions regulations.

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Pistons

Aircleaner Configuration Comparison! New Transalp @ Current ModelAircleaner Configuration Comparison

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New Exhaust SystemThe Transalp’s prominent dual exhaust system has been an identi-fying icon on this dual-sportmotorcycle from its very beginning.However, the development teamfelt that the bulky unit carried toomuch weight too high for optimumhandling performance. Therefore,in the interests of more centralised

weight and mass, a new two-stagesystem was developed that incorpo-rates a large-volume sub-chamberlocated directly under the frame’sswingarm pivot. This sub-chambercontains a built-in heat tube thatmakes a further contribution toreduced emissions levels by raisingthe temperature of the exiting exhaustgases to ensure complete combustion.

Featuring the same chromed ‘double-barrel’ tailpipes that have identifiedthe Transalp, the system’s newsilencer is both lighter and morecompact than the unit it replaces, for a major reduction in effectivemass and a significant contributionto the new Transalp’s lighter andmore responsive handling.

XL650V TransalpEngine

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The Transalp’s rugged double-cradleframe features composite box-sectionconstruction that incorporates theengine as a stressed member for anoptimal balance of light weight,strength and rigidity. For the year2000, detailed improvements includ-

ing larger-diameter downtube andlower tube members combine toyield a 10% increase in overall rigidi-ty that enhances the Transalp’s high-speed manoeuvrability, especiallywhen carrying a pillion passengerand extra luggage. This enhanced

control is also augmented by a10mm lower seat height and widerseat design, as well as 10mm narrow-er handlebars that combine to give awider range of riders—and especiallywomen—a greater degree of ridingcomfort and confidence.

XL650V TransalpChassis

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Riding Position Comparison

! New Transalp@ Current Model# Rider $ Pillion% Handlebars^ Seat& Foot pegs

Riding Position Comparison

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The Transalp’s long-travel suspensionsystems include the same 41mm lead-ing-axle telescopic front fork used till now, though its settings have been changed to offer enhanced high-speed control. The Transalp’s compli-ant Pro-Link rear suspension systemhas been newly revised to furtherassure a comfortable, confidentlycontrolled ride over a wide range ofroad surfaces.

New Pro-Link Rear SuspensionThe Transalp’s progressive Pro-Linkrear suspension system has till nowfeatured steel linkage componentsmounted to the underside of theswingarm. However, for the newYear 2000 version of the Transalp,its development team sought toreduce weight and centralise masswherever possible, and the spaceunder the swingarm pivot taken upby the Pro-Link linkage was requiredfor the sub-chamber of the new 2-stage exhaust system. To make thispossible, a new Pro-Link system wasadapted directly from the CBR600F.This system features a new linkage

design that uses 800g lighter alumi-nium links to connect the newintegrated remote reservoir damperto the swingarm. The system’s newaluminium damper cartridge is also800g lighter than the unit it replacesand offers full, stepless compressiondamping adjustability. The damper’supper mount has also been changedfrom a conventional rubber bushingto a stronger, longer enduranceneedle bearing.

A larger swingarm pivot shaft(up from 15 to 17mm) contributesto the frame’s increased rigidity,while its hollow-section construc-tion contributes to the frame’slighter weight. A new combinationof needle- and ball-type swingarmpivot bearings ensures smoothoperation while eliminating any lateral play in the swingarm, for the best of both on-road andoff-road riding characteristics.

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New Wheels and BrakesAs noted above, one of the maindesign goals for the new Transalpwas to centralise its weight and massfor improved handling ease. Thus nothing was overlooked in thequest for lighter weight, especially at the front and rear of the machine.With this goal in mind, the Transalpwas fitted with a new pair of wirespoke wheels featuring lighter weighthollow-section aluminium rims.

The normally thicker extrusions atthe bead areas of these rims nowfeature hollow sections that reduce

the rims’ weight while contributingto their overall structural rigidity. While the front rim is laced with steelspokes to a compact conventionalhub, the rear rim is laced to aHonda-original TL (TangentiallyLocated) hub that offers lighterweight and reduced spoke mainte-nance. Both mount tube-type tyresfeaturing unique dual-purposetread patterns that also provideexcellent high-speed performance.

Braking capability has also beenimproved with the addition ofanother front disc brake. This new

set of double disc brakes features a pair of lightweight and compactdual-piston callipers gripping theirrotors between new sintered metalbrake pads that offer enhancedresponse and performance. At therear, the current Transalp’s large,cast aluminium disc brake callipermount has been eliminated, and the calliper moved farther forwardon the swingarm for both reducedunsprung weight and more cen-tralised mass. The rear calliper’sbrake line has also been redesignedfor a shorter and cleaner path to the foot brake’s master cylinder.

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New Hollow-Section Wheel Rims

! New Transalp@ Current Model

New Hollow-Section Wheel Rims! @

Slim, Fully Electronic Instrument PanelThe Transalp’s all-new fairing also features a totally restyled thin-profile instrument panel thatmounts a fuel gauge, temperaturegauge and clock as well as thelarge-face speedometer andtachometer behind an elegant, clear plastic cover.

New Honda Ignition Security System(H.I.S.S.) Like several other recent models inthe Honda lineup, the new Transalphelps its owners fight against poten-tial theft with the addition of theHonda Ignition Security System(H.I.S.S.). With this system, theignition’s black box is programmedto only accept either of the two elec-tronically coded keys supplied withthe motorcycle.

The ignition cannot be turned onunless either of these keys is firstdetected, thus helping to preventrideaway theft and joyriding. Also, this highly effective anti-theftsystem cannot be hot-wired or by-passed with use of another key oreven another combination switch.The system’s ruggedly designed com-bination switch also features stronger,tamper-resistant construction.

XL650V TransalpEquipment

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New Locking SeatWhile the Transalp’s locking seat isnothing new, what lies under it is.Besides providing room to carryany of several sizes of U-locks, the relocation of the aircleanermade possible the addition of anew, larger carrying compartment. This deep and wide new utility box offers room to carry all sortsof essentials, from gloves andpapers to even a light rainsuit.

The seat’s construction is also new,with a wider, more comfortable con-tour for the rider and a spaciousperch for extended pillion passengerriding comfort. At the rear, the Transalp’s handy new carrier features a sleeklydesigned cast resin frame withbuilt-in handles which remainscomfortable to the touch even inextreme weather conditions.

New Fuel TankThe change in the design of theTransalp’s aircleaner also freed uproom to add another litre to thecapacity of its fuel tank, boostingvolume from 18 to 19 litres. The fuel tank also features a new,flush-mounted aeronautics-type lock-ing cap that facilitates the mountingof a tank bag for touring applications.

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XL650V TransalpOptional Equipment

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Working together with the Transalp'sdevelopment team, Honda Accesscreated a wide assortment of option-al parts specially for the new modelthat should significantly add to itsappeal as a versatile Europeantouring machine.

• A form-fitted tank bag designedexclusively for use on the Transalp.

• A set of elegant panniers featur-ing quick-detach mounts and largecapacities for the slim proportions.The panniers can be decorated with acolour panel set to match the units.

• A large-capacity, quick-detachtop box designed to carry two full-face helmets and more. A top box pad and a colour-matching decoration panel set are available to contribute to the embellishment of the whole.

XL650V TransalpOptional Equipment

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• A high-quality audio systemspecially designed to be installed inthe detachable top box for maximumsecurity. The radio unit itself, issafely installed inside the top box,protected against dust, water andtheft. The control unit is installed on the M/C handlebar and allowsoperation without removing the

left hand from the handle, even withheavy winter gloves. Due to the 14-segment display onthe control unit, all information islegible at a single glance (also dur-ing the night, since the LCD-displayis illuminated). The radio offers bothFM (UKW) and AM (LW and MW)band with 18 presets for FM and

6 for AM (when tuned to an FMstation, several RDS functions areavailable). A CD managementcontrol is also forseen. You canconnect a headset (driver and/orpillion) to the radio. The radio wasadapted to have optimal resultswith headsets.

• A higher, wider windscreen forenhanced wind protection.

• An easily attachable optionalcentrestand with grip handle.

• A set of battery-powered grip heaters for warm handson cold days.

• An auxiliary anti-theft alarm system that loudly scares off potential thieves.

XL650V TransalpOptional Equipment

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• A set of rugged, easy-application3m clear adhesive film protectspaintwork from damages caused by boots, nylon clothing, zippersand others.

• A bolt-on handlebar bridge that enhances the Transalp’s look of off-road aggressiveness.

XL650V TransalpOptional Equipment

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Specifications XL650V Transalp (ED-type)

Engine Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 6-valve SOHC 52˚ V-twinBore ´ Stroke 79 ´ 66mmDisplacement 647cm3

Compression Ratio 9.2 : 1Carburettors 34mm slant-type CV ´ 2 Max. Power Output 55PS/7,500rpm (95/1 EC) (40.5kW/7,500min-1)Max. Torque 5.4kg-m/5,500rpm (95/1 EC) (56.2Nm/5,500min-1)Ignition Digital transistorised with electronic advanceStarter ElectricTransmission 5-speedFinal Drive ‘O’-ring sealed chainDimensions (L´W´H) 2,257 ´ 922 ´ 1,318mmWheelbase 1,501mmSeat Height 843mmGround Clearance 192mmFuel Capacity 19 litres (including 3-litre reserve)Wheels Front Aluminium rim/wire spoke

Rear Aluminium rim/Tangentially Located (TL) spokeTyres Front 90/90–21

Rear 120/90–17Suspension Front 41mm leading-axle telescopic fork, 200mm axle travel

Rear Pro-Link with adjustable compression damping, 172mm axle travelBrakes Front 256mm dual hydraulic disc with dual-piston callipers and

sintered metal padsRear 240mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and resin mould pads

Dry Weight 191kg

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

XL650V TransalpSpecifications