REVIEW:

Dynamic new Adventure Sports styling really sets the pace for the all-new 2008 XL700V Transalp. Powered by a new fuel-injected V-twin engine that carries it down the road with impressive power and confident cruising speed, the new Transalp reasserts its position as Europe’s most versatile midsized motorcycle.

For its exciting next generation, the Transalp’s development team set out give it a more modern, adventurous design backed up by stronger, smoother performance that could indisputably re-establish it as the leader of the mid-displacement Adventure Sports class that it pioneered over 20 years before. Styling had to be distinctively aggressive and rider friendly, yet infused with an intrepid spirit that can carry its rider to the four corners of the Continent with confidence and ease, and bring them home again with the same exhilaration and comfort with which they set off on their riding adventures.

OTR Price: £6,850

MODEL HISTORY

Honda's original TransAlp, introduced in 1987, was a 583cc middleweight trail bike built in Italy and beloved of British dispatch riders for its quick handling and unburstable V-twin motor. The third generation of this very European dual-purpose machine, launched in South Africa, steps up to join the adventure tourers.