KRATZMC

The 1987 XL600 TransAlp.

How many used Motorcycles made over 20 years ago sell for over twice the original price? How many Motorcycles Models are still being produced since 1987? Why is one of the Worlds most useful and reliable Motorcycles not available in the United States? The answers: American Consumer Stupidity and Great Business sense bordering on stupidity.

Most Americans don’t ride serious and are more concerned about looking good on a 1,000 plus cc machine than practicality. A majority of American riders venture an average of 100 miles on a weekend ride and tour only once a year. Europeans rely on Motorcycles for primary transportation in heavy traffic on uneven, slopping and narrow roads.  Being an owner of BMW GS 1150, I know how much hindrance the weight of a 1,000 cc machine can be on unstable roads. That’s why I love the TransAlp. It can do everything!

The XL 650 TransAlp

There have been three models of the Honda TransAlp made over the last 20 years, the XL600, the XL650 and now the 700.  First made in 1987, the XL600 was introduced and sold in the U.S. for only 2 years, 1989 and 1990 but current models remain for sale world wide. The current model the 700, is modernized and has undergone many changes since the early days, making it even more of an ultimate machine.

The XL 700 TransAlp

I have two of the U.S. models an 89 and 90. In November, I lead a group of 5 riders on a 1,400 mile ride into New Mexico. I was on my 600 cc machine and the rest were on Honda GL 1800’s and they had keep on their toes to keep up with me.I have an NT700 V and its light weight makes a big difference on my driveway, which is a mile long gravel road. On my ST 1300 the ride is unsettling at times but on the lighter machines its like butter!

Adventure touring bikes have become popular in the U.S. but the most popular models are over 1,000 cc’s with the exception of the KTM. Kawasaki makes a cruder version with the KLR in the 650 range but it’s buzzy at high speeds. Harley doesn’t make anything to fill the niche and their reliability as BMW’s are in question. BMW filled the gap with the 800 GS but it is tall in the saddle and the price….oh the price! Suzuki makes the V-Strom in a 1,000 and 650 cc engine but it’s just not a HONDA!

I didn’t just fall off the Turnip Truck. Remember, I rode for a living and rode all the makes of Police models. I owned everything from 50 cc’s to 1500 cc’s. I need a machine that will cover 1,000 miles a day, without the worry of being left along the side of the road. Although most modern motorcycles are reliable, some are more than others and maintenance costs need to be considered. I wore out six sets of tires last year, how long does it take you to go through a set?

I want a 700 cc machine that is reliable unlike my BMW GS, that is light, affordable and performs. Honda knowing the American Market is not willing to introduce such machines into the U.S. and took a gamble by introducing the NT700V in 2010. The jury is still out on that one but I enjoy mine and it’s the perfect street machine for the everyday rider, commuter and semi-serious tourer.

I want the Honda TransAlp 700 but the Gods are denying me. Yamaha has kinda figured it out with the release of the Super Tenere this year. Problem, it is a 1000 cc machine. Like Honda, they’ve produced the Tenere for years in the 600 and 660 cc range but you can’t get them either in the U.S.. Yamaha thinks the only way to sell a Motorcycle in the U.S. is to only offer the bigger engines. The only way I and afford the new Yamaha is to sell my two TransAlps. That’s something I can’t bring myself to do.

There is no way to explain and have you understand what I am saying unless you ride. And unless you ride over varying terrain, you will not understand why a lighter machine is good. But those select few who have dropped your 600 lbs plus GS, you can’t appreciate a lighter machine that can still go triple digits.

I never want to be limited to where I can go because my motorcycle can’t make it, or the road might hurt or make dirty my pretty machine.  Only let your skill level dictate where you can, or can’t go.

Here are some videos of all three models of the TransAlp. Maybe they will enlighten you and show you the evolution of something good. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to a dealership and inquired about TransAlp parts to be met with a thousand yard stare, from a kid who was in diapers when the TransAlp came out.

Be Safe and Ride Hard!

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