2013 Honda Xr650l on 2040-motos

Moto blog

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp First Look

Middleweight ADV with the Hornet's 755cc engine Honda has brought back the Transalp name with the new XL750 Transalp, a middleweight adventure-tourer powered by the Parallel-Twin engine introduced on the Hornet CB750. Join the Honda Transalp Forum The Transalp name was first introduced on a 583cc V-Twin model in 1986, before gaining larger 647cc and 680cc versions. The new 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp fills the mid-sized adventure bike slot in Honda’s lineup, sliding in below the CRF1100L Africa Twin and providing more off-road capability than the NC750X and CB500X.

The most beautiful race bike ever?

It was good to see my old HRC team mate Shinichi Itoh making his final Moto GP appearance last weekend at Motegi.  At 44 he was a bit off the pace compared to his younger team mates, but that didn't matter as it was a joy just to see him circulating on what I reckon is most stunning GP bike ever. And I gladly braved the pit lane walkabout chaos just to dribble and take a few snaps. Unfortunately he lost the front in one session trashing a complete set of body work but was back in action on race day to grab a few world championship points.

Remember push starts?

Alongside the most stunning collection of race and road bikes at their Motegi museum, next to some race bikes, Honda also has a step by step guide on most aspects of riding. I photographed the wonderful text on push starting but I also have lots of equally hilarious instructions on cornering braking and even what a riders goal should be. Watch this space...... oh, and hopefully see you at the NEC over the next ten days!