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Bike Torque
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ALPINE STAR
Honda manages to improve cult classic
HONDA revisited an age-old motorycle manufacturing mantra when it updated its cult Trans Alp: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
The result? A bike just as able as the old one, with a couple of surprises up its sleeve to boot.
Those of you who live in an urban environment may have noticed that bike couriers have long been fans of the pre-2008 Trans Alp.
Renowned for its longevity, the engine is famous for rewarding its owners' loyalty with 200,000-plus kilometres.
Famous
The current model - updated in 2008 - has seen its liquidcooled engine capacity increase by 33cc from 647 to 680 as a result of pistons that have increased in size by 2mm and are supported by new conrods.
The cylinder heads now have four valves each compared to three on the old unit. This motor, now fuel injected, is essentially a brother of those in the Deauville, NTV and Revere - a trio also famous for bullet-proof engines capable of doing big miles in their lifetime.
Other than that, it's more or less business as usual for this do-it-all machine.
The front wheel is now 19 inches, reduced from 21 inches on the old bike and an indication of Honda's (correct) assumption that most buyers will do the vast majority of their riding on tarmac rather than on the rough stuff.
The current model is also available with Honda's tried-and-trusted ABS, making it an ideal 'first big bike', or a good option for anyone looking for a middleweight with many strings to its bow.
The ride is typically trailie, the upright seating position and comfortable seat making the proposition of a long trip down the country, across the water or over to the continent a very tempting one.
The V-twin motor on the Trans Alp gives a wide spread of power and, despite 'only' having 59bhp on tap, rewards the rider with an eager forward surge from way down in the revs. This makes for relaxed riding on longer trips, negating the necessity to keep shifting through the gears looking for that sweet spot.
The bike is a reasonably lithe 214kg (dry) and this factor, along with the high, wide bars and high-profile tyres, make for a bike more capable of turning on a tight line at low speed than most I've ridden.
Progress
So the Trans Alp is a hoot around town, the maneuverability of the bike and forgiving manner of the laid-back but capable V-twin engine making swift progress and effortless filtering a doddle.
But that's just half the story. Take this machine away from the busy city streets and into the countryside and the bike really comes to life.
The first hint of spring on a Sunday afternoon had me jumping on the Trans Alp for a quick dash out of the capital towards Blessington, Co. Wicklow, and beyond.
It's plenty flickable on twisty country roads and deals with all but the most severe situations in a relaxed and unflustered manner, giving plenty of feedback and letting you know just how well the dual-purpose tyres are dealing with a damp patch here and bit of gravel there.
The Trans Alp would be just as home on a blast through the European mountain range it owes its name to as it will no doubt be on the country lanes, commuter-laden motorways and city streets of Ireland.
It would even fit in a few semirough trails for lunch. And all this for just shy of eight grand.
The Honda Trans Alp ABS is now available for €7,999 at M50 Honda, M50 Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12 and Honda dealers nationwide (dealer locater can be found on www.hondaireland.ie). A demo bike is also available for test ride at the Ballymount showrooms, subject to terms and conditions.
TECH SPEC
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled 680cc V-twin. BORE V STROKE: 81 x 66mm. COMPRESSION RATIO: 10:1. MAX POWER: 59bhp @
7,750rpm. MAX TORQUE: 44 lb ft @ 5,500rpm. WEIGHT: 214KG (dry). FUEL CAPACITY: 17.5 litres. TOP SPEED: 180km (est).