XL600V-H and V-J Transalp (1987 and 1988 model years)
The first Transalp was the XL600V-H introduced in 1987
The Transalp has a 52° V-twin cylinder engine with chain drive to its single overhead camshafts which operate the two inlet and one exhaust valve per cylinder. The clutch is a conventional wet multi-plate unit and the gearbox is 5-speed. Drive from the gearbox output shaft is transmitted to the rear wheel by chain and sprockets. The cylinder heads have twin spark plugs.
The engine is mounted in a box-section steel cradle frame. Suspension is provided by conventional oil-damped telescopic forks at the front, and a box-section aluminium swingarm acting on a single shock absorber via a three-way linkage at the rear. The shock absorber is adjustable for spring pre-load Braking is by a single disc and twin-piston sliding caliper at the front and by a drum brake at the rear.
The XL600V-H was available in white and metallic blue.
The XL600V-J model for 1988 was unchanged, though was also available in beige.
XL600V-K Transalp (1989 model year)
Apart from a new instrument cluster, modifications to the rear suspension linkage, and the inclusion of a sidestand switch in the starter safety circuit, the XL600V-K was unchanged from the H and J models.
Available in red and two shades of blue.
The V-K model remained on sale in the UK through to 1990. An XL600V-L model was available in Germany for the 1990 model year, but was basically unchanged from the V-K model.
XL600V-M Transalp (1991 model year)
The external oil pipe on the engine was removed, with the oil feed to the head now being housed internally. The front brake caliper was changed, though it remains a twin-piston sliding type, made by Nissin. The hose arrangement to the caliper was also modified. At the rear the drum brake was replaced by an hydraulic system using a single-piston sliding caliper, and the wheel was therefore changed to accommodate a disc instead of a drum.
Available in blue, green and silver.
XL600V-N and P (1992 and 1993) models were basically unchanged mechanically, but were available in green, blue and maroon.
XL600V-R Transalp (1994 and 1995 model years)
A different headlight was fitted and the fairing was slightly restyled to compliment it. A span adjuster was incorporated in the front brake lever. The front brake caliper was again changed, making pad renewal easier, though it remains a twin-piston sliding type, made by Nissin.
Available in blue, grey and black.
XL600V-T Transalp (1996 model year)
The front forks were modified, with a spacer being removed and a longer spring being fitted. There were also modifications to the air duct which now incorporates a resonator chamber and sub-air filters.
The ignition system was modified, with the twin coils per cylinder being replaced with a single coil per cylinder, each coil feeding both spark plugs.
Available in blue, grey and red.
XL600V-V Transalp (1997 model year)
The front brake system was completely changed, with a twin disc system replacing the single disc. Brembo calipers replace the Nissin. but are still of the twin-piston sliding type. Production of the Transalp now shifted from Japan to Honda's factory in Italy.
The ignition system was modified, with the twin pulse generator coils being replaced with a single coil. Passenger grab-rails were added.
Available in black, red and beige.
XL600V-W and X (1998 and 1999) models were unchanged, except for colours. V-W (1998) models were available in black, red and purple, and V-X (1999) models were available in red, green and blue.
XL650V-Y, V-1 and V-2 Transalp (2000 to 2002 model years)
A complete makeover sees the new Transalp with an increased engine size, up from 600cc to 650cc, by way of an increased bore.
Whilst the braking and suspension systems remain largely unchanged from the last of the XL600V models, with the exception of a new rear shock absorber that is now adjustable for compression damping, instrumentation, fairing, bodywork, seat (now lockable), turn signals, tail light and headlight are all new, UK models come fitted as standard with Honda's 'HISS' immobiliser system. A PAIR emission control system is also fitted as standard to reduce CO emissions.
Minor modifications were made to the transmission shafts and carburettors, and many components (fusebox, thermostat housing etc) wore relocated. The coolant inlet pipe arrangement to the cylinders was modified, with the separate feed to each cylinder being replaced by a single feed to the front cylinder, and a link pipe being fitted between the cylinders.
V-Y (2000) models available in green, grey and red, and V-1/V-2 (2001/2) models available in silver, grey and blue.
XRV750-L Africa Twin (1990 model year)
The first Africa Twin was the XRV750-L introduced in 1990.
The Africa Twin has the same 52° V-twin cylinder engine as the Transalp. but with increased bore and stroke dimensions. It retains chain drive to its single overhead camshafts which operate the two inlet and one exhaust valve per cylinder. The clutch is a conventional wet multi-plate unit and the gearbox is 5-speed. Drive from the gearbox output shaft is transmitted to the rear wheel by chain and sprockets. The cylinder heads have twin spark plugs.
The engine is mounted in a box-section steel cradle frame. Suspension is provided by oil-damped, dual spring and air-assisted telescopic forks at the front, and a boxsection aluminium swingarm acting on a single shock absorber via a three-way linkage at the rear. The shock absorber is adjustable for spring pre-load. Braking is hydraulic all-round, with twin discs and twin-piston sliding calipers at the front and a single disc and single-piston sliding caliper at the rear.
The fuel tank incorporates a low level sensor with a corresponding warning light, and the tank has twin taps. Fuel is supplied to the carburettors via an external pump and in-line fitter.
The XRV750-L was available in two variations of white/blue.
The XRV750-M model for 1991 was unchanged mechanically, though was also available in white, black and blue.
XRV750-N Africa Twin (1992 model year)
Apart from a new instrument cluster and the addition of a digital trip meter mounted above it, the XRV750-N was unchanged from the L and M models.
Available in white, black and blue.
XRV750-P Africa Twin (1993 model year)
The Africa Twin was given a makeover for 1993, with a different fuel tank incorporating a single tap in place of the twin taps previously used, and losing the low fuel level sensor and warning circuit in place of a conventional tap providing a reserve facility. The air filter housing has been transferred from below the seat to under the front of the tank, thereby doing away with the air duct between the housing and the carburettors. The carburettors were changed, now being flatslide instead of round-slide type. The front brake calipers were improved, making pad changes easier, though remain the twinpiston sliding type.
Other modifications include a modified rear shock absorber, different rear brake master cylinder, modified rear carrier, lockable seat, different side panels, a modified rotary as opposed to plunger-type sidestand switch, different coolant reservoir, relocated fusebox, and a restyled fairing.
The XRV750-P model was available In green, black and white.
XRV750-R and S (1994 and 1995) models were unchanged mechanically, but R models were available in black, white and blue, and S models in green, black and white.
XRV750-T Africa Twin (1996 model year)
The ignition system was modified, with the twin pulse generator coils being replaced by a single coil, and the twin HT coils per cylinder being replaced by a single coil per cylinder, each coil feeding both spark plugs. Otherwise, apart from minor modifications to the rear carrier, the model was unchanged.
Available in red, black and silver.
XRV750-V, W, X, Y, 1 and 2 Africa Twin (1997 to 2002 model years)
The Africa Twin has remained unchanged since 1996, with the exception of colour schemes.
V (1997) models were available in black, blue and silver.
W (1998) models were available in green, black and white.
X (1999) models were available in black, white and blue.
Y. 1 and 2 (2000 to 2002) models were available in black and blue/red.