The Honda Transalp mid-size adventure bike may become a reality after all, and as soon as later this year, if latest reports are to be believed. And like the Africa Twin, the Transalp will also borrow a name from Honda's storied past. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin made its debut in 2015, and was updated with a bigger engine to become the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin as a 2020 model, revealed late in 2019. So, there have been rumours that a smaller adventure bike than the Africa Twin will be on its way. And these rumours first originated in Japan, with Japanese publication Young Machine hinting at the possibility. Now, it appears that Honda's mid-size ADV may be already under development.
Also Read: Honda Transalp Name Registered In The US
A mid-size Africa Twin may be named the Transalp, a name taken from a Honda model from the 1980s
Honda's international line-up has the 'soft-roaders' in the CB500X, as well as the NC750X. But these are more suited for tarmac adventures, than pure off-road capability. And mid-size ADVs like the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, BMW F 850 GS, as well as the KTM 890 Adventure, Yamaha Tenere 700, and even the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT offer something to adventure lovers what Honda currently doesn't have in its line-up. So, will Honda go ahead and surprise the world with a mid-size ADV to be called the Transalp, and with a 750-850 cc engine?
Also Read: Honda Transalp Rumours Resurface From Japan
The Honda Africa Twin engine got a displacement bump last year to a bigger engine, to meet the latest emission regulations
Earlier this year, Honda even registered trademarks for the Transalp name in the US, and those rumours have been fuelled once again of a new ADV sitting between the CB500X and the CRF1100L Africa Twin. So far, Honda has not confirmed or denied those reports, but Young Machine is known to be surprisingly accurate with its scoops about upcoming and new products from the Japanese Big Four manufacturers.
The previous Honda Transalp was manufactured between 1987 till 2008, with engine displacement ranging from 400 cc to 680 cc in the final Honda XL700V Transalp. With the Transalp name already registered in the US, Honda may plonk a 750 cc engine on the new bike with pure off-road capability, but being a little more manageable than the CRF1100L Africa Twin. Of course, with the EICMA show back this year after being called off last year, Honda could well showcase its brand new mid-size ADV in Milan, come November.
