Autoblog

Italy, the boot-shaped country long associated with fast cars and fast bikes has yet another category for which they are becoming synonymous: Adventure Tourers. Ducati came out of the gate with the Multistrada, Binelli birthed the Tre K and now Moto Morini and Moto Guzzi crash the party with the Granpasso 1200 and Stelvio 1200 respectively. These are the Sport Utility Vehicles of the motorcycle world, and they might go off-road just as often... as in almost never. But, at least you know that when you do, you'll have a good time. Just as with SUV's, these SUM's vary in their degree of serious off-road credibility, and neither of these new Italian V-Twin's appear ready for the Rubicon, so to speak. But, a little soft-roading and some exploration are certainly inline with their specification sheets. Ample ground clearance, skid plates and luggage carrying are the name of the game here, so pack your bags and head towards the hills.



[Source: Moto Guzzi and Moto Morini]

Besides all being categorized as "Adventure Touring" bikes, what do the Suzuki V-Strom series and Kawasaki's new Versys have in common? They're both less than 1000cc's and sold in America. Not that we're keeping track or anything, but so are the BMW R1200GS, KTM 990 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050, Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Caponord and even the new Benelli TreK 1130. Not so the Honda Transalp, which has just been completely refreshed and is being shown off at the Paris Motorcycle Show. Sporting a liquid-cooled V-Twin of just less than 700cc's, the Transalp would make a very logical competitor to the aforementioned Versys 650 and V-Strom 650, wouldn't you say? It's not so much that Honda's own XR650L is a bad bike -- it's actually quite good at what it does -- we just doubt that many potential buyers cross-shop the XR with bikes in the Adventure category. Consider too that BMW is rumored to be bringing a GS version of the new F800 stateside as well, and a strong argument could be made that Honda should enter the market.

Regardless of whether it comes to the U.S. or not, the Transalp is a fine Adventure Tourer. A look at our hosted pictures will show you that Honda has made some serious upgrades to their super-popular Euro-bound machine. Riders should enjoy the protection provided by the ample windscreen and fairing, and will likely find a comfortable riding position. Pictures also show the serious routing maneuvers the exhaust gases are forced to take as the bike has been made Euro 3 emissions compliant. If you're reading this and you live in the States, take heart... Kawasaki saw fit to make their new Versys available here. Maybe Honda will show us some love too.

[Source: Motorcycle Daily]