Why the Transalp 600?
The mighty Transalp 600 (Honda XL600V) has stolen our hearts.
Here's why we think they're perfect for our tours:
Conceived in the 80s,
still selling today
Honda's Transalp model came out in 1987 and went on to sell for 25 years straight. After a short hiatus, it's been re-relased this year (2023) because the world just couldn't do without it. Who are we to argue with this?
We've fallen in love with the original 600cc version (PD06 1987-1993 and PD10 1994-1999) beacuse they have bags of retro appeal.
Reduce, reuse, motorcycle
To us, there's nothing more frustrating than how incredibly expensive motorcycle rental is, even in "cheap" countries. By using solid, comfortable, reliable and uniquitous older bikes, we can keep costs down.
No one wants to worry about scratching their rental bike, but if you've paid a 500€ deposit on a €25k rental bike, you will.
That's no way to holiday!
Parts & Labour
Our Transalps are some of the best-selling bikes in the places we travel. This means we'll be able to get parts almost anywhere.
By sticking with one model, we're also able to simplify repairs and maintenance, allowing us to fix things quickly and keep costs down.
Big wheels,
decent brakes
The Transalp 600's big 21-inch front wheel soaks up the potholes that are the result of the inforgiving winters in the moutains.
Our PD10s have double brake discs in the front, and the PD06s have been upgraded to a larger rotor, meaning that the brake response is where you'd want it. There's no ABS, but you'll find here's no need for that on our tours.
Brilliantly simple
Anyone who has recently upgraded to a modern bilke will tell you that he misses the simplicity of his older one.
These bikes are from an era where there were very few electronics, almost no sensors, and consequently almost nothing that can play up.
That's a bit of peace of mind right there.
Comfort and confidence
Designed as a real do-it-all bike, the Transalp is comfortable and will happily go up a steep goat track (we won't) or sit on the motorway at 150km/h (we also avoid that as much as possible).
The seating position is comfortable for most size humans, and everything just makes sense. They're confidence-inspiring and will make you smile.