A future Honda middleweight adventure bike may be underway

Just recently, Honda has filed to trademark the Transalp name. Though the details (if it will see production) for an upcoming Transalp are still scarce at this time, insiders suggest this model will be a middleweight and go head to head against KTM’s 790 Adventure/ Adventure R, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700, BMW’s F 850 GS, the upcoming Bristol Venturi 800, and Suzuki’s V-Strom 650.

The powerplant of the new Transalp will be sourced from Honda’s current parallel-twin lineup, definitely under 1000cc but above 500cc. The most likely candidate could be the NC750, highlighting the possibility of it being equipped with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

What is the Transalp?

The Transalp was a series of middleweight adventure bikes from Honda that were first produced in 1987 and were discontinued in 2012. It was in production for 25 years, with models in various sizes like the XL400V, XL600L, XL650V, and XL700V. The Transalp with its V-twin engine configuration was arguably one of the first “true” adventure bikes during its era.

There's been no official word from Honda confirming nor denying a new Transalp. Still, it certainly is exciting to see more and more manufacturers develop adventure bikes that could really take its rider anywhere.