Supplying the Transalp with the fluids needed to get rolling is a 16.9-litre fuel tank . Honda claims a fuel consumption of 23km / l so that puts the bike ’ s range at over 350km . Electronically the XL750 Transalp features four default riding modes plus a User option , 5-level Honda Selectable Torque Control ( HSTC ) with integrated Wheelie Control and 3 levels of Engine Braking and Power . The electronics packages also include a 5-inch colour TFT instrument display , with Honda Smartphone Voice Control , full LED lighting , auto-indicator cancel and Emergency Stop Signals ( ESS ) technology . Interestingly , unlike Suzuki , Honda has made a quickshifter an optional extra on the Transalp . The list of accessories does look to be quite thorough though with the option to include luggage , crash protection and a skid plate - that last one does a good job of evoking memories of the older generations of Transalp . New Zealand distributors Blue Wing Honda expect the Transalp to return to the NZ market in the middle of 2023 .
Honda CL500 In somewhat of a surprise , Honda also pulled the covers off a new 500 model in the form of the CL500 Scrambler . Based around Honda ’ s ‘ 6113
duck power ’ ( apparently 46.6hp ) 471cc paralleltwin engine , the CL500 looks like the love child of the CB500X and the Rebel 500 . While the frame , tank and dash look like they ’ ve been plucked straight from the Rebel , the wheels - a set of alloys in 19-inch front and 17-inch rear - equally come from the CB500X . Honda is even saying the CL500 has light offroad cred , going as far as saying “ It ’ s born ready for the rigours of urban travel as much as it is light off-road .” Those rims have proven to be relatively well suited for light off-roading on the CB500X , so Honda might actually be onto something . After all , the LAMS-approved scrambler market is heating up with the addition of Moto Morini ’ s 6 ½ SCR and STR just arriving in NZ . Ground clearance is 155mm while suspension travel is 150mm from the 41mm telescopic forks and 145mm from the twin 5-step spring preload-adjustable rear shocks . Seat height isn ’ t a stretch at 790mm . Honda says the seat – alongside a slim mid-section – offers easy ground reach and ample legroom . It ’ s also designed with sides that cover the frame rails for standing up and low rear section for easy pillion access . While the CL500 features 2-channel ABS , Honda doesn ’ t go as far as saying it is switchable for light off roading .
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