Modifications (Models) Of XL600V/650V Transalp

(partially from: Revue Moto Technique No 68, ETAI, Paris, France, 1996). Submitted by Christos Zervos

Type	Construction Year	Modifications/Changes
H	Febr/1987	First Honda Transalp model, introduced earlier at the October 1986 Salon de Paris International Motorcycle Show. Available in the international market from February 1987 (bike weight : 175 Kgr).
J	Oct/1987-1988	One more colour available, same graphical decoration
K	1989	Slight modification of graphical decoration (the words: HONDA, 600V, Transalp and Rally Touring, change size and place), new colours, new instrument panel, new headlamp reflector, new higher windscreen, new rear suspension shock-absorber/ links/joints, new rear suspension axle, new front suspension fork (tubes and springs), new exhaust, extra side-stand panel light and switch, new cylinders, new engine base joints, new exhaust valves, new valve springs, new valve guides, new cylinder head joints, new overhead camshaft, new cylinder heads, new crankshaft, new connecting rods, new engine-oil compartment, new camshaft support brackets, new distribution chains, new whole clutch system (compartment, lever, disks, plates, etc), new oil pump, new oil pump engagement gears and sprockets, new water pump, new ignition system (ignition coils, impulse coils, CDI units), new starter sprocket (38/12 teeth), new starter, new alternator, new gearbox output sprocket head and cover, new alternator cover, new gear cams, new gear-pins and synch-sprockets for 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear, new gear selection plate and guides, new rear brake drum, new synch carburettors cam, new ignition break-circuit (Run/Off),
L	1990	Same colours available as in 1989, new designed head steps for the overhead-cam oil draining, new cylinder heads, new cylinders, new cylinder-head joints, new engine joints, new input valves, new distribution-chain guides, installation of a noise-damping mechanism behind the distribution chain tensioners, new clutch cover, new clutch disks, new starter, new engine-oil compartment, new central gearbox pin, new synch carburettors cam, new headlamp reflector, new exhaust
M	1991	New different graphical decoration, new colours, new whole rear break system (a new disk brake system instead of a drum-brake), new rear suspension shock absorber, new overhead-camshaft support brackets, new clutch joint/cover/compartment, new clutch plate and disks, new alternator cover, new water pump, new engine-oil compartment, new synch sprockets for 5th gear, new headlamp reflector, new improved front brake system, new upper T-plate for the front fork, new rear wheel, new exhaust, new air filter, new bike weight (183 Kgr).
N	1992	No mechanical or electrical changes, new colours available
P	1993	No mechanical or electrical changes, new colours available
R	1994	New exterior front (aesthetic) appearance, new colours, new front fairing (cowling), new headlamp reflector, new ignition system, new starter circuit, new front brake-disk calliper, new brake pads, new instrument panel and cover, new turn-indicator relay (transistorised), new rear luggage carrier, new rear suspension shock absorber, new oil pump, new final drive ratio (47/15), new carburettor settings.
S	1995	No mechanical or electrical changes, no new colours available
T	1996	Changes in the engine tuning are dictated mostly by the new emission and noise standards, new colours, new gear ratios, new whole electronic (CDI) ignition system (ignition unit, impulse ignition system, ignition advance, etc), extra throttle-position sensor, new front suspension system, new carburettors (VDFLA), new air-intake system with new filter and 2 additional small air-filters, new rear wheel tyre (120/90-17), new electronic tachometer, new bike weight (191 Kgr).
V	1997	At last, a double rotor front brake! Pillion handles, 12mm shackle socket under the top-case carrier. New and nice colours this time, (those "indian" orange stickers fortunately have gone away...). New bike weight (196 Kgr). Transalp is now manufactured by HONDA ITALIA. Some minor quality problems (paint, spoke adjustment) start to appear.
W	1998	No mechanical or electrical changes. New colours available, one resembles the first 1987 purple TA.
X	1999	No mechanical or electrical changes.
?	spring 2000	That is a 650cc model. Many other minor or major changes including truly adjustable rear suspension,  more robust frame, more than adequate standard and optional equipment.  Nice machine, anyway.