HONDA XL600V Translap (1997-1999) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda Translap was a series of dual-sport motorcycles manufactured in 1987. The series comprised the XL400V, XL600V, XL650V, XL700V, and the XL750, powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin engine, except for the XL750 machine, which had a different powerplant.

In 1985, Honda built the first prototype as an off-road motorbike with a 500cc engine, while further development introduced an increased 600cc engine with more road-oriented features and an improved fairing.

The Honda XL600V was manufactured in 1986 and made available for the American market in 1989. The first version delivered 50 hp at 8,000 rpm, while for the 1989 and 1990 models, Honda increased the output power to 55 hp, returning to 50 hp for the later models.

The bike had some improvements over the years, such as the rear drum brake unit, which was replaced by a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper in 1991, the original square headlight replaced, and a new fairing in 1994.

In 1996, the bike was fitted with 34 mm carburetors, and a microprocessor design replaced the CDI ignition. Also, in 1997, the front brake received a second disc, and the diameter was reduced to 256 mm.

Regarding power, the 1999 Honda XL600V Translap had a 583cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine with two Keihin Carburetors, delivering a power output of 50 hp at 8,000 rpm and 53 Nm (39 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 6,000 rpm.