What do you really need for an adventure? The brave among us would say that the best adventure bike is the bike you already own, even if it’s just a dual sport. But for most motorcyclists, you need a bike that has enough power to cruise on the highway all day, off-road capability to handle the world’s worst roads (and some trails), and enough agility to not feel like you’re driving a land yacht. Honda, with its adventure bikes, strikes this balance better than most manufacturers, but there is one Honda that still stands out.
Honda bikes are generally the best choice in most segments
Every motorcycle manufacturer has a reputation or stereotype associated with it, and that reputation exists for a reason, though it may not be 100 percent accurate. For example, Aprilia sports bikes are known for extremely sharp handling, but not for reliability. Suzuki, on the other hand, is seen as a slow-moving company that likes to over-engineer its engine platforms with cockroach-like reliability. Honda has a different kind of reputation here. Honda bikes are often seen as a sensible choice.
Whether you look at Honda sports bikes or tourers, Honda bikes are generally seen as smart picks because they focus on real-world performance, not spec sheet dominance. Excellent examples include the Gold Wing, CRF300L, or CBR650R, which may not be the most powerful or capable bikes in their respective segments, but are seen as the best choices if you don’t want a no-nonsense riding experience.
The same reputation extends to Honda’s adventure bikes as well. At the lower end is the NX500, a road-based adventure tourer that is considered one of the best all-rounders for a one-bike garage. Then there’s the flagship Africa Twin, arguably the most sensible full-size adventure bike you can buy today. But there’s a middleweight Honda ADV that stands out even more, offering a balance between small bike agility and big bike performance at an affordable price. The bike in question is a translap e-clutch.
Translap e-Clutch is the smart pick in Honda’s ADV lineup
The Translap E-Clutch is Honda’s middleweight adventure bike powered by a reliable parallel-twin engine that delivers the right amount of power for the real world. It also gets adjustable suspension at both ends with e-clutch, 21/18-inch wheel setup and essential rider assists. Combine this with a rally-inspired design with comfortable ergonomics and wind protection, and you have an adventure bike that can do it all. It’s light enough to handle commuting and off-roading, while having enough performance and comfort to handle long-distance adventures and 500-mile highway days.
MSRP starts at $10,199
Another highlight of the Translap is its starting price of $10,199. It outperforms most of its middleweight rivals, including the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which starts at $10,999. Other rivals, like the V-Strom 800DE and Aprilia Tuareg 660, start at $11,799 and $12,499, respectively. Although these ADVs are good in their own right, they lack the balance that Translap provides.
A reliable Unicam parallel-twin engine with 90.5 horsepower
The biggest strength of Honda Translap e-Clutch is its powerplant. Based on the engine of the CB750 Hornet, this parallel-twin engine displaces 755cc, producing 9.5 horsepower at 9,500 RPM and 55.3 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 RPM. Honda says this engine is tuned to deliver a healthy spread of torque throughout the rev range, with plenty of low-end power for easy off-roading and effortless highway travel. It also has 270-degree firing order.
The engine gets Honda’s Unicam design, just like the Africa Twin. Essentially, the Unicam head keeps the cylinder head size compact, allowing Honda to position the engine in the optimal location for better operation. Supporting this engine is a swirl air intake, which is said to improve short to mid-range power delivery. It also uses high-pressure fuel injectors for better throttle response and a gear-driven counterbalancer to smooth out vibrations while keeping the engine weight down.
E-clutch makes riding easier
A special feature here is the Honda e-clutch, which now comes as standard on the Translap. This e-clutch essentially takes care of the clutch duties, allowing you to change gears with your left foot without using the handlebar-mounted clutch lever. Don’t worry, you can still use the clutch whenever you want. The e-clutch also functions as a bi-directional quickshifter for full-throttle gear shifts. This system makes the bike much easier to ride in the city or on tours, without compromising clutch control while off-roading. The Best of Both Worlds.
Versatile base, ergonomics and technical features
The Honda Translap E-Clutch is designed to go far without compromising everyday usability, and that starts with its 468-pound road-ready weight, low center of gravity and compact mass. Honda has achieved this by installing heavy components closer to the bike’s center of gravity along with a compact Unicam engine design, which will make the bike easier to handle. Honda has also highlighted the 42-degree steering lock, which can translate into excellent maneuverability on tough trials and in traffic.
long travel suspension from showa
The entire setup is based on fully adjustable Showa suspension, allowing you to fine-tune the ride quality to suit your mood and occasion. At the front, the bike features an inverted 43mm Showa SFF-CA fork with 7.9 inches of travel, paired with a Showa shock and rising-rate Pro-Link suspension with 7.5 inches of travel. This gives the bike a good ground clearance of 7.7 inches, which means the bike can tackle mild to moderate off-road terrain with ease. Aiding this setup is a standard 21/18-inch spoke wheel setup.
Long distance ready ergonomics and design
The Translap e-Clutch gets a rally-style fairing which is said to be lightweight and of high quality. This fairing and front windscreen should provide good wind and weather protection on the highway. The comfortable seat is then said to be supportive for aggressive cornering and comfortable for long periods in the saddle. The standard saddle sits 33.7 inches above the ground, but the optional support seat can drop it down to 32.6 inches. Even the ergonomics are neutral and should feel comfortable for most riders.
Other things are right on the bike, including a large 4.4-gallon fuel tank. Honda UK claims a fuel economy of around 55 miles per gallon, giving the bike an effective range of up to 242 miles. Other ADV-ready components on the bike include a standard skid plate, standard rear carrier, and a USB-C port. Honda also offers various accessories, including longer and lower seats, a taller windscreen, a center stand and luggage options.
Right amount of electronics
Keeping the balance theme alive, the bike comes with enough electronics for a safe ride, but not so much as to drown you in endless electronics options. It features a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync, as well as self-canceling indicators and five ride modes including Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel and Custom modes. Safety is taken care of by ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
The translap e-clutch may not impress you on paper, but that would be missing the point. Everything about this bike is designed to make your adventures easier, not overly complicated or feel like a handful. The bike has the right amount of power, features and comfort to get the job done without overwhelming you or leaving you wanting more. This is what makes the Translap e-Clutch the smartest pick in Honda’s ADV lineup.
Source: Honda
