Honda's new Transalp for 2008

Heavily revised Transalp introduced at Paris show

Transalp ... should have called it Aroundleicestershire

THIS slipped through our net at the Paris motorcycle now.

Honda launched the 2008 Honda XL700V Transalp, the model's first update for several years. Major changes are the styling, a move from the 21" to a 19" front wheel and a new engine but the the chassis is virtually unchanged.

Honda boast that their new 680cc engine is lighter and more powerful and more fuel efficient too - good news, considering the tank is actually smaller.

It's available with optional ABS and comes in the metallic colours of Barley Yellow, Carnelian Red, Anchor Grey and Moody Blue.

With names like that, we wonder if the Honda marketing bods have been sniffing the paint too.