2008 Honda Transalp debuts in Paris

Besides all being categorized as "Adventure Touring" bikes, what do the Suzuki V-Strom series and Kawasaki's new Versys have in common? They're both less than 1000cc's and sold in America. Not that we're keeping track or anything, but so are the BMW R1200GS, KTM 990 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050, Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Caponord and even the new Benelli TreK 1130. Not so the Honda Transalp, which has just been completely refreshed and is being shown off at the Paris Motorcycle Show. Sporting a liquid-cooled V-Twin of just less than 700cc's, the Transalp would make a very logical competitor to the aforementioned Versys 650 and V-Strom 650, wouldn't you say? It's not so much that Honda's own XR650L is a bad bike -- it's actually quite good at what it does -- we just doubt that many potential buyers cross-shop the XR with bikes in the Adventure category. Consider too that BMW is rumored to be bringing a GS version of the new F800 stateside as well, and a strong argument could be made that Honda should enter the market.

Regardless of whether it comes to the U.S. or not, the Transalp is a fine Adventure Tourer. A look at our hosted pictures will show you that Honda has made some serious upgrades to their super-popular Euro-bound machine. Riders should enjoy the protection provided by the ample windscreen and fairing, and will likely find a comfortable riding position. Pictures also show the serious routing maneuvers the exhaust gases are forced to take as the bike has been made Euro 3 emissions compliant. If you're reading this and you live in the States, take heart... Kawasaki saw fit to make their new Versys available here. Maybe Honda will show us some love too.

Paris Motorcycle Show: KTM Concept 690 Stunt

From time to time on Autoblog, we run stories featuring KTM's new X-Bow roadster. Color us orange with anticipation at the prospect of an open-air performance machine from the Austrian company normally known for generating excitement with fewer wheels by two. Case in point: the new KTM Concept 690 Stunt. Using their new single-cylinder LC4 engine displacing 654cc's, this machine features an awesome single-sided swingarm, Renthal handlebar, orange crashbars and a 12 o'clock bar aft of the single seat. If this law-breaker-to-be is too over-the-top for you, consider the bike on which it's based: the 690 Supermoto.

Also receiving the new LC4 engine is the 690 Duke. If you prefer your cycling to be done after the pavement ends, KTM has you covered with the 690 Enduro. Each of the new 690 models features a steel trellis frame and an USD fork. No matter what your taste in riding is these days, KTM has a bike to cater to you. Rest assured, even though KTM is testing the sportscar market, they haven't forgotten their orange and black roots.

One more thing... you didn't think that KTM had forgotten you superbike folks did you?

BMW introduces new R1200S-based HP2 Sport

click above image to view gallery of the BMW HP2 Sport

Longtime BMW riders would hardly recognize the motorcycles coming from the Bavarian bike maker these days. Starting with the redesign of the R-Series models and their bump in displacement to 1200cc's a few years ago, BMW has been making a statement that it's going to be moving the brand up in the performance ranks. The four cylinder K1200 series has given BMW an image-bike that further cements it into the high performance race, and now the R1200S HP2 Sport will take the BMW brand back to the race track in style.

Starting with the R1200S as its base, already BMW's sportiest model, the HP2 adds new 4-valve heads sporting dual overhead cams. Redlining at around 9,500 RPM, the power output of the engine has been increased to 128 horsepower, and the 85 ft-lb. of torque makes this engine very powerful for an air-cooled boxer-twin. Routing that muscle to the rear wheel is a six-speed gearbox featuring a quick-shifter that allows the bike to survive full-throttle up-shifts and performs quicker than what can be done using your hands and feet.