Sojourn Chronicles

by D. Brent Miller

So, I’m surfing the web, looking for any kind of news about the 2008 line up of motorcycles. Looking for something new that might be exciting, and coming to America. My next bike.

I’m still thinking about the dual-sport or adventure bike. I’ve considered and written about the new Kawasaki KLR650, the Suzuki V-Stroms–650 and 1000, and have dreamed that Honda would bring the Varadero or Transalp to the US.

Well here’s a little glimmer of hope. First, I found this discussion on the Adventure Riders Forum. Then, as suggested by the ADV-Riders, I went to the Swedish Honda Motorcycle web site, and found this banner … in English! It’s on an official Honda web site!

Rumors are flying that Honda has rebuilt the Transalp to meet Euro 3 emissions requirements–tougher than the 2008 USA standards. Secondly, rumors are flying that this bike is going to be offered in Canada! Hey that’s next door! Why not here? Honda sold the Transalp in the USA in 1989 and 1990, probably too ahead of its time. But now … the adventure bike market is growing, and a lot of people are hoping that Honda does something significant for 2008 in the USA.

Time will tell. I’m not holding my breath. (But, I do have my fingers crossed.)–DBrent

Technorati tags: Honda Varadero, Honda Transalp, adventure motorcycling, dual sport motorcycles