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All-rounder test comparison: Cagiva Navigator, Honda XL 650 V Transalp, Yamaha TDM 850

The visionaries

Sit on, start, shut down. Regardless of whether it is a short tower or a long trip, these two-cylinder all-rounders are available for every trip.

Now it’s official: summer is over, autumn at the helm. But no reason to fall into depression. Finally, the third season welcomes attentive connoisseurs with the scent of mowed meadows, the earthy aroma of the lush forest floor, the landscape immersed in bright green and sometimes psychedelic-looking play of colors.
Exactly the right time to take a close look at three proven easy-going all-rounders and let your eyes wander from the tachometer needle. Say ?? simply "bye" to full throttle and "hello" to the intense smell, feel and taste. Regardless of whether it is the Honda Transalp travel enduro with 650 cm3 displacement, the pro-forma travel vehicle Cagiva Navigator with a full 1000 or the Yamaha TDM fun glider with 850 cm3 ?? all get permission to start. Sure, the three protagonists differ in terms of performance, but they are on par in terms of weight and dimensions. Who knows, maybe David Transalp Goliath Navigator will succeed in kicking the imaginary shin.
It was already enough for Honda to win against the competition of mid-range travel enduro bikes (MOTORRAD 10/2000). In its class, the Cagiva was only just beaten with second place (MOTORRAD 11/2000), but was able to put the naked bike legend Kawasaki ZRX 1100 in its place (MOTORRAD 13/2000). It remains to be seen how Yamaha’s long-running favorite and fun bike trendsetter TDM 850 ?? the golden mean in terms of displacement and performance – pulls out of the affair.
After all, there is almost nothing that it cannot do. In the face of easy gravel passes or miserable campsite accesses, Yamaha’s all-rounder doesn’t have to surrender, neither does Cagiva’s Navigator, despite thoroughbred street tires. Even more is possible off the road with the Transalp: 21-inch front wheel, long suspension travel, studded tires and plenty of ground clearance encourage excursions into botany. So the Honda digs ahead bravely, while for the others it is already under land in damp grass.
Beware, malicious laughter is out of place in the Transalp saddle, because back on the asphalt the hour of competition strikes. Here the 650 underdog struggles with the negative properties of the mounted Bridgestone Trail Wing TW 48. Barely tilted, the Honda wants to tip rapidly inwards and has to be kept on course with constant corrections. Such unsteady self-steering behavior in slow corners spoils line and mood in equal measure. In faster passages it fits again. Cagiva and Yamaha hiss around the corner with full sails if necessary ?? Lean angle and grip are more than enough.
How was that like relaxing? Well, especially the vigorous Navigator is constantly tempting its owner to turn the 52 throttle of the four-valve engine on to enjoy the physically noticeable production of power and torque. It’s easy, the Ex-TL-1000-S drive. Despite all the enthusiasm, it is also important to keep an eye on the next bend, because firstly it comes faster and secondly than you think. Before turning in, the brake anchor must finally be hauled in again, otherwise the load will stand up. A dubious merit of the Metzeler Z4, with a trial-mounted Bridgestone BT 020 this effect is barely noticeable.
Speaking of brake anchors: Although the Navigator shows off an imposing double disc system including steel braided lines, when you reach for the lever you still feel like a block of wood, even if the braking effect is okay. The transalp stoppers cock harder, but the descending fork dilutes exact maneuvers, which also applies to the TDM in a weakened form. In the style of an oversized silent block, the Yamaha transports its passengers through space and time. One is enthusiastic, the other wants a little more feedback and steering precision here and there.
There’s nothing to complain about when it comes to comfort, when a passenger goes on a trip, a quick turn of the patented shock absorber around the ?? softer – to block the additional spring for solo operation and it fits again. Rebound stage and spring base are also adjustable, with the Honda this applies to compression and spring base, with the Navigator only for the latter. When everything is leveled, passengers of all kinds feel well accommodated in the back seats, with a small lead in favor of the Honda, whose three-valve V2 with its predictable performance also turns even tricky streets into solvable tasks.
In stark contrast, the galloping Cavalli of the Cagiva tear the chain so brutally that the throttle can only be turned with pointed fingers. Such bad manners quickly transform a trip to the Swabian Alb’s switchback paradise from an Alb dream to a nightmare. The vision driver looking for relaxation praises the well-behaved horsepower of the Transalp or TDM type. Above all, Yamaha’s five-valve engine denies that it is an internal combustion engine. With the linear character of electric motors, the series twin pushes ?? just like the Honda-V2 – low-vibration and without fuss and thus gives a safe feeling even on leafy meandering stretches. In any case, using the clutch as with the unplaned Navigator is not necessary with TDM and Transalp.
When it comes to transmission, all three are exemplary, except for the slight bony of the Yamaha five-speed box. Nevertheless, the latter has made a huge step forward. Gone are the days when nasty tongues associated TDM switching noises with pool billiards.
The Cagiva takes a penalty in terms of gear ratios: Topspeed 213 means speed limit. However, this begins in a speed region that the Transalp can only reach in free fall and the use of which can be argued in view of the real conditions of the federal republican trunk road network. The fact is that no competitor can really break away, at the latest in the next 40-ton duel, the three will trump each other again.
Much more significant: the topic of wind protection, presented in three different philosophies. With its high disc positioned close to the helmet, the Cagiva effectively relieves head and shoulders. Disadvantage: strong noise development from the recommended motorway speed, which – depending on driver size ?? is seasoned with more or less annoying turbulence. Transalp pilots know such windy waddles from hearsay at best. The delicate cladding offers less resistance, but ensures a uniform flow, similar to the TDM plastic, which is far away from the driver and which achieves the best compromise between protection against elements and disruptive turbulence.
In the battle of the Cagiva bench against the element of water, the former is permanently defeated: First, the upholstery soaks up so that the wet cargo is then gradually passed on to the driver’s rear via the seat seam. In general, the Cagiva finish is of a nonchalant nature: wobbly mounted plastic shares that secrete plastic dust at the joints, a high-frequency squeaking brake and exhaust pops that make police hands grasp holsters in a flash, arouse resentment not only among perfectionists.
HOnda and Yamaha, on the other hand, consistently play the role of model boys. They are consistently solidly made, spare the passengers from annoying bitches and guarantee sighted drivers a stress-free stay on board.

1st place – Cagiva Navigator

The strongest wins. It was clear. Not quite. With its roughness, the V2 loses sympathy, especially when it comes to exploring the hinterland. It’s good that the taut yet comfortable frame lights up the faces again. In terms of workmanship and fine-tuning, the Navigator has some catching up to do.

2nd place – Honda XL 650 V Transalp

Okay, David didn’t defeat Goliath – purely on points. Except for the more academic performance and easy self-steering behavior, the Transalp is fully up to date. Comfortable, problem-free travel – also as a couple – including moderate terrain is their strength. And all at a low price. Clean!

3rd place – Yamaha TDM 850

Despite the creamy engine-chassis combination, the fun bike pioneer came in third, even if only one point behind. It is and remains the first choice for people who want to float through the country with their heads upright and for whom cheap fuel consumption and clean workmanship are more than dramatic posturing.

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