TALL AND powerfully built with a slim waist - sadly not me but the Honda XL650V Transalp. It seems almost too tall, but settled on the saddle my average legs had no problem reaching terra firma.

Seat height is 843mm but while an optional saddle will bring that down by 30mm the saddle narrows to meet the tank which frees up leg length.

On a wet and cold day I grew to appreciate the weather protection of the Transalp - a combination of half fairing, screen and hand protectors very efficiently deflected all the nasty stuff.

The 19-litre tank flares out from deep knee cut-outs to blend in with the fairing, providing more protection than would seem to be available.

With less than 60 miles on the clock I wasn't going to press the engine, but what a sweet motor it proved to be, with 52bhp at 7,500rpm from the liquid-cooled, six valve, four-stroke engine with 55Nm torque.

The 191kg Trans-alp was a delight to ride. I found the smooth engine to be muscular and ideally suited for motorways and long-distance riding. I've always found Honda transmissions smooth and the five-speed box with chain-drive proved to be just that. The balance proved another delight. Despite wet and slippery roads I found the handling nimble and sure.

The weather protection allowed fast cruising in comfort - covering big miles should prove no chore. A shapely rack is included as standard with plenty of room to strap on a day bag or bigger soft luggage for a long trip. But to me it's crying out for hard luggage, which by coincidence is only part of the option packs included with a new Transalp until March 31.

The Transalp will take the rider off the beaten track while still being at home in traffic.

For more details call into Bernie Leigh Motorcycles (023 8086 0356) where the XL650V Transalp is available at the Good to Go price of £5,249.