=Swap Candidates=

The following engines should swap in with no modifications to the frame:

* Honda Hawk GT NT650 (known as the Honda Bros outside the US market)
* Honda Africa Twin XRV750 (RD04 or RD07)
* Honda Transalp XL650V
* Honda Transalp XL700V
* Honda Shadow VT750 (1998 - 2013)

The Honda NT650V and NT750V Deuville motor '''will not''' swap in, because it's shaft drive. It may be possible to put the head and cylinders onto a Hawk engine. The Deuville EFI throttle bodies may be usable on a 52-degree Honda EFI conversion.

The Rotax-made Aprilia 60-degree V-twin engines ''might'' be made to fit, but will require frame modifications. To my knowledge, this has never been done. One person on the Hawk GT Forum has swapped a Tuono engine into a Hawk and only mentions modifying the front engine hanger, but there are no additional details or photographs.

=Engine Swap Details=

== NT650 Hawk GT ==

===Exhaust===
* [http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5528105&postcount=2804 This post] shows the difference in front exhaust port angles between the Transalp and Hawk engines.

The latest Two Brothers Racing exhaust 1-1/2" at the exhaust port, 1-5/8" through the curves, 1-5/8" at the collector, to a 2" tail pipe to the muffler.

===Modification===

The Hawk 650 still has great aftermarket performance support. [https://www.hordpower.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1 Hord Power] is the best known supplier and modifier in the US. Hord Power [https://www.hawkgtforum.com/forum/honda-hawk-gt-bros-discussions/mechanical-and-technical/8646-wiseco-big-bore?p=131279#post131279 commented on the Hawk GT forums]:

<blockquote style="background-color:lightgrey; border:solid thin grey;">The order of building hp into a Hawk goes:

Stock 47hp

Pipe/3.0 kit/pods 52hp

700 kit/cams 62hp

Stage 1 heads 67hp

Stage 2 heads 72hp

Flatslides +5hp

Stage 3 heads 80+hp and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and other $$$$$$$ stuff to make it "reliable."
</blockquote>

== XL650V ==

* [http://advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10450413&postcount=7546 Thunder Dan's engine swap]. He put a 2003 XL650V engine into a 1988 XL600V.

== XRV750 ==

[https://www.transalp.de/technik/umbauten/at-motor Transalp Friends Germany] has details of fitting an XRV750 RD04 motor into a 1988 XL600V Transalp.

== VT750 ==

The 52-degree, chain-drive VT750 engine uses an inline crank pin, as opposed to the offset crank pins in the XL600V Transalp. This makes the VT750 sound more like a Harley Davidson, which uses a 45-degree engine with a single-pin crankshaft.

[[File:VT750vsXL600V-Crankshaft.png|574px|Comparison of the VT750 and XL600V crankshafts]]

[https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/honda-xl600v-transalp-rally-style-resto-mod.1676261/page-2#post-50143287 Skyliner on AdvRider says the 1993 - 2013 VT750 will bolt directly into a Transalp frame] (Mar 25, 2024). Details:
<blockquote>
* Transalp or NT650 camshafts fit
* Uses internal oiling, so 1991 NT650 heads fit, as well as Transalp 650 and Deuville heads. This allows Transalp 650 or XRV headers to fit.
* Ignition pickup is different.
* Gear shift shaft is shorter than the Transalp
</blockquote>

[https://advrider.com/f/threads/show-us-your-transalp-modifications.39170/page-1139#post-44009595 Additional information from Skyliner about the clutch, firing order, cylinder heads, and exhaust] (Feb 20, 2022).

== Aprilia/Rotax 990 ==

The Rotax 990 engine used in various Aprilia 1000 models might conceivably be made to fit into the Transalp frame. If so, it will definitely require custom mounting brackets, and may require the complete removal of the lower cradle from the frame. Aprilia uses the Rotax engine is a stressed member.

=EFI Conversion=

Rather than trying to source and/or tweak carburetors, it's probably best to use one of the aftermarket EFI systems that are now on the market.

==Examples==

[http://www.cbr1000rr.org/HawkParts.htm These guys] adapted Honda Deauville fuel injection to a Hawk GT motor.

==EFI Systems==

* Megasquirt
* Microsquirt
* [https://www.ignitech.cz/en/ Ignitech]
* [https://ecumasterusa.com/ EcuMaster EMU]

==Throttle Bodies==

The 2003+ SV650 uses 39mm throttle bodies. The 2017 model's throttle bodies are redesigned and "slimmer", according to Wikipedia.

The NT700V was sold in the US. It had 81x66mm bores with a 10:1 compression ratio, producing 65hp at 8000 RPM and 48.8 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM. It's in the same 52-degree V-twin family as the Transalp, Hawk, and Africa Twin. Its throttle bodies are 40mm with 12-hole injectors. It appears that the NT700V used a fuel pump that provided something like 45 - 50 psi.

=Specification Comparison=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Displacement
! Horsepower
! Torque
! Bore x Stroke
! Compression Ratio
! Induction
|-
! XL600V
| 583cc
| 50 hp @ 8000
| 39.1 ft-lb @ 6000
| 75x66mm
| 9.2:1
| 2x32mm Keihin CV
|-
! NT650
| 647cc
| 56.1 hp @ 7897
| 43 lb-ft @ 6053
| 79x66mm
| 9.2:1
| 2x36mm flat slide carburetor
|-
! XL650V
| 647cc
| 52 hp @ 7500
| 40 lb-ft @ 5500
| 79x66mm
| 9.2:1
| 2x34mm flat slide CV
|-
! XL700V
| 680.2cc
| 59.1 hp @ 7750
| 44.3 lb-ft @ 5500
| 81x66mm
| 10.0:1
| EFI 40mm throttle bodies
|-
! XR750 RD07
| 742cc
| 62 hp @ 7500
| 46.2 lb-ft @ 6000
| 81x72mm
| 9.0:1
| 2x38mm flat slide CV
|-
! VT750C
| 745cc
| 43 hp @ 5500
| 44 lb-ft @ 3000
| 79x76mm
| 9.6:1
| 2x 36mm CV
|-
! Aprilia ETV1000
| 997.6cc
| 98 hp @ 8250
| 71.5 lb-ft @ 6250
| 97x67.5mm
| 10.4:1
| EFI 47mm throttle bodies
|}

=Transmission Gear Ratios=

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! 1st
! 2nd
! 3rd
! 4th
! 5th
! 6th
|-
! XL600V
| 2.571
| 1.777
| 1.380
| 1.125
| 0.961
|-
! NT650
| 2.769
| 1.882
| 1.450
| 1.174
| 0.965
|-
! XL650V/XL700V
| 2.500
| 1.722
| 1.333
| 1.111
| 0.961
|-
! XRV750
| 3.083
| 2.062
| 1.550
| 1.272
| 1.083
|-
! Honda VT750C
| 2.4
| 1.55
| 1.174
| 0.960
| 0.852
|-
! Aprilia Tuono
| 2.26
| 1.63
| 1.3
| 1.09
| 0.96
| 0.88
|-
! Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 / Falco SL1000 / Futura RST1000
| 2.5
| 1.75
| 1.368
| 1.091
| 0.957
| 0.852
|}

The XRV's first gear is 20% lower, second is 16% lower, third is 12% lower, fourth is 13% lower, and fifth is 12% lower.

File:VT750vsXL600V-Crankshaft.png

2026-05-14T05:52:57Z

Transalp Engine Swaps

2023-10-07T07:51:37Z

Jeff: /* Specification Comparison */

=Swap Candidates=

The following engines should swap in with no modifications to the frame:

* Hawk NT650 (known as the Honda Bros outside the US market)
* Honda Africa Twin XRV750 (RD04 or RD07)
* Honda Transalp XL650V
* Honda Transalp XL700V

The Honda NT650V and NT750V Deuville motor '''will not''' swap in, because it's shaft drive. It may be possible to put the head and cylinders onto a Hawk engine. The Deuville EFI throttle bodies may be usable on a 52-degree Honda EFI conversion.

The Rotax-made Aprilia 60-degree V-twin engines ''might''' be made to fit, but will require frame modifications. To my knowledge, this has never been done. One person on the Hawk GT Forum has swapped a Tuono engine into a Hawk and only mentions modifying the front engine hanger, but there are no additional details or photographs.

=Engine Swap Details=

== Hawk NT650==

===Exhaust===
* [http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5528105&postcount=2804 This post] shows the difference in front exhaust port angles between the Transalp and Hawk engines.

The latest Two Brothers Racing exhaust 1-1/2" at the exhaust port, 1-5/8" through the curves, 1-5/8" at the collector, to a 2" tail pipe to the muffler.

===Modification===

The Hawk 650 still has great aftermarket performance support. [https://www.hordpower.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1 Hord Power] is the best known supplier and modifier in the US. Hord Power [https://www.hawkgtforum.com/forum/honda-hawk-gt-bros-discussions/mechanical-and-technical/8646-wiseco-big-bore?p=131279#post131279 commented on the Hawk GT forums]:

<blockquote style="background-color:lightgrey; border:solid thin grey;">The order of building hp into a Hawk goes:

Stock 47hp

Pipe/3.0 kit/pods 52hp

700 kit/cams 62hp

Stage 1 heads 67hp

Stage 2 heads 72hp

Flatslides +5hp

Stage 3 heads 80+hp and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and other $$$$$$$ stuff to make it "reliable."
</blockquote>

== XL650V ==

* [http://advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10450413&postcount=7546 Thunder Dan's engine swap]. He put a 2003 XL650V engine into a 1988 XL600V.

=EFI Conversion=

Rather than trying to source and/or tweak carburetors, it's probably best to use one of the aftermarket EFI systems that are now on the market.

==EFI Systems==

* Megasquirt
* Microsquirt
* [https://www.ignitech.cz/en/ Ignitech]
* [https://ecumasterusa.com/ EcuMaster EMU]

==Throttle Bodies==

The 2003+ SV650 uses 39mm throttle bodies. The 2017 model's throttle bodies are redesigned and "slimmer", according to Wikipedia.

The NT700V was sold in the US. It had 81x66mm bores with a 10:1 compression ratio, producing 65hp at 8000 RPM and 48.8 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM. It's in the same 52-degree V-twin family as the Transalp, Hawk, and Africa Twin. Its throttle bodies are 40mm with 12-hole injectors. It appears that the NT700V used a fuel pump that provided something like 45 - 50 psi.

=Specification Comparison=

{|
|-
!
! Displacement
! Horsepower
! Torque
! Bore x Stroke
! Compression Ratio
! Induction
|-
! XL600V
| 583cc
| 50 hp @ 8000
| 39.1 ft-lb @ 6000
| 75x66mm
| 9.2:1
| 2x32mm Keihin CV
|-
! NT650
| 647cc
| 56.1 hp @ 7897
| 43 lb-ft @ 6053
| 79x66mm
| 9.2:1
| 2x36mm flat slide carburetor
|-
! XL650V
| 647cc
| 52 hp @ 7500
| 40 lb-ft @ 5500
| 79x66mm
| 9.2:1
| 2x34mm flat slide CV
|-
! XL700V
| 680.2cc
| 59.1 hp @ 7750
| 44.3 lb-ft @ 5500
| 81x66mm
| 10.0:1
| EFI 40mm throttle bodies
|-
! XR750 RD07
| 742cc
| 62 hp @ 7500
| 46.2 lb-ft @ 6000
| 81x72mm
| 9.0:1
| 2x38mm flat slide CV
|-
! Aprilia ETV1000
| 997.6cc
| 98 hp @ 8250
| 71.5 lb-ft @ 6250
| 97x67.5mm
| 10.4:1
| EFI 47mm throttle bodies
|}

=Transmission Gear Ratios=

{|
|-
!
! 1st
! 2nd
! 3rd
! 4th
! 5th
! 6th
|-
! XL600V
| 2.571
| 1.777
| 1.380
| 1.125
| 0.961
|-
! NT650
| 2.769
| 1.882
| 1.450
| 1.174
| 0.965
|-
! XL650V/XL700V
| 2.500
| 1.722
| 1.333
| 1.111
| 0.961
|-
! XR750 RD07
| 3.083
| 2.062
| 1.550
| 1.272
| 1.083
|-
! Aprilia Tuono
| 2.26
| 1.63
| 1.3
| 1.09
| 0.96
| 0.88
|-
! Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 / Falco SL1000 / Futura RST1000
| 2.5
| 1.75
| 1.368
| 1.091
| 0.957
| 0.852
|}

The XRV's first gear is 20% lower, second is 16% lower, third is 12% lower, fourth is 13% lower, and fifth is 12% lower.