The Honda XL750 Transalp: A Complete Review by a Bike Expert
Honda’s legendary Transalp is back! After more than a decade of waiting, the Honda XL750 Transalp has made a comeback, reigniting the passion of adventure bike enthusiasts. Known for its reliability and versatility, the XL750 Transalp is a modern version of Honda’s popular dual-sport motorcycle, designed for riders who crave both on-road comfort and off-road performance. In this detailed review, we’ll break down the bike’s features, performance, design, and how it stacks up in the competitive adventure bike market.
1. Overview of the Honda XL750 Transalp
The Honda XL750 Transalp is a mid-range adventure touring motorcycle that draws from its long history, combining Honda’s reliability with modern-day technologies and advancements. The original Transalp was introduced in 1987, and its 750cc engine makes a solid return for 2024 with upgraded specs, making it perfect for long-distance touring and light off-road riding.
This bike is ideal for those who want to explore both highways and trails with a single versatile machine, appealing to a wide range of riders from seasoned adventurers to weekend explorers.
2. Design and Build Quality
Honda’s designers have masterfully blended classic styling with contemporary aesthetics. The XL750 Transalp stays true to its adventure bike roots, featuring a rugged and purposeful design meant for both on- and off-road terrains.
Key highlights of the design include:
- Slim Profile: Despite its muscular presence, the bike maintains a narrow profile that makes it easier to maneuver through city traffic or dense forest trails.
- High Ground Clearance: Perfect for off-road adventures, allowing the rider to tackle uneven terrains with ease.
- Adventure-Ready Fairing: The aerodynamic fairing and adjustable windscreen ensure that riders experience minimal wind buffeting on highways, adding comfort to long-distance rides.
- Luggage Ready: Multiple hard points for mounting panniers or a top case, making it ideal for long tours where carrying extra gear is necessary.
Build Quality: As expected from Honda, the XL750 Transalp’s build quality is excellent. The bike is built to withstand rugged conditions without sacrificing its premium look and feel.
3. Engine Performance and Specs
The heart of the Honda XL750 Transalp is its 755cc parallel-twin engine, which offers a balanced mix of power and efficiency. This engine is designed to provide enough torque for off-road adventures while being smooth and composed on highways.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 755cc, parallel-twin |
| Power Output | 91 HP @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 75 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
- 91 HP may not seem like much compared to some adventure bikes, but the XL750 Transalp’s torque curve is tuned for real-world usability, making it easy to ride on trails or city streets.
- The 6-speed transmission is smooth, allowing for seamless gear shifts, which is crucial when transitioning between different terrains.
Engine Performance on the Road
On the road, the bike’s engine shines with a linear power delivery, making highway cruising effortless. The parallel-twin setup provides a throaty exhaust note, enhancing the overall riding experience without being overly aggressive.
Off-Road Performance
For off-road enthusiasts, the bike offers plenty of low-end torque to handle dirt trails and gravel paths. The power delivery is predictable, making it easier to control in rough conditions, while the wide handlebars offer excellent leverage.
4. Ride and Handling
The Honda XL750 Transalp excels in terms of handling, thanks to its tubular steel frame and long-travel suspension. The suspension is designed to soak up bumps on both paved roads and dirt trails, making it comfortable for extended rides.
- Front Suspension: Showa 43mm USD forks with 200mm of travel.
- Rear Suspension: Pro-Link mono-shock with 190mm of travel.
- Braking: Dual 310mm discs in the front and a 256mm disc at the rear, providing ample stopping power.
The high seat position offers an excellent view of the road ahead, and the wide footpegs give you the confidence to stand up during off-road sections. Despite its adventure-ready features, the bike remains nimble and responsive, even in city traffic.
5. Technology and Features
The Honda XL750 Transalp comes equipped with a host of modern technologies, making it not only an adventure bike but a highly tech-savvy one too.
Key Features:
- TFT Display: The 5-inch full-color TFT display provides all the necessary riding information, including gear position, fuel consumption, and more.
- Riding Modes: With multiple riding modes (Road, Rain, Gravel, Sport), the Transalp adjusts power delivery, ABS, and traction control to suit the terrain.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): Adjustable traction control that ensures the bike remains stable on slippery surfaces.
- ABS: Dual-channel ABS with the ability to switch off rear ABS for more aggressive off-road riding.
These features make the bike versatile, as it can adapt to different conditions with ease. Riders will appreciate the ease of switching between modes, especially when transitioning from highways to rough trails.
6. Fuel Efficiency
Considering the bike’s power output, the fuel efficiency of the XL750 Transalp is impressive. The PGM-FI system ensures that the fuel is used optimally, making it an ideal companion for long-distance travel. Riders can expect around 20-25 km/l depending on the type of terrain and riding style.
With a 16.9-liter fuel tank, the bike offers a decent range, allowing you to cover long distances without constantly worrying about refueling.
7. Price and Market Competition
Priced around ₹12 lakh (estimated), the Honda XL750 Transalp sits in the mid-range adventure bike market. This places it in competition with models like the Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 890 Adventure, and BMW F850GS. However, Honda’s reputation for reliability and the versatility of the bike make it a strong contender in this crowded segment.
| Competitor | Engine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Tenere 700 | 689cc | ₹11-12 lakh |
| KTM 890 Adventure | 889cc | ₹13-14 lakh |
| BMW F850GS | 853cc | ₹14-15 lakh |
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile Adventure Capabilities: Perfect for both highway cruising and off-road exploration.
- Comfortable Ride: Long-travel suspension ensures a smooth ride on all terrains.
- Modern Technology: TFT display, selectable riding modes, and traction control.
- Great Build Quality: Honda’s trademark reliability.
Cons:
- Power: Slightly lower in power compared to its rivals.
- Seat Height: May be too tall for shorter riders.
The Honda XL750 Transalp is a well-rounded adventure bike that caters to riders looking for a capable and versatile motorcycle. With its blend of reliability, technology, and comfort, it strikes a balance between on-road touring and off-road adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting into adventure motorcycling, the Transalp offers a package that’s hard to beat in its price segment.
With Honda’s legendary reliability backing it, the XL750 Transalp is sure to be a long-lasting and dependable companion on all your journeys.
Is the Honda XL750 Transalp good for off-road riding?
Yes, the Honda XL750 Transalp is built for off-road riding with its high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and multiple riding modes, including Gravel mode. It handles dirt trails and uneven terrains exceptionally well.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Honda XL750 Transalp?
The Honda XL750 Transalp offers impressive fuel efficiency for an adventure bike, averaging between 20-25 km/l, making it ideal for long-distance touring without frequent refueling stops.
How does the Honda XL750 Transalp compare to its competitors?
Priced around ₹12 lakh, the Honda XL750 Transalp competes with models like the Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 890 Adventure, and BMW F850GS. It offers a balance of reliability, technology, and versatility at a slightly lower power output but excels in comfort and all-terrain capability.