Honda Transalp XL750: Versatile Adventure Tourer with Power, Range & Comfort

Adventure touring is no longer a niche it’s a growing passion among motorcyclists looking for the freedom to explore both highways and rugged trails. Honda, a brand known for precision engineering and reliability, has re-entered this competitive space with a bold statement: the Honda Transalp XL750.

Reviving a legendary nameplate, the new Transalp is built to tackle everything from city commutes to cross-country rides and off-road adventures. With a combination of powerful engine performance, long-range fuel efficiency, modern electronics, and refined ride quality, it’s positioned as an ideal ADV for real-world riders.

Let’s dive into what makes the Transalp XL750 a worthy contender in the middleweight adventure segment.

Modern Yet Rugged Design

The design of the Honda Transalp XL750 strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Inspired by classic adventure bikes, it carries a minimalist yet purposeful stance. The tall front windscreen, upswept exhaust, and semi-fairing offer protection while exuding off-road readiness.

Dual LED headlamps with a sharp design give the bike a bold look from the front. The body panels are slim, allowing better control during off-road riding, while the large tank and raised tail section enhance its touring capability.

With its commanding road presence, upright ergonomics, and available rugged color schemes, the Transalp not only looks ready for action—it also inspires confidence whether you’re parked in the city or prepping for a trail ride.

Engine Performance that Excites

At the heart of the Transalp XL750 is a newly developed 755cc parallel-twin engine, liquid-cooled and tuned to deliver both excitement and practicality. This engine produces an impressive 90.5 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm, offering smooth low-end grunt and thrilling top-end power.

This twin-cylinder motor features a 270-degree crankshaft, which gives it a V-twin-like character—perfect for off-road bursts and highway overtakes. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch, the transmission is slick and forgiving, especially during sudden downshifts.

The engine feels tractable in city traffic and rev-happy when pushed, giving the Transalp an edge as both a daily rider and an open-road warrior. It’s a well-balanced unit that suits novice and experienced adventure riders alike.

Long-Range Fuel Efficiency

One of the standout features of the Transalp XL750 is its fuel efficiency. With a 17-litre fuel tank and a tested average of 22–24 km/l, the bike offers a real-world range of 350–400 kilometers on a full tank.

This range is a game-changer for long-distance tourers who prefer minimal fuel stops. Whether you’re tackling a high-altitude ride or cruising the national highway, the Transalp ensures that your journey is smooth, economical, and hassle-free.

Chassis and Suspension for Every Terrain

Honda has built the Transalp on a lightweight steel diamond frame that’s engineered for strength, agility, and comfort. The frame design allows for easy maneuverability both on-road and off-road.

Suspension duties are handled by Showa 43 mm USD forks at the front and a Pro-Link monoshock at the rear, both offering long travel (over 200 mm) to tackle bumpy terrain and deep potholes with ease. The adjustable rear preload means you can adapt the suspension for solo riding, two-up touring, or heavy luggage.

Ground clearance of 210 mm ensures the bike clears most obstacles without bottoming out, while a comfortable seat height of 850 mm strikes a good balance between accessibility and off-road capability.

Electronics and Riding Modes

The Transalp XL750 doesn’t just rely on mechanical capability—it’s loaded with electronic rider aids that make the experience smoother and safer. It features a ride-by-wire throttle and comes equipped with five riding modes:

  • Sport – Maximum performance for highway fun
  • Standard – Balanced setup for daily riding
  • Rain – Softer throttle and ABS sensitivity for wet conditions
  • Gravel – Tuned for off-road use with reduced traction control
  • User – Customizable settings based on personal preferences

Each mode adjusts engine power, engine braking, ABS, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which acts as traction control. You can fine-tune how the bike responds to your inputs, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned ADV riders.

Full-Color TFT and Connectivity

The cockpit of the Transalp XL750 is equipped with a 5-inch full-color TFT display, offering a clean layout with crisp graphics. The display allows for easy navigation between riding modes, trip data, fuel stats, and electronic settings.

Bluetooth connectivity is available via Honda’s smartphone voice control system. Riders can pair their phones for turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call/message alerts—all while keeping their hands on the handlebars and eyes on the road.

The display adapts well to different lighting conditions and adds a premium touch to the overall riding experience.

Ergonomics and Touring Comfort

Adventure bikes must strike a balance between ruggedness and rider comfort, and the Transalp XL750 excels at both. The ergonomics are upright, offering a natural posture that reduces fatigue on long rides. The wide handlebars provide leverage during off-road riding, while the large footpegs ensure solid grip whether seated or standing.

The two-piece seat is well-contoured and padded for long-distance comfort. The front screen deflects wind efficiently, and optional taller screens or comfort seats are available for touring enthusiasts.

The bike also comes with provisions for mounting panniers, top boxes, and other accessories, allowing riders to easily convert it into a full-fledged touring machine.

Braking and Safety Features

Braking is managed by dual 310 mm discs with Nissin twin-piston calipers at the front and a 256 mm single disc at the rear, providing sharp, progressive stopping power. Dual-channel ABS is standard, with off-road ABS mode available to partially disable the rear ABS when on gravel.

Additional safety features include:

  • Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
  • Engine immobilizer
  • LED lighting with DRLs
  • Hazard lights
  • Side-stand engine cutoff

These features enhance overall rider safety and contribute to the bike’s versatility across conditions.

Expected Price and Rivals

In India, the Honda Transalp XL750 is expected to be priced between ₹10.99 lakh to ₹11.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It directly competes with:

  • Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
  • Yamaha Tenere 700 (expected launch)
  • Triumph Tiger 660
  • KTM 790 Adventure
  • BMW F 750 GS

What sets the Transalp apart is Honda’s legendary build quality, reliability, and the perfect mix of power and usability. It offers a no-nonsense ADV package that can appeal to weekend explorers, cross-country tourers, and even urban riders looking for a comfortable, stylish machine.

Final Thoughts

The Honda Transalp XL750 is a brilliant revival of an iconic name. It is purpose-built for real-world adventure riders who want an accessible, powerful, and comfortable motorcycle that doesn’t overcomplicate the experience.

With its balanced engine, excellent mileage, lightweight handling, and tech-packed interface, the Transalp makes a compelling case for being the ideal mid-size adventure tourer in 2025. Whether you’re riding through mountain passes or navigating the urban jungle, the Transalp XL750 is ready to take you there—with confidence, comfort, and unmistakable Honda quality.

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