The adventure motorcycling world has witnessed a renaissance in recent years, and Honda has joined the movement with the return of an iconic name — the Transalp. Originally introduced in the late 1980s, the Honda Transalp built a cult following for being a rugged, go-anywhere middleweight ADV that could tackle highways and trails with equal ease. Now in 2025, the Honda XL750 Transalp marks a bold comeback with contemporary technology, enhanced power, and refined design — making it a formidable player in the 700–800cc adventure bike category.
Design & Styling: Minimalist ADV with Heritage Cues
The design of the Transalp XL750 blends modern ADV minimalism with a nod to its heritage. Its tall stance, semi-fairing bodywork, windscreen, and exposed frame scream functionality and rugged charm. The beak-style front fender, integrated LED lighting, and aggressive lines give it a commanding presence. Unlike over-styled ADVs, the XL750 retains a clean look that hints at its off-road intentions.
Color options include:
- Ross White Tricolour (inspired by classic Honda rally bikes)
- Matte Ballistic Black Metallic
- Matte Iridium Gray Metallic
Each finish highlights different personalities of the bike — from bold and adventurous to stealthy and utilitarian.
Engine & Performance: Smooth Power Meets Adventure Capability
At the heart of the Transalp XL750 is a 755cc parallel-twin engine, borrowed from the new Honda Hornet but tuned for ADV needs. This liquid-cooled, 8-valve Unicam engine delivers:
- 91.8 bhp @ 9,500 rpm
- 75 Nm torque @ 7,250 rpm
Despite being compact, the engine packs a punch — smooth power delivery across the rev range makes it versatile for touring, commuting, and trail riding. The 270° crankshaft provides a throaty exhaust note and a characterful throttle response, mimicking the feel of a V-twin without the bulk.
Paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox, the engine is supported by:
- Slipper clutch for smooth downshifts
- Optional quickshifter for clutchless gear changes (up & down)
Ride & Handling: Confidence On and Off the Road
The Transalp is designed to feel equally at home on twisty tarmac and dusty trails. Its steel diamond frame is lightweight yet durable, contributing to a wet weight of just 208 kg, which is relatively low for a full-size ADV.
Key suspension and chassis features:
- Front: 43mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) – 200mm travel
- Rear: Pro-Link mono-shock with adjustable preload – 190mm travel
- Ground clearance: 210mm
- Seat height: 850mm (accessible for average-height riders)
The bike rolls on a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheel setup, wrapped in tubeless dual-purpose tyres — ensuring excellent off-road control and stability.
On the road, the Transalp shines with its predictable handling, neutral steering, and stable high-speed manners. Off-road, it manages gravel, dirt, and even mild technical trails with ease, especially when traction control is adjusted accordingly.
Tech Features & Electronics: Smart Yet Simple
Honda has equipped the Transalp XL750 with a comprehensive electronics suite, though it maintains simplicity and usability — a must for adventure riders.
Key features include:
- 5-inch TFT screen with customisable layouts
- Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (for navigation, music, calls)
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- 5 riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User (customisable)
- HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) with 5 levels
- ABS with off-road mode (rear ABS can be turned off)
- Wheelie control
While the absence of radar-based tech might disappoint some, the Transalp’s electronics are more than sufficient for real-world adventure riding without overwhelming the rider.
Comfort & Touring Capability
Long-distance travel is where the Transalp truly excels. The ergonomics are spot-on — a comfortable upright riding position, wide handlebars, and well-placed footpegs make it ideal for both seated and standing off-road riding. The stock seat offers decent cushioning for hours in the saddle.
Touring-friendly features include:
- 17-litre fuel tank – offering a range of approx. 350–400 km
- Optional luggage system – panniers, top box, and tank bags
- Tall windscreen with decent wind protection
- USB-C charging port
With a bit of aftermarket personalization, this motorcycle can transform into a serious transcontinental tourer.
Braking and Safety
Braking duties are handled by:
- Dual 310mm wave discs at the front with 2-piston Nissin calipers
- Single 256mm disc at the rear
Braking performance is progressive and well-controlled, both on tarmac and dirt. The switchable ABS (rear) is a blessing for trail riders, allowing controlled slides and aggressive downhill braking.
Variants & Accessories
While there’s only one mechanical variant of the XL750 Transalp globally, Honda offers a wide range of accessories, allowing riders to tailor the bike for specific needs:
Accessory Packs:
- Urban Pack – top box, tank pad, USB charger
- Touring Pack – panniers, main stand, heated grips
- Adventure Pack – bash plate, knuckle guards, fog lights
- Comfort Pack – touring windscreen, comfort seat, wind deflectors
These kits allow you to personalize the bike as a city commuter, off-road explorer, or long-distance hauler.
Competitors in India
If launched in India, the Honda Transalp XL750 will sit in a growing premium ADV middleweight segment. Key rivals include:
- Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
- KTM 890 Adventure
- Yamaha Tenere 700 (if brought to India)
- Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
- BMW F 850 GS
Among these, the Transalp stands out for its balance of performance, reliability, and Honda’s service ecosystem.
Expected Price in India (If Launched)
While Honda hasn’t officially confirmed the India launch of the XL750 Transalp, speculations suggest it could arrive as a CBU or CKD model. Expected price range:
- ₹11.5 lakh to ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom)
At this pricing, it would attract serious adventure tourers who value brand reliability, comfort, and a no-nonsense riding experience.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Comeback
The Honda Transalp XL750 is not trying to out-tech or out-muscle its competitors. Instead, it offers a thoughtful balance of power, comfort, and off-road ability wrapped in a nostalgic yet modern package. With a friendly weight, approachable seat height, and refined engine performance, it’s built for those who seek real-world usability with genuine adventure capability.
Whether you’re planning a Leh-Ladakh expedition, a weekend trail escape, or a transcontinental highway ride, the XL750 is ready — as its legacy promises — to go anywhere.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Honda Transalp XL750 beginner-friendly?
Yes, it is approachable for new adventure riders thanks to its manageable weight, refined power delivery, and user-friendly electronics.
Q2. Does it come with cruise control?
No, the XL750 does not offer cruise control — a feature missing in this segment unless you move to premium models.
Q3. Is the seat height adjustable?
The standard seat height is 850mm, but Honda may offer a lower seat accessory in international markets.
Q4. Will Honda launch it in India?
There’s no official word yet, but global interest and a growing ADV market in India make it a strong contender for release in late 2025 or early 2026.
