Honda XL750 Transalp (2024)

Meet the Transalp: the sweet spot of ADV

Honda revived the Transalp name for 2024 and aimed it squarely at the middleweight adventure class. It shares its 755cc parallel-twin with the CB750 Hornet, drops into the lineup between the CB500X and the Africa Twin, and targets riders who want real off-road chops without big-bike bulk. Claimed U.S. curb weight is 459 lb (208 kg), with a 4.5-gal (17 L) tank and a standard seat height of 33.7 in (an accessory 32.6 in seat is available).

Engine & character: compact, torquey twin

The 755cc SOHC Unicam twin uses a 270° crank for a tractable, V-twin-like feel and strong midrange. Europe gets a claimed 90.5 hp; the U.S. tune is about 83 hp, largely due to noise/emissions equipment. Either way, the motor is lively on backroads and relaxed on the highway, with fueling managed by throttle-by-wire and 46 mm throttle bodies. Expect roughly 55 lb-ft of torque.

Chassis & suspension: travel where it counts

A steel diamond frame keeps costs reasonable and durability high, while Showa’s 43 mm SFF-CA inverted fork delivers 7.9 in of travel and the Pro-Link rear shock offers 7.5 in. Geometry and suspension tune skew toward real-world comfort with enough support for fire roads and rocky connectors. The 21-in front / 18-in rear spoked wheels underline its dirt intent. Tire sizes are 90/90-21 and 150/70-18.

Electronics & rider aids: simple but smart

You get five ride modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User), plus adjustable power, engine-braking, traction control (HSTC), wheelie control, and switchable rear ABS. RevZilla reports four power levels, three engine-brake levels, six HSTC levels, and three ABS levels—impressive granularity at this price. Settings are presented on a clear 5-in TFT with integrated phone connectivity.

Brakes & tires: confidence, not flash

Up front are dual 310 mm discs with two-piston calipers; the rear is a 256 mm single disc. It’s not superbike-spec, but it’s perfectly matched to the Transalp’s mission, with ABS tuning that behaves well on both street and graded dirt. Many test bikes ship with 90/10 adventure tires, but tire upgrades (or Honda’s accessory skid plate and guards) can boost off-road confidence.

On-road performance: calm, comfy, efficient

On pavement the Transalp feels neutral and easygoing: a tall, wide bar, sensible peg-to-seat ratio, and a windscreen that takes the sting out of highway air. Reviews consistently note relaxed cruising and tidy manners when pushed on twisty roads. With a 4.5-gal tank and realistic 50-ish mpg (rider dependent), touring ranges near 200 miles are attainable.

Off-road ability: capable where it matters

Thanks to that 21/18 wheel combo, long travel, and friendly power delivery, the Transalp is happier off-piste than many “street-first” ADVs. U.S. tests often swap in more aggressive rubber to highlight the chassis potential; with knobbier tires, it tracks well in gravel, hooks up out of ruts, and remains manageable in slow technical sections. Note: the spoked rims require tubes.

Ergonomics & practicality: everyday ADV

At 33.7 in, the standard seat will be tall for some riders; consider the accessory low seat (32.6 in) if you’re shorter. The bike’s 459-lb curb weight is competitive for the class and disappears at a roll. Daily use perks include the TFT with phone integration and a robust accessory catalog (taller screen, luggage, crash protection, center stand) for touring or commuting builds.

Rivals & positioning: value play in the middleweight mix

Cross-shop the Yamaha Ténéré 700 (more dirt-focused but simpler electronics), Aprilia Tuareg 660 (light, techy), Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (road comfort with strong dirt upgrades), and KTM 790/890 Adventure (sportiest edge). The Transalp’s pitch is balance: friendly road manners, real trail chops, and class-leading electronics for the money—without intimidating power or price. (Multiple long-term and first-ride reviews call out this “just right” mix.)

Price & verdict: a lot of ADV for $9,999 (US)

Honda set U.S. MSRP at $9,999 for 2024, undercutting some European rivals by thousands while offering more tech than the stripped-back crowd. If your riding is 70/30 road-to-dirt (or you’re prepping for BDRs with some bolt-ons), the Transalp hits a compelling sweet spot: approachable, comfortable, and genuinely adventurous. For 2025, pricing remains at $9,999 in the U.S. while equipment stays broadly the same—good news for shoppers.

Key specs (quick reference)

• Engine: 755cc parallel-twin, 270° crank (EU ~90.5 hp; US ~83 hp)
• Suspension travel: 7.9 in front / 7.5 in rear; Showa SFF-CA fork, Pro-Link shock.
• Wheels/tires: 21-in front, 18-in rear; 90/90-21 and 150/70-18.
• Brakes: Dual 310 mm front discs; rear 256 mm.
• Seat height: 33.7 in standard (32.6 in accessory). Fuel: 4.5 gal. Curb weight: 459 lb.