The Return of a Legend: A Long-Term Review of the Honda XL750 Transalp
In the pantheon of adventure motorcycles, a few names evoke a sense of heritage and rugged dependability. The Honda Transalp is one of them. For decades, the original Transalp was celebrated for its smooth V-twin engine and its ability to effortlessly blend comfortable on-road touring with light off-road capability. Now, after a long hiatus, Honda has revived the legend with the XL750 Transalp. This isn't just a nostalgic tribute; it's a completely reimagined middleweight adventure bike, built for the modern rider who demands power, technology, and true versatility. After putting the new Transalp through its paces on city streets, winding roads, and dusty trails, it's clear that Honda has created a worthy successor.
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| The Return of a Legend: A Long-Term Review of the Honda XL750 Transalp |
Design and Aesthetics: Heritage Meets Modernity
The new XL750 Transalp successfully balances a tribute to its heritage with a clean, modern aesthetic. While it shares some visual cues with the original, its design is sharper, leaner, and more athletic. The front fairing is purposeful and provides decent wind protection without being overly bulky. The upright, rally-style ergonomics, long windscreen, and tall stance give it an authentic adventure look. The overall design is functional and uncluttered, with a well-integrated exhaust and a slim profile that makes the bike feel much more manageable than its 750cc displacement might suggest. Honda has chosen a design that is both handsome and purposeful, a rare feat in a class that can sometimes be visually over-the-top.
The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance
The most significant departure from the original Transalp is its engine. The new XL750 is powered by a 755cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin—the same engine found in the sporty CB750 Hornet. This motor is a marvel of modern engineering, producing a potent 90 horsepower and a healthy 75 Nm of torque. This is a huge jump in performance from the original model and puts the Transalp firmly at the top of the middleweight adventure class in terms of power-to-weight ratio.
The engine's character is lively and spirited. Unlike the old V-twin's more relaxed feel, this new parallel-twin is a rev-happy motor that pulls hard from the mid-range and sings a thrilling note as it climbs towards its redline. The power delivery is linear and predictable, making it easy to manage both on and off-road. The bike’s throttle-by-wire system is smooth and responsive, and it is complemented by a slick-shifting 6-speed transmission.
Handling and Ride Quality: A Perfect Balance
The Transalp's handling is a triumph of balance. It uses a lightweight steel diamond frame and is equipped with Showa long-travel suspension (43mm SFF-CA inverted forks and a Pro-Link rear monoshock). This setup provides an incredibly comfortable ride on the pavement, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease, while still offering enough travel and stability for light off-roading. The bike's overall weight of 208 kg feels well-managed, making it surprisingly agile and easy to maneuver at low speeds.
The ergonomics are excellent for both commuting and long-distance touring. The upright riding position, wide handlebars, and a comfortable seat allow the rider to spend hours in the saddle without fatigue. The bike’s 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, a classic combination for off-road capability, work in harmony to provide stability on the road and confidence on gravel or dirt.
A Modern Adventure Machine: Technology and Features
The XL750 Transalp comes equipped with a suite of modern electronics that enhance its versatility. The 5-inch full-color TFT display is clear and easy to read, and it is the central hub for the bike's customizable features. A throttle-by-wire system allows for five selectable riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User), which adjust engine power delivery, engine braking, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)—Honda’s name for traction control. This comprehensive suite of electronics allows the rider to tailor the bike's performance to any riding condition.
While it lacks a sophisticated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which helps keep the price accessible, the Transalp still offers a high level of technological control that its predecessor could only dream of.
The Final Verdict: A Highly Competent All-Rounder
The Honda XL750 Transalp is a brilliant resurrection of a beloved nameplate. It successfully reinvents the middleweight adventure bike by combining a powerful, modern engine with a comfortable, versatile chassis and a suite of well-thought-out electronics. It is a bike that is equally at home on the daily commute as it is on a weekend tour or a light off-road exploration.
For riders looking for a powerful, reliable, and accessible adventure bike that can do everything well, the Transalp is a compelling choice. It's a testament to Honda's ability to create a motorcycle that is not only highly capable but also a true joy to ride. The XL750 Transalp is more than just a bike; it's a versatile and fun companion for all of life's adventures.
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