Why the hell would you buy The Honda XL 750 Transalp??

It’s a serious question, that has to be asked, because… if you read the reviews from serious riders, journalists and that ilk. The Honda XL750 Transalp may be the motorcycle equivalent of common sense or sensible shoes.

If you want the most exciting bike in the showroom, keep shopping. If you want the most capable off road machine, keep shopping. If you want to win the spec sheet pissing contest for minimum money, walk on by.

The Honda XL 750 Transalp won't dominate spec-sheet arguments. It won't win every comparison test. It probably won't become the poster bike on your bedroom wall. And that's both its greatest weakness and its greatest strength.

SO! I ask again - why the hell would you buy a Transalp? 

And here's the answer many buyers won't like, depending on who you are.

The Transalp isn't the adventure bike most riders dream about. BUT it is the adventure bike many riders actually need. And sometimes those are two very different things. What it will do is take you to work on Monday, head out on an adventure on Saturday, and still be doing both reliably years later. In a market increasingly obsessed with extremes, that kinda balance always has the Transalp in the back of my mind when I ride/review other bikes in this class.

If you want an adventure bike that starts every morning, costs pretty much sweet Fanny Adams to run, handles almost everything competently, and asks very little from its owner, then the Transalp should be at the top of your shopping list.

For the 2025-2026 Improvements, Honda listened to owner feedback and updated the suspension settings to improve ride quality. The revised TFT display offers better visibility. And then there’s the optional E-Clutch system that introduces technology that some commuters would absolutely love. (We’re still waiting for our turn on an E-Clutch media bike to see how it stacks up against the DCT.)

Are these earth-shattering changes?

No….But they do become quite noticeable after a long day in the saddle

I was never really one of the “nay-sayers” when Honda Wing SA first released the XL750 Transalp a few years ago. All my peers were whinging about the suspension being too soft, the forks bottoming out during extreme off-road riding and it being a bit of a ‘Plain Jane’ in the looks department.

My first impressions were that it was light and agile, yet retaining a really good degree of long-distance comfort (especially considering my 2-metre bulk), and it had a powermill that liked to have the tits revved off of it. 

Seriously, get it over 7K RPM, and it almost feels like it has a bit of a V-Tec cam roll over thing happening and really starts getting a shift on, especially if it is fitted with a quickshifter.

So, yes, I liked the Transalp from the word go, and truth be told, I have been a bit of a Transalp Fan Boy since the 700 Transalp. What all my Ready To Race lusting peers sneered at in disdain as far as the suspension was concerned, I saw as a comfortable, pliable suspension, easily soaking up the big bumps and corrugations. 

Maybe my 50-something body wants a softer ride; maybe my 50-something mind set is also happy with the size of my ‘tolla’. Laugh or snort at that last comment as you may, but that truly does make us make some very frikkin’ stupid decisions in life, trying to impress our mates or one-up our neighbour or try to get into somebody's good graces or knickers.

Yet, when you sit back and think about it with a clear, ‘brannewyn vog’ free mind, unless you are a seriously extreme off-roader, a Honda XL750 Transalp is actually more motorcycle than you are ever going to use.

I can jump an adventure bike better than I can jump a dirt bike, and I have hit some pretty serious drop-aways on dirt roads in and around the Maluti mountains at 140 km/h plus on a Transalp 750 with one hand on the throttle and the other clutching an action cam. I saw a jump way too late, wasn’t prepared to drop the super-expensive action cam, so my sphincter had to grab onto the seat like a third hand, and I had to trust the Transalp suspension implicitly.

None of them let me down. I landed the jump, wishing I had had somebody following me with a camera running. Skidded to a stop and made sure I was in position to capture any other Throttle Jockeys coming over the same bit of unexpected excitement I had.

I have also ridden to far-flung corners of South Africa solo on a Transalp, loaded with a bit of luggage, scratched through more mountain passes than I care to remember, leaving bigger, more capable bikes in the Transalp's dust. 

Yes, bigger, faster bikes are faster in a straight line…. For the most part. But the way the suspension and chassis geometry work on road and the motor performs above 7,000RPM, added in with the nimbleness and agility of the Transalp, a fast rider can gap bigger bikes far enough in the twisties to negate their speed and power advantage on the straights.

Add in extremely frugal fuel consumption (around 4.3l/100km claimed), easy-to-use onboard electronics package, and a really comfy riding position with easy maintenance, and Honda is onto a winner.

My only real gripe with the XL 750 Transalp was its lack of a DCT box, but that seems to have been sorted with the E-Clutch (hoping to find that out for myself very soon). Also, cruise control would be nice to have.

Getting back to the bike we had for a week or so, if you do own or intend on buying a Honda XL750 Transalp, then get one with a quickshifter. 

FLIPPEN HECK! That little bit of equipment really changes the Transalps' character; suddenly, you find out the “Plain Jane” Dominee's daughter is the naughtiest girl in the church with some very exciting hidden talents.

The bike we had for the week had a quickshifter fitted, and so have many others I have ridden over the last few years. Hanging on the cable and kicking up through the gears just before the redline suddenly has you whizzing past the double ton, (I actually clocked 226kmh on camera, but can’t show it as it is the property of the previous publication I worked at),  and flying through the mountain twisties giggling on the same testosterone rush as a teenage boy who has just made it to first base with said Dominee's daughter. When that 755cc parallel twin mill starts to spin up properly, it is surprisingly quick through the gears and a huge amount of fun to ride.

Are there any things to bear in mind when buying/owning an XL 750 Transalp? 

For sure! And the same is true of any bike. 

Make sure you fit a bash plate, as there is a very disturbing upside-down pyramid protruding from the bottom of the sump, which could potentially ruin your day and your bank account. Yes, it is tucked away, but if you don’t have a bash plate and you have any inkling of mechanical sympathy for the bike and your bank account, it will always be niggling in the back of your mind, and stop you from trying that dodgy trail or climb - just get the bash plate - it looks cool and will give you adventure cred. 

Coupled with that is the fact that Honda Parts replacements will require a second and third mortgage on your home, so try not to fall over, and if you do, don’t be squeamish about looking at aftermarket parts - but that can also be said for most bike brands and car brands these days. 

Which brings me full circle back to my opening question - Why the hell would you buy a Honda XL 750 Transalp??

Because it makes sense - it is fun to ride -  it is comfortable for day-to-day use and touring - it is easy to ride - it is surprisingly affordable to buy and own, comparatively speaking - It is brilliant in the dirt…. (If you don’t have “Pit Bull” tattooed on your….. Unmentionables) - It is a really fun to ride, reliable, cost-effective all-rounder.

And for interest's sake alone, these are the specs and some comparisons to other bikes available in and around this class. (An impromptu buyers' guide if you will…)

          ITEM                                                   Spec

• Engine                                                  755cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, 270° crank

• Power                                                   90-92 hp @ 9,500 rpm

• Torque                                                  75 Nm @ 7,250 rpm

• Transmission                                        6-speed (quickshifter available)

• Seat Height                                         850 mm

• Ground Clearance                               210 mm

• Wet Weight                                         210-216 kg

• Fuel Tank                                            16.9 litres

• Fuel Economy                                     4.3 L/100km (real-world often better)

• Suspension Front                               Updated Showa 43mm USD front (200mm travel), 

• Suspension Rear                                Pro-Link rear (190mm)

• Brakes Dual                                        310mm front discs, 256mm rear

• Wheels/Tyres                                     21" front / 18" rear

• Price SA (approx.)                              From R220,000 – R223,000

Quick Comparison vs Rivals 

We are limiting this to within 50cc up or down on engine capacity, as this class can get quite confusing, ranging from Aprilia’s 660 Touareg all the way through to KTM and Husky’s 889cc, with prices all over the chart as well.) From what we have been able to establish scratching around, Transalp stands out as the balanced, reliable, value-for-money all-rounder. Here’s how it rates up against some key competitors available in SA currently:

• Vs Suzuki V-Strom 800 / DL800 DE (around R203,500): The V-Strom has more off-road-focused suspension travel, a bigger 20L tank, and often feels snappier in its throttle response. It’s a strong dirt performer, but the Transalp is lighter on the road, more comfortable for long hauls, and usually edges it on refinement. 

• Vs KTM 790 Adventure (around R200,000): The KTM brings more power, punchier character, fully adjustable WP suspension, and that orange aggression. It’s more fun for aggressive riding, but thirstier, potentially higher maintenance, and less “set and forget” than the Honda. 

• Vs CFMoto 800MT (Touring/Sport/X variants): CFMoto offers more power (around 95hp), bigger features, and aggressive pricing (often noticeably cheaper). It’s a strong value play, but the Transalp counters with better resale and a more polished ride. Many SA riders choose Honda for peace of mind over the Chinese brand’s spec advantage.

• Vs QJ Motor SRT 700 SX (around R129,995 with full luggage set included): The QJ comes loaded with panniers, top box, crash bars, Marzocchi suspension, Brembo brakes, a 19.5L tank, and decent 70 hp / 70 Nm from its 698cc parallel-twin. It offers serious spec and touring kit for the money. However, the Transalp counters with proven Honda reliability, better long-term resale, lighter weight (210-216 kg vs QJ’s 243 kg), a more agile feel, and that rev-happy character above 7k rpm. The Honda also feels more refined on the road. 

• Vs KOVE 800 Adventure: Another Chinese contender offering big specs at lower cost. Capable and aggressive, but again, the Honda counters with bulletproof reliability and that “buy it and forget it” ownership experience that matters on long SA trips.

• Vs BMW F 800 GS (around R225,000): The BMW offers a larger 895cc parallel twin with strong low-end torque, premium electronics, and that desirable GS badge for long-distance touring appeal. It feels more substantial and gadget-rich. However, it’s heavier, thirstier on fuel, and costs more to buy and maintain long-term. The Transalp is lighter, more agile in twisties and lighter off road, revvier and more fun at higher RPMs. Also, has any BMW ever sold for the actual listed price, sans any paid-for upgrades??

• Vs Yamaha Tenere 700 ( from R229,950 up to R259,950): The T7 is more dirt-focused with longer travel, but the Transalp feels lighter and more agile on road, more comfortable for long hauls, and usually cheaper to buy and run. Perfect if you mix touring with gravel.

In SA’s rough roads, big distances, and price-sensitive market, the Transalp often hits the sweet spot between capability, comfort, and cost of ownership.

Here’s a quick recap of the Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Legendary reliable Honda build quality

• Light, agile, and genuinely fun, especially with quickshifter

• Excellent real-world fuel economy and low running costs

• Comfortable for tall riders and long distances

• Capable on gravel, dirt roads, and light off road for most riders

• Updated suspension improves the already solid package

• Surprisingly quick and engaging above 7,000 rpm

Cons:

• Still no cruise control

• OEM parts aren’t cheap

• Exposed sump, fit a bash plate immediately

• Styling is clean but “Plain Jane” compared to flashier rivals

Final Verdict.

Why the hell would you buy a 2026 Honda XL750 Transalp?

Because it makes sense. It’s genuinely fun. Comfortable for daily use and proper tours. Easy to ride. Surprisingly capable in the dirt for non-pros. Reliable. And cost-effective to own.

It’s the adventure bike for riders who’ve grown up enough to choose what actually works instead of what impresses the mates.

And in closing, some FAQ’s you may think of:

Q: Is the 2026 Transalp worth it over previous models?

A: Yes – the suspension updates and refined display make a meaningful difference in real-world riding.

Q: How does it compare off-road to the Tenere 700 or V-Strom 800 in South Africa?

A: Excellent for gravel, dirt roads, and light trails; more than capable for most riders while being far friendlier on the tar and more comfortable overall.

Q: Fuel range in South Africa?

A: Expect 350-400+ km per tank depending on riding style, ideal for long empty stretches between towns

Ride safe, and ride what actually fits your life… not just your ego.