Honda XL750 Transalp First Ride Review 

I just revisited this video, having had my Transalp for almost three months now, and felt the need to correct a couple of details. One being that its claimed horsepower ia actually 91 hp, not 101. Not a massive difference, but worth noting. The KTMs have that sort of power in this category, but not many others. This is a gentler feeling engine than those. The other point was the fuel range, which is significantly better than you found in 'normal use'. Its 16.9L can actually do 400 kms, with not particularly economical riding, which is more like 250 miles than 200. The tank can be filled above its baffle plate, adding roughly one litre more, and the overall economy is remarkable. Important to note that when the last fuel 'bar' starts flashing, you still have 3.7L left. Enough for 80 kms or 50 miles. But after 5,600 kms now I am finding the bike actually improves with longer use. The vibrations reduce, as does the engine noise, and the thing becomes sweeter. For a cheap bike I had reservations about buying, I am finding it better than I had expected. I also found that reversing the handlebar risers provides a more natural feel to the steering. The bike always handled well, but the steering feels better set this way. A ten-minute job with no cost. Now with a (B & B) bash-plate, the 'bear grip' footrests, the wind deflectors, and a lighter (home-made) rear rack, and now a set of Pirelli STR '50-50' tyres, it is becoming more capable on the many dirt roads around here. It is winning me over as a very useful all-round bike, and the fuel economy is a bonus, as there is no fuel for miles here.

I have owned two Transalps in the past. The original 600 and then the 700 V twins. Excellent machines. Thoroughly reliable and dependable. No issues at all. This one will prove to be the same. Sure they don't set the world on fire, but for a good honest and go anywhere motorcycle they are hard to beat. Truly one of the best all-rounders and I for one, after all these years, would not hesitate to buy one. Which is what I'm going to do. Welcome back new/old friend. Happy days ahead.

A nice test, in the green of the UK. Thank you. Most of your comments similar to my own impressions on my test ride, although I found the different placement of the indicator switch a bit of an adaptation. With many having more than one bike in the shed these days, having one 'odd one out' with such a frequently-used control is a bit silly. All the TFT and electronic bollocks could have sat on the top of the switch block, like the Aprilia and Suzuki, rather than taking up the most accessible space. The heated grips are an option, and for some markets (like here in South Australia) they shouldn't be standard - I won't need them. The cruise control I don't miss, although I DO use it in the car all the time. More for not getting booked than being lazy... I daresay that could be a future option, being a RBW bike, but I've never had CC on a bike, so don't miss it. The fact that the sump guard and so on are optional is annoying on one hand, and the Honda options are expensive, but permits you to choose from the aftermarket. SW Motech, Heed, Barkbusters etc. Some of the stock sump guards and hand guards on alternative models (think 800 V-Strom) some owners might replace with metal accessories, so being optional makes some sense. I think I would replace a plastic sump guard with an aluminium one. The tubeless tyres are a long discussion, and I am not too fussed about those. Apparently Africa Twin wheels fit, so I guess a used pair of those could solve that for those preoccupied with tubeless tyres. But some repairs can't be done on tubeless tyres, and if so you can't get the tyre off without a bead breaker. Tubes allow you to run lower pressures for sand, etc. Two sides to that one. My current 'adventure bike' - an old Elefant 750 - also has tubes, but hasn't suffered a puncture in 15 years. My tubeless road bike on the other hand... Still waiting for my Transalp. I was the first test ride in SA, a test which left me a little underwhelmed, and I didn't rev it as it had just 15 kms on it. But my (white) bike isn't expected until October, as part of a rather patchy world roll out, and one colour scheme more popular than the others. I think you summed up the bike, and its potential use (and customers) pretty well. A bike that can do everything, without any fanfare, lairy stickers etc. Probably suitable for older riders, like me... They have tried to strike a balance between off-road capable, and on road use. Tricky. The longer travel suspension models - Tenere, Tuareg and V-Strom - are compromised on-road by their extra travel, so everything is a compromise. As others have said - we are 'spoiled for choice' in this category. But being relatively cheap makes the Transalp able to do more, without concern! At $15,760 on road here, while the Aprilia (a great little machine incidentally) is about $22,500, and the Desert X over $25k, I'll get plenty of use out of the Transalp, without 'repair anxiety'. When it finally arrives...

I have a CB500X 2022 - Have ridden the Transalp and would buy one - but not without Tubeless Wheels - your review is spot on

A very fair and well considered video. Nice work

Your absolutely spot on with your assessment of this bike ive got a feeling im in for the long hall with this bike too can't keep off mine 🥳

Nice review. I think given it is primarily a road focused touring bike, cruise control needs to be standard in this day and age. Surely the cost to Honda at production, would only add a few dollars, which they would recoup handsomely with additional sales. Hopefully we might get cruise control on the 2024 model.

You defo got me drooling at the idea of taking this bike for a test drive.

My test ride gleaned exactly the same results. Just that the desirables, H Grips, Q-Shifter and bigger (necessary) screen and winglets. C stand for the annoying (tubed) tyre repairs and power outlet all add a fair chunk to the order form. I still aspire to the Aprilia Tuareg with a couple of enhancements to buy ... but imho a much more appealing purchase ? For (now) the same money !

Cruise is now available for the transalp

Haven't ridden it unfortunately as there was a mix up with Honda at Ragley, buuuut I have ridden the 800DE and both T7's and own a 650XT Ström which I'm currently making more capable with add ons [and takeaways lol]. I have to say we are incredibly spoiled as modern day bikers. There're so many GREAT bikes everywhere you look! And so many ways to make 'em GREATERER! Fun vid folks, cheers. Roll on Ragley '24 ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥✌️🙏

Maybe not everything you want, but certainly everything you need.

A few years ago, not many, this would have been a high spec'd out bike. ABS, Power modes, LCD display, ride-by-wire throttle,..

I have been digging real deep on getting a larger bike. My x300 is capable of highway speeds, but not real comfortable. I have looked at the 800DE, RE, NC750, Tenere and the Transalp. Took the other half with me yesterday, and I think the Transalp is probably the most comfortable 2 up. The Chinese have a nice 800 also, but I think the Transalp is going to be mine soon. A lot easier to find a Honda dealer while on a cross country cruise.

I have ridden the Transalp (x2) and thanks to John Banks Hinda Colchester, gave me more than enough time to geta real feel for the bike, its great. BUT lack of cruise control as an option and tubed tyres. If only they had followed KTM, the 2023 790 cost the same, but cruise control as an option and tubeless tyres. BUT if only KTM would follow Honda with reliability and quality control! 😢 Where is my unicorn bike

I loved your video!!!! I am sorry off topic I am absolutely confused between the transalp and z900, I know these are completely different bikes but they both fit the budget. I am looking for something absolutely comfortable for the motorway please could you suggest 🙏 my first real big bike

I never got cruise control. I've had it on various cars since the 90's and in the last 30 years I've only found myself in conditions that justify cruise control and I'm suitably zoned out to use cruise control twice. I couldn't fathom being that disconnected on a motorbike. One of the main things I like about motorcycles is interaction between me, the bike, the road and wind. This isn't a Goldwing so the lack of cruise control to me is a bonus. And great review thanks

RAV4 of motorcycles!!!

I picked mine up on Wednesday … fantastic bike. Cruise control? Not bothered, only ever had one bike with that and I found it a distraction. Tubed tyres? I’ll let you know if I have my first puncture and have to wait for the breakdown service. The engine is a peach, plenty feisty enough for this old geezer … good two up on the way home from the dealer, comfortable and so ‘Honda’ (and I mean that as compliment, I find it just a natural fit) Don’t like the white, I’ve got the Matt Iridium Grey but I know that’s down to personal taste.

I've had mine since July and absolutely love it. The rear shock is too soft and the traction control is way too sensetive, you can turn it off in user mode but it's back on the next time you turn the ignition on. I would like a permanently off option. Other than that it's lots of fun. Took me and her to North Wales and saw 220 miles before fill up but still had one Bar on the fuel meter.

The Transalp is a nice bike and brings back lots of memories. But I will wait one or two years, then I’m sure it will have cruise control and tubeless tires. Just one question regarding the Halvarssons Gruven. Is the membrane to keep you dry a separate jacket inside or is the jacket itself laminated with the membrane?

Nice machine but its lacking in important to me features that should at the very Least be Options for the consumer to choose.......( Cruise control & Tubeless wheels) .... Sorry still not sold, I still want the Africa twin DCT 1100 L and if HONDA imports to the US the right Colors thats what I'll be buying in 2024...

Sould be interested in your asessment if someone with 30 inch inseam can ride ths bike comfortably. and then your assessment of its ability to do long tour 2 up?

I don't get the "Tubed tyres" "No cruise control",it's a bike about the 1/3rd of the cost of a fully spec'd GS1300...tubeless conversion is £130 an end,and you've 2 back up tubes for emergencies! McCruise is working on the C/C,that's only about £500,not a lot in the big scheme of things, it's the same price as a 1 piece, flat ADV seat for the DE800! P.S; Two things missing from EICMA 23,the CL750 and the GB750 using that engine, those 2 are more appealing to me!

Did you notice Honda omitted the fuel remaining range feature ? WTF ? Also grip angle ? That's the angle of throttle rotation, not bike grip ... again, WTF Honda ? Tubeless rims are a must, plus a power socket and CC for next years model !

Tubeless rims should be offered as an option.

I just recently bought one coming from both a CB500X and an R1200GS, The Transalp was not what I was hoping for. It likes to be ridden spiritedly but it's poor at low constant speeds. Sorry Honda, I prefer the GS.

You see car drivers driving with their knees as you draw level with them on the motorway … they are watching crap on their phones or tablets . No doubt they are on cruise control …cruising to the afterlife .

All these "true" reviews when u got bike from dealer 😂

For the money I'd sooner by a 10 year old GS and be done with it.

Too heavy for anything serious off road.

Can i speak any more like clarkson ffs just review the fucking bike

Feels like a toy compared to my T7.