Intro:
Honda has fired a salvo into the premium adventure motorcycle market with the launch of the 2025 Transalp XL750, priced at ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom). After years of absence from the segment, Honda is going toe-to-toe with European and Japanese rivals, offering a well-balanced package that blends heritage, technology, and usability.
Let’s dissect what makes the Transalp tick—and where it hits or misses compared to its competitors.
1. Modern Design with a Nod to the Past
- The 2025 Transalp retains its rally-bike silhouette but wears a sharper LED headlamp.
- New Durabio windscreen, made from bio-engineered plastic, cuts glare while being environmentally conscious.
- Honda’s subtle but impactful design evolution helps it retain an authentic ADV character without over-styling.
✅ Likes: Cleaner LED setup, functional yet classic appeal
❌ Dislikes: No adjustable windscreen, no integrated crash protection out of the box
2. Powertrain: Punchy Parallel Twin, Globally Proven
- The 755cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin (shared with the CB750 Hornet) produces 90 bhp and 75 Nm.
- Tuned for a strong low- and mid-range punch, ideal for trail and urban use.
- Comes mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
Compared to the KTM 890 Adventure (103 bhp), it offers slightly less performance, but it’s more user-friendly than the torquey but twitchy Austrian counterpart. It’s also more powerful than the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE (83 bhp).
✅ Likes: Smooth, linear throttle; tractable in traffic
❌ Dislikes: Lacks top-end thrill; no quickshifter
3. Ride Modes + HSTC: All-Round Adaptability
- Five riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with three levels for varying terrain conditions.
- No ride-by-wire gimmickry; just a solid, confidence-inspiring setup.
While it doesn’t feature advanced cornering ABS or IMU-based traction control like the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, it’s focused and intuitive.
✅ Likes: Versatile electronics suite, customisable User mode
❌ Dislikes: No cruise control at this price point
4. Suspension and Ergonomics: Trail-Friendly DNA
- Showa 43mm USD forks and rear monoshock (adjustable for preload and rebound).
- 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels wrapped in dual-purpose tyres.
- Improved damping makes it far more comfortable on bad roads than its predecessor.
The Transalp’s ergonomics are upright, neutral, and comfortable. It’s notably lighter (208kg kerb) than the BMW F 850 GS or Tiger 850 Sport, making it less intimidating off-road.
✅ Likes: Great ground clearance, flickable for its size
❌ Dislikes: Tall seat height (850mm) can challenge shorter riders
5. Braking and Tyres: Adequate, Not Class-Leading
- Dual 310mm front discs and a 256mm rear setup with dual-channel ABS.
- Off-road ABS mode allows rear ABS to be switched off.
- Braking performance is solid but lacks the bite of a radial setup.
The bike comes with Metzeler Karoo Street tyres out of the box—good for light trails, but not aggressive enough for hardcore off-road use.
✅ Likes: Reliable braking, good feedback
❌ Dislikes: No cornering ABS, average feel under heavy load
6. TFT Display and Features: Functional, Not Fancy
- Full-colour 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth connectivity.
- All-LED lighting, USB charging port, and standard ABS.
- Navigation is supported through Honda’s smartphone voice control system.
It’s clean and readable, but compared to the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid, it lacks rally-specific data modes and toggle ease.
✅ Likes: Simple interface, decent visibility
❌ Dislikes: No joystick control, lacks modern nav graphics
7. Pricing & Positioning: Competitive But Slightly Ambitious
- At ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s placed slightly higher than the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE (₹10.30 lakh) but undercuts the Tiger 850 Sport (₹11.95 lakh).
- Import route via CBU keeps costs higher, though BigWing support is improving across India.
Honda is banking on its reliability and legacy rather than aggressive pricing. Yet, for those looking at a smooth, road-biased ADV with real dirt capabilities, it holds strong value.
8. Competitor Comparison at a Glance
| Model | Power | Weight | Price (Ex-showroom) | USP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda XL750 Transalp | 90 bhp | 208 kg | ₹11 lakh | All-rounder, mid-range value |
| Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE | 83 bhp | 230 kg | ₹10.3 lakh | Great electronics, big tank |
| Yamaha Tenere 700 WR | 72 bhp | 219 kg | ₹11.7 lakh (est.) | Pure off-road focus |
| KTM 890 Adventure | 103 bhp | 210 kg | ₹12.7 lakh | Tech-rich, aggressive performer |
| Triumph Tiger 850 Sport | 85 bhp | 192 kg | ₹11.95 lakh | Excellent road manners, brand value |
Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Honda Transalp XL750?
Buy it if:
- You want a no-nonsense, reliable ADV capable of weekend trails and long highway stints.
- You value Honda’s global reputation for dependability and low maintenance.
- You’re transitioning from a 300–500cc ADV and want something approachable but powerful.
Skip it if:
- You crave high-tech features like cornering ABS or radar.
- You do hardcore off-roading and want a rally-bred ADV.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Honda Transalp XL750 doesn’t try to be the flashiest ADV. It’s not loaded with excessive electronics, nor is it the most powerful on paper. But it hits a sweet spot for riders who want everyday comfort, global engine reliability, and light off-road readiness in a premium package.
It won’t make headlines with crazy horsepower, but it’ll win your heart by going the distance—with grace and grit.
📌 Sources:
- Honda Global Product Page
- Autocar India: 2025 Honda XL750 Launch News
- VisorDown: Honda Transalp Review
- MCN Transalp Review
- DriveSpark India
- Instagram : LivingWithGravity
- Medium : Akash Dolas
- YouTube Channel : Gear and Shutter
