2025 Honda XL750 Transalp: The Midweight Adventure Bike That Nails the Sweet Spot

Let’s be honest—adventure bikes are everywhere these days. From beastly 1200cc monsters to nimble 300cc dual-sports, the market is flooded. But finding the perfect middle ground? That’s the real trick. That’s exactly where the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp plants its flag.

If you’re looking for a motorcycle that can tear through gravel trails, cruise highways comfortably, and not crush your bank account—or your spine—then keep reading. The XL750 Transalp might just be your two-wheeled soulmate.

What’s the Big Deal About the Transalp Name?

The “Transalp” name isn’t new. It first hit the scene back in the late ‘80s as a do-it-all adventure bike that wasn’t afraid of a little dirt. For years, it earned a rep as a rugged, reliable machine—like the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles. But then it disappeared… for a while.

Now, in 2025, Honda brings the Transalp back with a vengeance. It’s lighter, faster, smarter, and tuned for modern-day adventurers who want versatility without sacrificing fun.

So, what makes this reborn legend stand out in a crowded market? Let’s break it down.

Design & Build: Function Meets Attitude

The 2025 Transalp is a mix of clean lines and rugged character. It doesn’t try to look overly aggressive like some of its competitors, but it also doesn’t shy away from its adventure DNA. It’s the kind of bike that looks just as good parked at a campsite as it does in front of a coffee shop.

You’ve got:

• A tall windscreen that eats up highway wind

• LED lighting all around for better visibility

• Spoked wheels (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) for true off-road ability

• Minimal bodywork to keep weight down and make repairs easy in the wild

The riding position? Pure adventure. Upright, neutral, and made for long days in the saddle—whether you’re carving canyons or bouncing over boulders.

Engine and Performance: Smooth Power Where You Need It

Here’s where things get spicy. The XL750 Transalp shares the same 755cc parallel-twin engine found in the Honda Hornet. But while the Hornet is all about street performance, the Transalp tunes that engine for adventure versatility.

Let’s get into the specs:

This engine is a sweet spot—plenty of torque down low for trails and fire roads, but enough top-end power to cruise at 80 mph all day. It doesn’t chug like a single-cylinder or scream like a four-cylinder. It’s balanced, predictable, and punchy—perfect for newer ADV riders and veterans alike.

Tech & Electronics: Smart Without Being Complicated

Honda kept the Transalp smart but didn’t go overboard. You won’t find radar-based cruise control or touchscreen dashboards here—and honestly, that’s kind of refreshing.

What you do get is:

• 5-inch TFT display that’s easy to read in sunlight

• Multiple riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User)

• Selectable Torque Control (Honda’s traction control system)

• ABS with off-road mode

• Wheelie control (yep, for those sketchy uphill starts)

This is tech made to support the ride—not distract from it. Everything is intuitive, toggleable, and useful in the real world.

Off-Road Chops: Not Just a Pretty Face

A lot of adventure bikes talk the talk but rarely hit the trail. The 2025 Transalp isn’t trying to be a motocrosser—but it can get dirty, and it handles rough terrain with grace.

The suspension is solid:

• 43mm Showa SFF-CA fork (non-adjustable) with 7.9 inches of travel

• Pro-Link rear shock with preload adjustability and 7.5 inches of travel

Ground clearance sits at a respectable 8.3 inches—enough to clear rocks, roots, and ruts without drama. The 21-inch front wheel helps you float over obstacles, while the relatively light 459-pound curb weight (fully fueled) keeps things manageable when the trail turns tricky.

And yes, it’ll handle sand, gravel, mud, and light jumps just fine—as long as you’re not trying to out-ride your skill level or race Dakar.

How Does It Stack Up? (Transalp vs. Rivals)

You’re probably wondering how the Transalp compares to bikes like the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, or KTM 790 Adventure. Let’s look at the numbers:

Honda aims for that middle lane—more power than the Ténéré, lighter than the V-Strom, and less expensive (and complicated) than the KTM. It’s Goldilocks territory: not too much, not too little—just right.

Daily Riding and Touring: Is It Comfortable?

Yes. And not just “tolerable” comfortable—actual comfortable.

The seat is plush and wide, and the windscreen offers decent protection (though taller riders might want an aftermarket option). Add a set of panniers and a tank bag, and you’re set for a weeklong road trip or weekend off-grid escape.

Commuting? Easy. The upright stance gives you great visibility, the clutch is light, and the bike’s throttle is smooth even in stop-and-go traffic. With its decent MPG and large-ish fuel tank, the Transalp is happy to be your daily ride.

Should You Buy the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp?

If you’re looking for a motorcycle that checks all the right boxes—versatility, performance, off-road capability, real-world comfort, and value—the 2025 Transalp is a solid yes.

It’s not the flashiest, fastest, or most high-tech ADV bike. But it’s approachable, reliable, and fun as hell to ride—which honestly, is what most of us actually want.

Whether you’re a weekend explorer, cross-country tourer, or first-time ADV rider, the Transalp has the chops to grow with you. And best of all? It won’t cost you your life savings or your sanity trying to ride it.