Honda Transalp

The overall styling of the XL750 Transalp is unmistakably Honda. It’s minimalist yet purposeful. The motorcycle draws inspiration from the original Transalp but updates the silhouette for modern tastes. The bike features a slim profile with a smooth and flowing design that emphasizes versatility.

The front-end is dominated by a compact LED headlamp. It’s vertically stacked and integrated into a narrow fairing. The tall windscreen provides good protection for touring but isn’t too bulky, preserving a clean look. The side panels are sculpted and purposeful, lending the bike motorcycle a dynamic, adventure-ready stance. The bike feels solid from every angle. The fit and finish of panels, fasteners, and paintwork are excellent. Welds on the new, steel-diamond frame are clean and uniform, suggesting durability even under tough riding conditions. Plastics used on the bodywork are of high quality and well-integrated into the overall design. The bike is built to withstand harsh environments. The handlebar grips, switchgear, and foot pegs feel premium. The XL750 Transalp gets Iridium Grey, Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, and Ross White as body colors.

The Honda XL750 Transalp is equipped with 43mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston upside-down forks with 200 mm of travel in the front. At the back, it gets a Pro-Link monoshock absorber with adjustable preload and 190mm of travel. This setup strikes a fine balance between long-distance touring comfort and light-to-moderate off-road capability. On the tarmac, the Honda XL750 Transalp feels composed and smooth. The suspension effectively absorbs minor road imperfections, potholes, and uneven surfaces, providing a cushioned ride. Whether it's urban commuting, highway cruising, or spirited riding on winding roads, the XL750 handles it with composure. The upright riding position, wide handlebar, and mid-positioned foot pegs contribute to rider comfort over long distances. 

The XL750 Transalp is equipped with a parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 755cc engine that's mated to a six-speed transmission. It produces 91PS/75Nm. The powertrain is impressively refined. It produced smooth yet engaging power across the rev range. The 270-degree crankshaft layout offers a distinctive pulse and traction-friendly torque delivery. The engine builds power progressively, which is ideal for off-road control. The XL750 Transalp comes with Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User (custom) ride modes. Each mode adjusts throttle response and engine braking, and allowing riders to tailor performance to the terrain. The engine’s compact dimensions contribute to a low center of gravity, aiding in nimble handling and off-road stability. The bike never feels top-heavy, even with its 850 mm seat height, and remains manageable even at lower speeds.

The Honda XL750 Transalp gets dual 310mm wave-pattern disc brakes in the front with two-piston Nissin calipers. The setup delivers solid and progressive stopping power on both tarmac and loose surfaces. The bike gets a 256mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back. While not overly powerful, it provides adequate control, particularly useful for off-road descents or tight corner corrections. The pedal feel is responsive and offers good modulation. The Honda XL750 Transalp is equipped with a five-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). It’s Honda’s version of traction control and allows riders to choose how much rear-wheel slip is permissible based on road conditions or riding confidence. 

At a starting price of RM 56,800, the Honda XL750 Transalp isn’t exactly the cheapest bike in its class. But it’s a great middleweight adventure bike that balances everyday usability with touring and trail capabilities. Though it may lack some premium features like cruise control, the bike excels in performance, reliability, and value.