2023-on Honda XL750 Transalp: Minor upgrades and suspension tweaks in 2025 give it a sharper edge

MCN rating 5 out of 5 (5/5)

Owners' rating 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)

2025-on Honda XL750 Transalp - new facelift

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Highlights

New colour TFT dash, switchgear, headlight and accessories
Fuel injection and electronics tweaks
Revised internal suspension settings

MCN AWARDS

Adventure Bike of the Year 2023 (Sub 1000cc)

WINNER

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£140
Power:	91 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm)
Weight:	Medium (459 lbs / 208 kg)

Prices

New £9,499

Used £7,400 - £9,000

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Honda’s new Transalp XL750 adventure bike is a classy, affordable all-rounder with the easy manners of the original but with added fire in its belly, thanks to its wondrous new motor and pin sharp handling.

Honda have worked hard to keep the Transalp’s weight down. The tubular steel diamond frame weighs 18.3kg. That’s 18% lighter than the Honda NC750X’s and 10% lighter than the Honda CB500X’s.

All that work paid off and the Transalp weighs just 208kg, fully-fuelled so it’s easy to manoeuvre at low speed. The Transalp may look like a physically tall, domineering off-roader, but it’s actually low, soft and manageable once aboard.

In the same way the ‘CP’ engines in the Yamaha MT-07 and MT-09 roadsters revitalised Yamaha’s fortunes 10 years ago, Honda’s new motor is all set to do the same.

It’s already helped the surprisingly potent little CB750 Hornet steal the mighty MT-07’s crown and now it’s created a superb all-rounder, in the Transalp. A CBR750 next maybe? Here’s hoping.

Watch our Honda Transalp video review here:

Updates for 2025:

The Honda XL750 Transalp 2025 release gets a handful of upgrades…not that the MCN award-winning middleweight adventure really needed it. It has a new colour TFT dash, revised switchgear, fuel injection tweaks and new settings for the optional quickshifter, all of which add a touch of smoothness and practicality. More significant are the tweaks to the forks and shock, which don’t look a lot on paper, but add up to a big shift in the way the Honda handles.

It was always, solid and reassuring in corners, but now it’s that bit plusher and more controlled. The way it steers so accurately, finds grip and remains so stable, is staggering for an adventure bike with a skinny 21in front wheel. It’s more fun than it has any right to be on a set of twisties.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

5 out of 5 (5/5)

In typical new bike launch fashion, our day-long riding route fires corners at you in relentless succession. They’re the kinds of dream roads you’ll rarely encounter in the UK, but they’re a useful test the Honda’s mettle.

And the Transalp handles it all superbly, especially for a bike with a 21in wheel up front. It uses the same frame as the CB750 Hornet roadster, albeit strengthened with longer travel suspension and twin rather than four-pot Nissin brakes.

The Transalp is one of those bikes that isn’t anything special on paper, like Honda’s own CB500X or the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, but everything from the chassis to the suspension, brakes and sticky, tubed Metzeler Karoo Street tyres fitted to our test bike, (it also comes on Dunlop Mixtour) work beautifully together.

It’s grippy, stable, effortless and accurate to turn. Front and rear brakes are full of feel and power and ground clearance is never an issue. The ride is controlled and its big wheels and lanky suspension glide over the kind of bumps in the road that would get a conventional road bike in a tizz.

The down tubes, engine mounts and subframe (which is 125mm longer and 48mm wider) have all been strengthened to handle life off-road. Suspension is preload adjustable with a set of Showa forks at the front and a new Africa Twin-style aluminium swingarm with shock mounted vertically directly to the frame at the rear. There’s 200mm of wheel travel at the front, 190mm at the rear.

Here at its world launch in Portugal the shorter riders among us don’t have a problem planting an adventure boot flat on the floor at a standstill. For taller riders the riding position is spacious (although the bars are set too low for a standing up riding position for me at six foot) and the pillion perch is nice and big, but after five or six hours in the relatively thinly padded saddle, buttocks start to get sore.

Related: Check out MCN's list of best adventure motorcycle gear

Some of our guide riders are on Honda Africa Twins. We jump on one when they’re not looking to try for size and although it’s a physically bigger machine the riding position is very similar to the Transalp’s.

What about its off-road potential? I’m no Billy Bolt and not qualified to speak about how far you can push the Transalp in the mud, but it’s as friendly on light trails as a largish-capacity, 200kg road bike can be. If you really want to disappear off in the dirt, buy an enduro bike.

A new ‘Gravel’ riding mode minimises traction control and ABS intervention, but the electronics are too intrusive. Happily, you can turn the rider aids off in ‘User’ mode to let the Honda slip and slide a little, which is actually more useful than not off-road.

Ride updates for 2025:

Honda have decided to sharpen-up the Transalp with new suspension internals. The rear shock has more compression damping and significantly more rebound damping. Up front, the forks have slightly less rebound and compression damping.

That all adds up to a plusher ride, more control when carrying a pillion and luggage (an issue report by owners of the ’23 model), more feel through the tyres and a composure through corners.

At its world launch on the twisty mountain roads of southern Portugal, the Transalp is sensational and the way it attacks bends beggars’ belief for a bike with a skinny 21in front wheel. It steers with little effort, finds huge grip from its Metzeler Karoo Street tyres and is always rock solid stable. Adventure bikes shouldn’t be this much fun on tarmac.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Honda have struck gold with this new generation parallel-twin engine. The 755cc short-stroke, 270˚, 8v, parallel twin motor was first used in the new CB750 Hornet and now powers this new Transalp (although its larger diameter back wheel means the Transalp is effectively longer geared than the Hornet).

The engine uses just one camshaft, which Honda say allows the cylinder head to be light, compact and gives room to fit more upright valves. Fewer spinning parts also means less inertia and, therefore, lighter handling.

Weights fitted to the balance shaft (a Honda first), minimise engine vibes and like a Honda Fireblade’s the cylinders use the same slippery nickel-carbon coating, and the 46mm throttle bodies use high pressure injectors, also the same as a Blade’s.

A lot of work has been done to boost low and midrange power. ‘Vortex Flow Ducts’ leading into the sides of airbox, spin the air entering the airbox sides (and a third intake boosts top end) and to give the Transalp extra grunt and a smoother throttle it has longer air intake tubes and revised engine mapping.

So, what does all that mean when you ride it? It ticks the sensible box with a friendly spread of power, a smooth throttle and oceans of low-down grunt, but it has a wild side, too. It hits hard when you poke it and has the deep, raucous airbox bellow of a big-bore motocrosser, like a walrus in a cave.

Just like Hornet, the Transalp’s parallel twin is always urgent and willing. There’s enough grunt to launch you out of corners low in the revs, but you can also keep the engine on the boil for maximum thrust and aural excitement.

This new engine sticks two fingers up at all those who say a parallel twin can’t be exciting but it’s also as friendly as they come and everything from the throttle to the slip-and-assist clutch and gearbox is light and precise.

And since it makes 91bhp, it slips under the threshold to be restricted for A2 licence holders, too.

Engine updates for 2025:

There are no mechanical changes to the engine for ’25, but electronics have been adjusted. Fuel injection settings have been tweaked to smooth-out power delivery from a closed throttle, which is something our online MCN Owners’ Reviews have highlighted.

There’s now more of a difference between Sport and Gravel power maps and between Standard and Rain. The optional quickshifter settings have also been refined to match the new throttle response and suspension settings. As before the shifts are smooth and joyously precise.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Buying a used Honda XL750 Transalp – What goes wrong?

The XL750 Transalp first appeared back in 2023, so only a few issues have cropped up in the two years since the model’s launch. Indeed, even most used Transalps are still covered by Honda’s two year manufacturer warranty. But if you’re looking at a used example, here are a few pointers to bear in mind.

Corrosion: Beware the disappointingly thin paint on the XL’s frame and ancillaries (footrests, brackets etc). It chips easily and can leave steel components open to the elements and eventual corrosion.
Soft suspension: If viewing a Transalp that’s been used for extensive two-up touring, check that the shock’s damping capabilities haven’t been compromised by carrying the extra weight of a passenger and luggage. The OE shock isn’t of the highest quality, and it’s adjustable for preload only so haggle if you can, to allow scope in your budget for a better quality damper. The 41mm Showa forks are non-adjustable.
Jerky low-speed throttle response: Some owners note that the Transalp’s throttle response can feel jerky, especially when riding at low speed. Fortunately there are five riding modes and several power delivery options to choose from, so ironing out any snappy delivery should be possible.

Reliability updates for 2025:

We’ve knocked a star off this rating due to reports of thin paint that’s easy to scratch and can cause rust, but the Transalp is mechanically and electronically robust. Reports of snatchy throttle and soft suspension have been addressed with the 2025 model.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The middleweight adventure category is teeming. Its main remit is as a road bike, and you can read our road-going middleweight adventure bike group test to see how it fares against the Suzuki V-Strom 800RE and the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport.

The Transalp’s closest more rugged competitors are the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE and Yamaha Ténéré 700, but there are a gaggle of others to spoil your choice.

There’s everything from KTM’s 790 and 890 Adventure, the BMW F850GS, Aprilia Tuareg 660, CF Moto 800MT, or Triumph Tiger 850 Sport and Tiger 900 Rally. The Transalp undercuts them all.

The Transalp also competes with its own parallel twin-pot Honda stablemates. It’s a more powerful and playful CB500X and with accessory luggage fitted it’s a lighter, more entertaining NT1100.

Related: Keep it gleaming! Check out MCN's round up of best motorcycle cleaners

And then there’s the 1084cc Africa Twin, which costs another three and half grand. It’s 18kg heavier and only makes 9bhp more, which matches the Transalp’s power-to-weight ratio.

For carrying pillions and heavy duty luggage the Africa Twin’s extra cubes and spaciousness make sense, but for the rest of the time the Transalp is the more usable.

Reasons to buy a Honda XL750 Transalp

Great allrounder: With its spacious ergonomics, decent pillion accommodation, ease of use, frugal fuel consumption and ability to shrug off long rides without fuss, the Transalp makes an excellent allrounder. That’s why owners love them – they’re a tourer, adventure bike, light off-roader, commuter, and weekend blaster all in one. And despite the 850mm seat height, the XL is a manageable package even for smaller riders (there’s a 20mm lower seat option available through Honda for £131.10 too, should the OE perch prove to be too much of a stretch).
Value for money: A used Transalp is a lot of bike for the money. Early 2023 models can now be had for under £7000, which represents superb VFM for a middleweight adventure package. Find a model with as many factory options as possible to further enhance the bang for your buck.
Easy to ride: There’s a lightness and finesse to the Transalp’s handling and controls that makes riding this road focussed adventure tool an absolute doddle. Even inexperienced riders will feel assured filtering this Honda through traffic, or navigating sharp mountain hairpins.

Reasons not to buy a Honda XL750 Transalp

Peaky delivery: On paper the Transalp delivers impressive numbers from its 755cc parallel twin motor. The SOHC unit pumps out 91bhp and 55lb.ft, but both peak power and max torque don’t come into play until high up in the rev range – torque at 7750rpm and power at a heady 9500rpm. And despite packing five power mode options (Standard, Sport, User, Gravel and Rain), the XL has to be worked hard to give its best. Compared to Suzuki’s V-Strom 850, which packs far meatier midrange drive, the Transalp’s delivery is peaky.
Soft suspension: Perhaps the biggest gripe with owners is the Transalp’s soft and basic suspension package. Adjustability is restricted to rear preload only, so there’s little scope to suit the bike’s damping to your riding style or preference, or tweak the ride to accommodate a pillion or luggage. Fitting a better quality aftermarket shock would be a wise investment.
Low standard spec: While the Transalp packs decent electronics as standard – five riding modes, traction control, ABS etc – it also lacks many useful functions and options that should be standard on an adventure bike; main stand, 12v socket, heated grips, quickshifter, hand guards, sump guard etc. So, if you’re in the market for a Transalp, go for one that’s already spec’d up. It’ll save you a lot of cash.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The new Transalp looks the part with its chunky styling, gold spoked wheels and classy white, red and blue paintjob. There are also a more subdued black or grey colours.

Build quality and equipment levels belie its sub-10-grand price tag, too. Standard equipment includes a multi-function Bluetooth colour dash, a full array of electronic rider aids, wavy brake discs, LED lights and stick on tank grips.

It’s a shame it doesn’t have cruise control for such a capable tourer and while the non-adjustable screen is rigid and does a decent job of deflecting the wind, it’s noisy at motorway speeds.

Related: After more tech? Read MCN's list of best sat navs and their alternatives

There’s a huge array of comfort, performance and cosmetic accessories available in packs or individually, too, from a 100-litre hard luggage set (with a top box that’ll take two full face lids) to a centre stand, bull bars to spotlights, hand guard, bash plate, and heated grips.

Optional Extras – What's available and what's worth having?

The spec of a used Transalp will depend on how enthusiastic the first owner got with Honda’s optional extras catalogue. And the XL750 has a lot of options to choose from. Most obvious are the extras packages: The Adventure pack, Rally pack, Comfort pack, Urban pack, and Touring pack which offer:

Adventure Pack: radiator grill, front side pipe (protective rail to prevent impact on the fairing), front fog lamps, engine guard attachment (to fit optional engine guard). £726.76
Rally Pack: engine guard, skid plate, quickshifter, rally footrests, hand guards. £1065.90
Comfort Pack: fairing deflector, screen deflector, comfortable pillion stop, 3L tank bag, 12v socket. £280.25
Urban Pack: 50L top box and mount, 25L top box inner, pillion top box back rest, main stand, high screen. £895.50
Touring Pack: pannier case and supports, pannier inner bags, heated grips. £1249.25

Obviously, owners can mix and match options, but some well worth having are heated grips (£189), main stand (£185.26), tall screen (£120.65), skid plate (£408), hand guards (£137), 12v socket (£51), and luggage (£710 – top box; £1200 – pannier set). Honda also offer a low seat option – 20mm lower than standard (£131.10).

Equipment updates for 2025:

For 2025 the Transalp gets a new face and LED headlight with an improved spread of light. There’s also a new colour TFT dash that’s bolder, easier to read and features a gear position indicator, outside temperature, fuel gauge and three layout options with light, or dark backgrounds.

The dash also links to Honda’s Roadsync app via Bluetooth for turn-by-turn navigation, calls and music controlled either by your voice (via a headset) or new switchgear buttons with backlit joystick control. Honda are also offering a range of updated accessories, but sadly, there’s still no cruise control.

MCN Group Test: Middleweight road-going adventure mega-test! We pit V-Strom 800RE vs Transalp vs Tiger 850 Sport

There’s a lot at stake for manufacturers, particularly in a segment that can cement brand loyalty, so it’s little surprise to learn that competition is fierce. Read about how the Honda XL750 Transalp faired in our middleweight adventure mega test.

MCN's Longterm Test of the Honda XL750 Transalp for 2023

MCN Also ran a Honda XL750 Transalp as part of the 2023 test fleet. Read Gareth Evans - Head of Digital for MCN's thoughts on his time with the Transalp. From first impressions, the UK's longest green lanes, loading up with luggage, riding modes and exploring Great Britain.

Watch Gareth's summary of his adventures with the XL750 Transalp

Specs
Engine size	755cc
Engine type	liquid-cooled, SOHC, 8v inline-four, parallel twin
Frame type	Tubular steel diamond
Fuel capacity	16.9 litres
Seat height	850mm
Bike weight	208kg
Front suspension	Showa 41mm upside down forks, non-adjustable
Rear suspension	Single shock, preload adjustable
Front brake	2 x 310mm discs with two-piston calipers. ABS
Rear brake	256mm disc with single piston caliper. ABS
Front tyre size	90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size	150/70 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	67 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£140
New price	£9,499
Used price	£7,400 - £9,000
Insurance group	- How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two years, unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	91 bhp
Max torque	55.3 ft-lb
Top speed	135 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	12.1 secs
Tank range	249 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1987: Honda’s Transalp XL600V goes on sale. Off-road styling, 21in wheel, 583cc V-twin, single front disc, 18-litre tank.
1994: Revised with new fairing and improved instruments.
2000: XL650V Transalp. 647cc V-twin, new shock, twin front discs, HISS ignition-based immobiliser. 19.6-litre tank.
2006: Sleeker design, black wheel rims, brighter headlight.
2008: XL700V Transalp. 680cc V-twin, fuel injection, front wheel reduced to 19in. 17.6-litre tank. Discontinued in 2012.
2023: Hornet-based XL750 Transalp released. 91bhp 755cc parallel twin, 21in front wheel, electronic rider aids, 16.9-litre tank. Superb handling, with five rider modes
2025: Refresh including a new TFT colour dash, switchgear and headlight. Revised suspension, fuel injection, quickshifter and rider mode settings. Updated range of official accessories.

Other versions

None, but closely related to Honda Hornet CB750

MCN Long term test reports

Honda Transalp long-term test verdict | Gareth sums up his thoughts after 4576 miles

I’m sad to say it’s time to wave goodbye to the Honda XL750 Transalp. Safe to say that I’ve had a fabulous year with the middleweight adventurer, and have learned a lot along the way. My highlight is a memory of stopping at the middle of the England’s longest green lane – Rudland Rigg – and taki…

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the HONDA XL750 TRANSALP (2023 - on)

11 owners have reviewed their HONDA XL750 TRANSALP (2023 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA XL750 TRANSALP (2023 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Equipment:	3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£140

4 out of 5 Why buy an Africa Twin, when I own a Transalp?

13 January 2025 by H

Year: 2024

Annual servicing cost: £125

Best feature, this bike is so good on the road. I can't believe it has 21" front tryers. Worst feature, a toss up between no cruise control and the standard screen.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Remarkably comfortable. I own a Goldwing, so I am spoilt, yet the Transalp is a very comfortable bike to tour on. I drove Three hours non stop before feeling a bit fidgety. The front breaks are above average, yet the rear breaks are surprisingly good in comparison to other bikes I have driven.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine has all the power you need, when you need it. The first two gears are a bit short, you are forced to change up quite quickly but after that, it comes to life.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Not my first Honda. I owned Hondas for over 40 years. I never broke down. Hondas are solid.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

This is for servicing. It is relatively cheap. Very fuel efficient.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Not much there. However, what you are provided with is bizarre. for example, Honda tells me what is the cooling temperature of the engine but not the ambient temperature!! They measure the angle use of the throttle. But they don't tell me how many kilometres I can travel with the amount of fuel in the tank. I am in constant state of fuel anxiety. No cruise control.

Buying experience: Bough it from a Honda dealer in France. New, it costs 10600 Euros. I paid 9000 Euros for a 3 month old with 289km on the clock.

4 out of 5 TET experience.

02 December 2024 by Stefan

Year: 2023

Comfy for 3500 mile trips with mild seat improvements. Engine is not boring. Easy 65 mpg. It does feel a bit top heavy at times but only at slow speeds. Its a keeper.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Good brakes. I'm 5'10"-90 kg. 30" inside leg. Needs a rear shock upgrade-I fitted a (£750)Hyperpro with a remote resevoir.Interestingly they suggested no hydraulic preload adjuster(they explode with abuse)if planning RTW trip which I am,maybe.. Also Hyperpro front springs and thicker oil-amazingly improved ride and managed some easy TET in Germany/Poland. I didn't shorten the shock or reduce seat height as I get some knee pain on longer trips(58). I have bought some boots-Daytona M Star Pro to deal with uneven ground and high seat. Seat is comfy enough with an extra silicon seat attachment/sweat cover but this of course increases the height. Riding on European TET-do only easy stuff if fully loaded. I think when travelling light TET is doable with knobblies of course. Long distance to Greece is not a problem-2 up when on road is comfy for pillion when using air seat. Did this on MT09 the previous year and even with aftermarket screen is much less comfy or relaxing.

Engine 4 out of 5

Doesn't compare with a mapped 2014 MT09 but does not feel boring by any means-I like it! Defo need to change down to overtake on A roads. Quick Shifter advised.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Mild rust on engine-side clutch mechanism. Minimal poor snatchy throttle compared with my original MT09-it's really not an issue. Absolutely nothing else.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil change myself. It's a Honda and a keeper so why waste money.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Came with Quick Shifter,center stand,rack plate. I have added-Hyperpro, Acerbis hand guards and plastic sump guard. Outback Motortek bars and Oxford heated grips. Spots from Aliexpress. Raised front mudguard using Africa Twin parts and a smidge of drilling. Motoz knobblies for off roading- use them on the wet tarmac if you want to die and I nearly did. Larger front screen with extra flip up screen attachment - so you can remove it when off road-need to see the sand. Givi hard and soft panniers(when falling off on off-road).

Buying experience: 6 months old from launch-£9k

4 out of 5 Great bike, poor ownership experience and support

28 October 2024 by mh1472

Year: 2023

Bike is excellent, unfortunately the support elements of the ownership experience so far have been woeful!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I've had a lot of bikes, and still have a GS. The XL750 is ideal for commuting - so much lighter, more agile, better mpg and easier to fit through gaps, and (for a relatively cheap bike) and - optional extras excluded - feels much better screwed together than my previous KTM SAS1290. I've never found the brakes wanting, and the suspension is good (if firm) with the rear preload wound up. 1 star lost as the rear preload adjuster is not fun to access!

Engine 5 out of 5

I love the engine - for commuting it is fun, frugal and entertaining; even the exhaust note is great. I don't find the torque lacking as a lot of reviews seem to suggest, and my other bike is a 1250 GS. I'd only maybe have an issue for long distance touring - but I didn't buy it for that.

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

The bike is well built and appears robust - however mine was off the road since April this year due to a Honda Safety Recall which then wasn't actioned. It's taken until October, escalation to Honda UK and then DVSA to get it sorted - so I effectively have lost a riding season on the bike. So the 1/5 is for the quality process and support, not the reliability of the bike itself.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Bike appears to be simple to service, my first service was cost effective. Service locations appear to be simple to access. MPG (UK) is pretty good - acknolwedging mine is still low miles I'm getting 65mpg.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The menu functions and instruments are great, controls are easy to use (the indicator switch position still catches me out occasionally). I have mounted a Garmin GPS over the dash as the inbuilt app wasn't that easy to use whilst focussing on traffic, but I class that as a nice to have. I don't have an issue that the bike comes in basic format; I could tailor it to what I wanted.

Buying experience: Bought new from a main dealer. Sadly the experience has been awful - my bike was one of the first so it came without all the options. They were fitted at first service, excluding the aero deflectors which the dealer said wouldn't fit (they did, ~5 mins work). The seat had to be replaced under warranty due to a cover defect, and then the safety recall on the OEM optional extra (which wasn't.... but was). Honda UK were absolutely no help and were quite combative, it was eventually resolved via the DVSA. There was no real apology or other offered for 6m without the bike (which was stuck in my garage - the optional part fitted was part of a safety recall, which the dealer confirmed upon initial inspection). Not very Honda - I've been lucky enough to try most of the big brands and this is a first for me!!!

4 out of 5 6 months on review.

30 September 2024 by Mally

Year: 2024

Thought I'd give an update from my last review. For the price point the bike is pretty good and I added a few bits to make it a bit better. Two negatives mean it doesn't get 5 stars, the low seat is only good for 1.5 to 2 hrs max and the snatchy throttle at speed, had it in to Honda but they didn't improve it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Can be a cruiser and a hooligan is needed, brakes are very good. The rear shock lets it down, its too soft and needs an upgrade, I'll probably change it for a Maxton unit with hydraulic preload adjuster. Front suspension is good enough, I have it 5 turns in from soft and it suits me better.

Engine 5 out of 5

Its a peach, good power through the rev range, works very well with the QS. As I have stated the only let down is the throttle jerkiness at low speed but the engine itself is great.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

No corrosion but I have coated the bits and I do look after my bikes. Reliability has been good apart from the snatchy throttle at low speeds and the QS playing up a couple of times but I am only 6 months in. Being a Honda it should be good, last couple of Hondas I have had all stood up to the test of time very well.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

60mpg plus all day long, base price for the bike is good IMO but the extras bump it up. I will use my local shop for servicing as its closer and slightly cheaper. Insurance was reasonable at £200 FC (55yr old with pillion).

Equipment 3 out of 5

Traction control & rider modes are common place now but apart from that you don't get much else for the basic price. In total I have added Honda QS, Low seat & Lust lowering link (I'm 5'5") fogs & light bar, Honda air deflectors, Honda heated grips, Honda handguards & Puig extenders, Honda centre stand, fenda extenda. All extras and annoying that the CS was not standard.

Buying experience: Honda Carlisle, got a decent price for the part ex, process was simple enough and Si is a top bloke.

4 out of 5 Very well balanced and capable real world motorcycle

30 September 2024 by Bruce

Year: 2023

Very well balanced capable real World motorcycle. I bought this to run alongside my GS1250 and ended up selling the BMW. Bought second hand and Ive done 5000 miles in 5 months. It comes in at just over 200kg and after the GS it is so nice and easy to move around. Ive toured on it, commuted, done some minor green lanes and ridden two up. Does it all without getting flustered. I am a bit of a bike tart and Ive had a lot of bikes but I think this one is a keeper.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes are excellent both front and rear. Lots of feel on both and nice and progressive. Suspension as I said above is cheap and average at best. However, despite this, the bike’s handling really excels. It is so easy to ride. At low speeds it is stable and nimble and is fun to ride in traffic. On faster roads it handles beautifully. It turns effortlessly and holds its line perfectly. It’s stable on the motorway. Even two it was fine. Very impressive. I have also ridden this bike green laning and it was surprisingly good. Not hardcore but thick muddy ruts and rocky narrow paths and it was great.

Engine 5 out of 5

It’s a fun motor. Very economical. I got nearly 80mpg when pootleing across Spain. When you wind it up its very willing. It is “only” a 750 and I would like more low end grunt. The combination of great handling and a free reving engines means you can make progress. Its not hyper sports by any means but the engine power is well matched to the bike. Gearbox is great and I was going to buy a quickshifter but cant see the point

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Suspension is a bit budget. Its ok. The rear shock feels cheap and I may replace it. Front shocks are better but still might replace them. Switch gear is a bit plasticky and the gear shift and rear brake pedal cheap. However, for the money it’s good. Reliability wise Ive had no problems. Chain wear has been minimal. Everything works as it should.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Annual service cost depends on how many miles you do!! Service interval is 8000 miles and is about £250. Very economical. 57mpg if Im feeling enthusiastic 80mpg if I really try to eke it out

Equipment 3 out of 5

Standard screen diabolical. Strange not buffeting but sounds like I was following a jet engine. Taller screen a lot better. The little deflectors they sell didn't seem to make any difference. Seat very uncomfortable for me. It slopes down toward the tank which in my case meant I had a choice between a sore back or crushed testicles. I initially opted for the sore back and later had the seat remade with the slope removed. Much better. There is no range on the dash. Strangely it tells you how many miles you have done since the low fuel warning and what your consumption has been. So if you know the reserve tank size and you’re very good at mental maths you can work it out yourself. The TFT is ok but a huge proportion of it is dedicated to telling you the values for power, TC and Engine Braking which is of no use to man nor beast. There is no ambient temperature gauge which surprisingly I have missed quite a lot. No heated grips, no cruise control.

Buying experience: Private sale. 2023 1500 miles 5 months old £2500 worth of extras £8200

5 out of 5 A preal world, fantastic, all round bike.

05 July 2024 by Steve W.

Year: 2023

Fantastic bike! Ive been riding motorbikes for 45 years, on and off road. Sportsbikes to customs. This is the best allround bike I've owned for real world riding.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very comfortable. I'm 5'10" with a 32" inside leg. I fitted the add on wind deflectors with the standard wind shield. They keep the buffeting to my chest and shoulders to a minimum on the motorway. I fitted the lower seat to give a little more confidence/security to firmly plant my feet on uneven surfaces when carrying full kit. Slightly dipping my head also keeps the wind off my helmet at motorway speeds. I was happy to spend 6hrs plus a day on varying roads with a couple of short refresment/fuel stops.

Engine 5 out of 5

As everyone else seems to say...Fantastic! More than enough power for the real world. Brilliant fun to ride unladen for a couple of hours blast and great fun and absolutely effortless when fully laden with luggage. Plenty of power on quick A roads and lovely on tight single track 1st and 2nd gear switchbacks.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The build quality is excellent. After 12 months of ownership, no issues at all. Keep it clean and well maintained and it still looks like a new bike. I've done 2 multi day camping trips (N.Wales & the Hebrides). The bike was fully laden with food and camping kit and the weather was horrendous with rain at times on both trips. Everything from A roads to filthy single track. The bike never missed a beat and after a good clean on return looks as good as new.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I'm on the Honda service plan, purchased when I bought the bike last year. There's been no additional cost other than general bike cleaning kit. On my camping trips, fully laden on a variety of roads it was doing an average of 65mpg at real world/traffic road speeds.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I've fitted a number of the genuine Honda accessories (Front side pipes, fog lights, heated grips, hand guards, radiator guard, main stand, 12v socket, fuel tank protection stickers). These were mainly to help with protecting the bike. I don't intend to do any off road other than rough single-track roads. I also use SW Motech soft luggage and side stand extension and a front mudguard extension to reduce the crud hitting the pipe headers etc. All work really well for what I want.

Buying experience: I bought the bike from Youlles in Manchester. Really helpful with everything. I take it to North West Honda super centre in Blackpool for servicing as its closer to home. Really, really helpful people.

5 out of 5 Great ''all rounder'' bike

24 June 2024 by Pete

Year: 2024

Annual servicing cost: £160

For the price a very decent ''all rounder'' - it's not great at anything but does most things very well, I've had a fair few adventure bikes over the years and this one is definitely one of the more road biased biked available and most at home on back roads where the engine is a real plus and it sounds the part. Not a bike I'd want to take hardcore off roading but I've got another bike for that and it complements this bike well. for roads and gravel this bike works well, also great for the commute to work.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very good, at it's best on nice paved roads where the ride quality is excellent, it's a budget bike with suspension to match but fine if you don't ask too much of it - it's not a hardcore off roader and never will be so I'd consider a cheap XR or something to complement it rather than forking out (excuse the pun) on decent springs for it. The seat can become a bit painful after hours in the saddle but no worse than any other bike I've ridden.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is a a real peach to me, it's got usable torque low down and fairly spirited after 4k RPM, gear change is smooth enough, throttle is not too bad for me, could be smoother but again no worse for me than some other bikes with ride by wire. The engine does get pretty hot in stop start traffic but cools down when it needs to. The Vstrom has more lower down torque and is more ''pully' but not as spirited up top so with another bike more suited to off road use it works well for me on the street/light trails.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Mines been well looked after, washed frequently and garaged which has kept the corrosion at bay, the plastics and paint are thin but the glory days of Honda where the paint was 3 times the thickness and there was more metal than plastic are sadly gone as goes for most of the manufacturers nowadays, again for the price I can't complain and I would trust it to carry me around the world with little fuss.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

I've only had the first service to date and supplied my own oil and filters so labour was around £120 mark. What you get for your money I feel is pretty good with the electronics etc. Tubed tyres are not something I stress about but the inclusion of cruise control even as an option would have been nice - I can see why they've not though to keep costs down and also stop this competing more directly with the AT.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The engine is the standout, the equipment is OK, the heated grips work well, I've put Hepco & becker protection on mine, some Dinali riding lights (way better than Honda's offering) and the Honda high screen and quick shifter, I've also got the Carpe iter on mine which works well for navigation. haven't changed the tyres yet but will likely go for something slightly more knobby next time.

Buying experience: Paid full price direct from Chester Honda and they were good to deal with, even picked out a number plate with my initials in which was nice!

5 out of 5 2023 Honda Transalp 750 - grinning!

17 June 2024 by MarvinTheAndroid

Year: 2023

Great road and adventure bike - engaging and excellent handling.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

For 80kg the suspension feels pretty good on the road, possibly needs more damping for off road. Brakes are powerful and nicely modulated.

Engine 5 out of 5

This is the best part of the bike, performant, economic and sounds great.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Only covered 1500miles but so far so good...

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

3 out of 5 Acceptable bike but falls short for me

14 June 2024 by Steven B

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £143

It’s a good bike but not great I’m afraid. Owned many bikes and although the list price is considered decent there are areas the bike falls short on.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Stock suspension is decent. I’m 5’9” and 11 Stone. It munches the miles up well enough but the seat got uncomfortable after 1.5 hours. Heated grips were average and I think are bettered by Oxford heated grips. No really noticeable heat until the 3rd level is selected and 4th level seems a waste along with 1 and 2. Tyre noise was loud. Wind protection is ok and better on the lower half. Bike at its best on a dry day along back roads.

Engine 4 out of 5

Decent engine. Pulls well and sounds good. I’d never doubt a Honda engine. However, the fuel mapping means town riding is snatchy and you find yourself changing gears more than you want to. CB500X is far smoother. Plenty enough power.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Spoke nipples corrode very easily despite careful cleaning. Corrosion on frame where centre stand main bolt sits. Rear sprocket is a bit of a joke and poor quality even compared to the CB500X. TFT mists up inside the unit. Had a replacement TFT under warranty and it did it again. Was told this normal. Only positive was that it cleared after being sat for a while. Display was still visible. Overall build should have been way better.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Only had the first service done in my ownership. I covered over 2,000 miles in 6 months over the back end of summer into, Autumn and Winter. By then I had had enough and went back to BMW.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Had 12v socket, heated grips, hand guards, side tank and wheel graphics. I later fitted aftermarket engine/frame bars in a bid to try and like the bike more but it wasn’t enough. Heated grips were not great. The TFT connectivity for sat nav is a joke and just pointless. Beeline Moto is way superior. Best feature has to be the engine.

Buying experience: Got a decent deal from local dealer but I had traded in my previous BMW and deeply regretted it. I had test ridden the Transalp enough beforehand but day to day living highlighted the niggles you don’t see on any test.

4 out of 5

07 May 2024 by Moreorles

Year: 2023

Best:Bike is so easy to ride, engine is superb, handling is oustanding for an adventure bike, fuel economy is crazy good, just an excellent all rounder, plus the price Worst: Tubed tyres do allow for confidence in getting a flat, throttle is a bit snatchy, phone connectivity is useless, suspension would be improved hugely by adding full adjustment like the V-strom

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Superb engine but snatchy throttle.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues in 12 months and 5,000 miles

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

Great dash and nice features like auto cancelling indicators. Quick shifter as an option is a must!

5 out of 5 Everyday bike for fun, a commute and an adventure.

07 May 2024 by Mally

Year: 2024

Annual servicing cost: £150

Had many bikes over the years, super-sports to naked to adventures, the TA is the all rounder that I have been looking for. Great handling, reasonably comfortable, frugal and well built. I ordered mine with a couple of must haves, QS, lowered seat, hand-guards, heated grips. Love the "c" adapter under the seat, I run wire to the backbox to charge my phone. Although it is 208kg it feels a little top heavy when manoeuvring around the yard but easy on the move. Disappointing that you need to fork out for a CS but its not a deal breaker. NC500 trip planned with my lad and it will be great for the trip.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Bike is great on the twisties, for me a great all rounder and keeps up with the "wanabe Rossies" of the world. Seat is a bit hard after an 1.5hrs but it could be just needing to break in a bit.

Engine 5 out of 5

Absolute peach, I read an article stating its power is higher up the revs but I'm not seeing that. Yes it will scream if needed but the power/torque start low enough and to me the power is a great linear curve. It works extremely well with the QS, surprisingly quick and as stated before easily gets 60mpg+.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

All round Honda quality, I have coated the bolts etc but I do look after my bikes, time will tell though, after all I live in the UK.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I use my local bike shop for servicing, more than reasonable prices and its just up the road, dealer is an hour away. The Honda service pack is £399 for 3 x services but the inconvenience of traveling is out weighed by the slight extra cost at my local. Great on fuel, 60+ is good enough for me.

Equipment 4 out of 5

CS should be standard but ABS, slipper, TFT, canceling indicators and adjustable modes make up for it I suppose, sub £10 bike so cant really moan to much as its characteristics etc make up for it.

Buying experience: Bought from Honda Carlisle, Si is a top bloke and got me a great deal. There was also an offer of £600 worth of free accessories.