New Honda XL750 Transalp adventure tourer officially revealed

FIRST released in 1987, the Honda XL600V Transalp quickly became a big name in the burgeoning adventure motorcycle sector. It mated Honda’s legendary reliability with a genuinely capable chassis and rugged engine.

For 2023 the popular nameplate makes a very welcome return, as the all-new Honda XL750 Transalp hits the trails in spring next year. The bike will be gunning for the highly capable Yamaha Tenere 700, and KTM 890 Adventure, along with the throng of other manufacturers battling for middleweight ADV glory.

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp features

Designed for on and off-road adventure touring, the new 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp is powered by the same parallel twin engine as found in the recently announced Honda CB750 Hornet, featuring the same 67.5kW (90hp) peak power, and 75Nm (55lb-ft) of torque. That already slots the new Transalp into an interesting place in the segment, right in the middle of the 74hp Yamaha Tenere 700 and 105hp KTM 890 Adventure.

Internally the engine runs a 270-degree crank, and features a tuned exhaust and airbox which Honda claims ensure a ‘low-end beat and raucous top-end howl’. One tweak from the Hornet to Transalp is a change to the ride-by-wire throttle, which has been tuned specifically for long-distance and touring riding.

Power is delivered via a six-speed transmission that is combined with a slipper clutch with trick F.C.C Leaning Segment discs. The design of the clutch is claimed to reduce clutch drag torque by 30%, for a lighter lever feel and easier upshifts. It also manages rear-wheel hop under hard braking and rapid down changes.

The electronics of the bike are also all-new, with four riding modes provided covering Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel, and User. Each adjusts the engine performance and throttle map and can be switched on the fly via the lefthand switch cube. The User mode allows the rider to tailor the bike’s electronics to their specific requirements. Rider information is displayed to the rider via a full-colour TFT screen.

Dig deeper and there are four levels of Engine Power (EP), three levels of Engine Brake (EB), two levels of ABS, and five levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) available. The HSTC can also be disabled altogether, along with the rear ABS, for more accurate off-road use. The new bike also features wheelie control, although that is combined with the traction control function, removing the ability to adjust it individually.

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp riding modes

Sport mode provides maximum performance with maximum power (EP), level two ABS and level one engine braking. Traction control is also tuned low for minimum intervention.

Standard mode is a mid-way point general riding and features level three engine power and traction control with level two engine braking and ABS.

For on-road riding in wet conditions, Rain mode gives you the lowest engine power, with level two engine braking, level two ABS front and rear and level five traction control.

The new Gravel mode is designed for off-road riding and features level two engine power, level three engine braking, level four traction control, and level one ABS. To disable the ABS altogether at the rear wheel you have to opt for the extra User mode, unlike the Africa Twin which provides you with an easy-to-reach button at any time.

As you’d expect for a bike that is jumping into a new segment for Honda, the chassis of the bike is all new. It’s a steel diamond design with an integrated subframe, and it’s claimed to weigh in at an impressive 18.3kg – 10% lighter than the item found on the Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle. The weight savings made are partly thanks to thinner tubes and a reduction of the reinforced sections of the design. The rake and trail are set at 27 degrees and 111mm respectively, and the bike has a wheelbase of 1560mm. The kerb weight of the bike is an impressive 208kg. Honda is claiming the geometry of the bike helps it achieve a tight 2.6m minimum turning circle.

Suspension for the new bike is provided by Showa, in the form of 43mm separate function cartridge-type front forks and remote reservoir rear shock. Front travel is 200mm at the front and 190mm at the rear. The rear shock runs through a Pro-Link type swingarm, with castings inspired by the CRF1100L Africa Twin’s, albeit with a unique aluminium blend. The new Honda XL750 Transalp has a claimed ground clearance of 210mm.

Braking comes in the form of two-piston calipers joined by 310mm wavy discs at the front, and a 256mm wave disc and single-piston caliper at the rear. Wheels sizes for the model 21/18-inch front/rear, spoked wheels. OEM tyres are tubed 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tyres; Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour.

Pricing for the new Transalp is as yet TBC and we’ll update you with that as we have it. Bikes are expected in UK dealerships spring 2023.

For more information on the 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp, head to: www.honda.co.uk

To check out this bike for yourself, head over to Motorcycle Live, starting this weekend, 19th November 2022

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp spec