European classic. American favorite. The Transalp is that one motorcycle so many riders dream of: a bike that can do it all, especially when you want to ride pavement, dirt roads, and for long distances. It’s a legend and for good reasons.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Honda XL750 Transalp: THE MILES PILE UP.
Introducing the 2026 Honda XL750 Transalp…
The contemporary XL750 Transalp builds on its legendary name in its second year in the U.S. market, with important updates aimed at improving rider comfort and convenience. The adventure-touring model’s 755cc parallel-twin engine offers a balanced mix of power and torque, ideal for both on-road cruising and dirt-road exploration. A lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension allow for confident navigation over rough terrain or winding highways. With comfortable ergonomics and a large fuel tank for impressive range, the Transalp is a versatile companion for adventure enthusiasts seeking both performance and practicality.
European classic. American favorite.
The Transalp is that one motorcycle so many riders dream of: a bike that can do it all, especially when you want to ride pavement, dirt roads, and for long distances. It’s a legend in Europe, and for good reason: It combines power, smoothness, capability and comfort in a way that you’ll come to love more and more as the miles pile up. New this year: Honda RoadSync makes navigation to your next adventure easier than ever.
2026 Honda XL750 Transalp Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 755cc liquid-cooled 30.0º parallel-twin four-stroke engine
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
- 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted fork
- Rally-type fairing
- Honda RoadSync
- Engine Type
755cc liquid-cooled 30.0º parallel-twin four-stroke - Transmission
Six-speed manual - Front Suspension
43.0 mm Showa® SFF-CA inverted telescopic fork; 7.9-inch travel - Rear Suspension
Pro-Link® single Showa® shock; 7.5-inch travel - Seat Height
33.7 inches (optional 32.6-inch accessory seat available) - Warranty
Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty. One year included
Spoked wheels
Off-road bikes use wire wheels with traditional spokes for better performance on dirt. The 21-inch wheel on the front and the 18-inch rear wheel sizes offer a wide range of tire options for different terrains.
Unicam® engine design
Our Honda-exclusive Unicam® engine design, just like our Africa Twin and CRF450R, provides a compact cylinder head for optimal engine placement and superior performance. It’s the perfect combination of form and function.
Ride modes
With five riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and a custom setting), you can adjust power delivery, engine braking, and ABS intervention. Switching between modes is easy.
TFT display
It features a 5.0-inch full-color LCD display with various options, and it shows important details like speed, fuel level, trip distance, gear position, and much more.
HISTORY
Although only offered in the U.S. in 1989 and ’90, the original Transalp—powered by a 583cc V-Twin engine—is something of a legend in Europe, where it was introduced in 1986. In fact, as a testament to the sheer quality of its build and timelessness of its design, many can still be seen on Continental roads today. Back then, it was a comfortable, do-it-all crossover that could cope with rougher ground thanks to long-travel suspension and a light off-road dynamic. It came with 18-inch rear and 21-inch front spoke wheels for good performance in the dirt, but it was the first Honda adventure bike to be equipped with a fairing for improved comfort on the road. By 2000, the engine had grown to 647cc in Europe, and the last version in 2008 had a 680cc displacement, fuel injection and a 472-pound curb weight.
The adventure segment has expanded massively since the Transalp first appeared. Honda has the superb pocket-adventurer NX500, plus the super-athletic CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure flagship and its long-range, continent-crossing sibling, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. And as of the 2024 model year, the XL750 Transalp slots into the mid-capacity sector of Honda’s ADV range, giving customers the option of choosing a different set of adventurous aspirations. The model receives several updates for 2025.
NEW FOR 2025
- A new central aero duct delivers improved aerodynamics and agility.
- A new Durabio™ screen and internal mid-cowl result in better airflow management.
- A new, compact dual-projector headlight emits a powerful beam.
- A new 5-inch TFT display has improved visibility.
- Honda RoadSync iOS/Android smartphone connectivity.
- The front and rear suspension settings are revised to improve bump absorption over rough ground, while maintaining on-road comfort.
Updated Transalp and NC750X Lead Honda’s Product Announcement
- XL750 Transalp receives comfort- and convenience-focused changes for 2025
- Improved styling and handling for the NC750X DCT
- Also: Nine CRF Performance models confirmed for 2026 model year
American Honda today announced the return of two standout motorcycles for the 2025 model year: the XL750 Transalp and the NC750X DCT, both of which receive important updates. The ADV category is famously varied, and while these two models share a common class, they represent very different approaches to adventure.
Already popular after just one year on the U.S. market, the contemporary XL750 Transalp is a true adventure machine that is maneuverable and compact, ready to tackle dirt roads and backroads alike. It’s back for 2025 with revisions aimed at improving comfort and convenience, including better aerodynamics, lighting, instrumentation and suspension.
On the other end of the ADV spectrum is the NC750X DCT, long familiar with U.S. customers as an exceptionally comfortable commuter and weekend explorer—and improved for 2025 with refreshed styling, lighting, braking and more.
“The XL750 Transalp and NC750X DCT demonstrate Honda’s ability to appeal to the varying needs of powersports enthusiasts,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “While both machines are midsize adventure bikes, each is developed with a different application in mind—and each is extremely effective in its particular realm. That Honda not only offers both options, but has also improved them both for 2025, is just the latest example of our commitment to meeting the demands of any customer.”
Also included in this announcement are nine dirt-focused models returning for the 2026 model year. In the race-winning CRF Performance family are the Baja-dominating CRF450X, the closed-course off-road CRF250RX and CRF450RX, and the CRF450RL dual-sport bike, as well as the motocross-focused CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF250R, CRF250RWE and CRF150R.
2026 Honda XL750 Transalp Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Unicam® engine design
Our Honda-exclusive Unicam® engine design, just like our Africa Twin and CRF450R, provides a compact cylinder head for optimal engine placement and superior performance. It’s the perfect combination of form and function.
755cc twin-cylinder engine
The new engine on this bike is based on the Honda CB750 Hornet. It’s a narrow parallel-twin design that delivers torque throughout the rev range. More power on low revs, easy cruising on the open road.
Vortex air intake
By speeding up intake-charge airspeed at the critical low- and mid-engine speeds from 3000 to 8000 rpm, you get better throttle response and acceleration.
High-pressure fuel injection
The engine has a high-pressure fuel injection system pressurized to 65 PSI, enhancing combustion and throttle characteristics for better throttle response in technical terrain at lower and mid-rpm ranges.
Throttle-by-wire
It features throttle-by-wire technology. Light, precise, and proven, it’s also the reason our engineers can build in the five selectable riding modes.
Spoked wheels
Off-road bikes use wire wheels with traditional spokes for better performance on dirt. The 21-inch wheel on the front and the 18-inch rear wheel sizes offer a wide range of tire options for different terrains.
Long-travel front suspension
With its long-travel front suspension, the inverted Showa SFF-CA fork provides excellent on- and off-road handling.
Pro-Link® rear suspension
Our patented rising-rate Pro-Link® rear suspension with a Showa shock and 7.5 inches of travel offers the perfect balance of good pavement handling and solid off-pavement performance.
Discs brakes with ABS
Dual-front and single-rear disc brakes provide ample stopping power. The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is linked to riding modes, and rear-wheel ABS can be turned off for riding in the dirt.
Low CG, compact mass
By locating heavy components as close to the bike’s center of gravity as possible and using a compact engine, this bike provides a superior platform for excellent handling.
42-degree steering lock
A generous 42 degrees of left and right steering lock provide excellent maneuverability on tight trails. This is one of the reasons this bike feels so much more nimble than many of the other adventure bikes out there.
Ample ground clearance
8.3 inches of ground clearance perfectly balances off-pavement capability and highway use. For hard-core dirt roads, check out our optional skid plate.
Ride modes
With five riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and a custom setting), you can adjust power delivery, engine braking, and ABS intervention. Switching between modes is easy.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
With four-level adjustable Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), you can choose the appropriate amount of performance for everything from dirt to gravel to all kinds of pavement.
Quick shifter
Whether you’re riding on-road or off the pavement, you’ll always appreciate fast, decisive shifting, and the quick shifter makes that happen. Even better, it comes as standard equipment.
Slipper/assist clutch
A slipper/assist clutch helps eliminate wheel hop under downshifting and gives you a lighter clutch pull at the lever.
Gear driven counterbalancer
Our counterbalancer design drives directly off the crank’s primary gear, eliminating the need for an additional gear. This reduces weight and complexity, resulting in a more efficient and compact engine design.
Compact water pump
Here’s another example of superior Honda design: The water pump tucks inside the engine alternator cover rather than bolting on in a more vulnerable position, reducing both size and weight.
270-degree-phase-crank
Phasing this bike’s crank at 270 degrees gives you a unique, smooth power delivery that’s easy to modulate, especially in terrain where traction is challenging.
Rally-style fairing
This bike has a rich history of being an exceptional long-distance machine. To enhance its capabilities, we equipped it with a lightweight, high-quality fairing that balances wind and weather protection.
Extra comfortable seat
On a bike like this, you’ll probably want to extend your adventures and take some longer trips. That’s why we gave it a seat with a shape that’s both supportive enough for aggressive cornering and comfortable enough for high mileage.
Optional low seat
Want a lower seat option? Just check out our available accessory seat. It swaps out quickly with basic tools and is 1.1 inches lower than the standard seat.
Large fuel tank
It features a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, a great balance of long-range, and reduced weight, especially when paired with our super-efficient engine.
Standard rear carrier
The bike comes with a standard rear carrier that integrates with passenger handholds. If you’re planning a long trip, you’ll need to bring some gear along.
USB-C port
The weather-protected USB-C connection located under the passenger seat lets you charge your devices on the go.
TFT display
It features a 5.0-inch full-color LCD display with various options, and it shows important details like speed, fuel level, trip distance, gear position, and much more.
Self-canceling turn signals
This bike blends modern electronics with adventure motorcycling. It automatically turns off blinkers, ensuring you ride safely and confidently.
Honda RoadSync
Honda RoadSync connects to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth and the Honda RoadSync app. It allows for hands-free navigation, music playback, as well as the ability to check local forecasts at your destination. Android phones can link for hands-free calling and texting.
STYLING / DESIGN
In imagining the perfect lines for the Transalp’s bodywork, the aim of the Rome, Italy-based R&D designers was to strike a balance between aerodynamic performance and wind protection at speed, matched to a sense of lightness and freedom at low speeds. The concept tagline used throughout was “Friendly Toughness.”
The Transalp’s design projects an unmistakable feeling of adventure touring in a package that works superbly on the road. The long-legged stance makes a strong statement of adventurous intent, while the fairing and screen work together to deliver wind protection without bulk. For model-year 2025, a redesigned front end (with some styling cues taken from the flagship Africa Twin) is built around a new headlight unit that comprises dual LED high/low-unified projector lenses.
The overall look is sleek, simple and clean. The model has a purposeful look and feel, with zero excess, and is built tough. Reprofiled for 2025, the windscreen (now constructed from sustainable, high transparency Durabio) is mounted on a revised upper fairing that utilizes a central intake duct to control back pressure, reducing buffeting around the helmet. A redesigned middle cowl section employs optimized internals to suppress flow velocity, for nimbler handling in urban situations and on twisting roads. A tall screen and upper/lower deflectors are available as accessories.
A new-for-2025 5-inch, full-color TFT screen uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. Glare is reduced by using resin to seal the gap between the cover glass and the TFT screen, and backlight transmittance is improved. Riders can customize the readout to their preferences, with three styles (bar, circle, and simple) and a high-contrast black background available to choose from. Displayed information includes four types of speed/rpm display (three analog tachometer styles and one bar) according to rider preference, as well as fuel gauge and consumption, riding-mode selection and engine parameters, gear selected and customizable shift-up point on the tach. Management is via the screen and switch cluster on the left side of the handlebar.
Connectivity with iOS/Android smartphones is available via Honda RoadSync, through a simplified, easy-to-use, backlit, four-way toggle-switch on the left side of the handlebar. The technology allows straightforward, on-screen, turn-by-turn navigation, as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the App Store or the Play Store, connect to the XL750 Transalp and go.
This model is built to go the distance, so genuine comfort matters—also for riding two-up. Seat height is low for the class at 33.7 inches (a .4-inch-lower seat is also available as an option), and the riding position is upright for natural control and leverage. The riding geometry also works well when standing up. A rear carrier is standard, and there’s a USB socket under the seat.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The 755cc, parallel-twin, 8-valve Unicam engine has bore and stroke set at 87.0 x 63.5mm, with a compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces a hard hit of top-end power, which is accompanied by mountains of torque in the low to mid rpm range. The result is an engine that provides usable, enjoyable performance for rides of all types and all distances, and for riders of varying experience levels.
The engine is extremely compact and lightweight, due in part to the Unicam head (as used by the CRF450R motocrosser), which operates the 35.5mm diameter inlet valves (with 9.3mm lift) via cam, and 29mm diameter exhaust valves (with 8.2mm lift) by rocker arm.
The compact dimensions are also due to clever packaging: there’s no balancer drive gear, since the primary drive gear doubles its duties by also spinning the balance shaft; the water pump is tucked away inside the left engine cover.
For razor-sharp pick-up and throttle response, patented vortex flow ducts create a more uniform distribution from the side scoops into the airbox, which then feeds downdraft intakes and 46mm throttle bodies. To increase the engine’s efficiency, the cylinders have a Nickel-Silicon Carbide coating (Ni-SiC), as used on the CRF450R and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
The crank has a 270° firing order for characterful, twin-cylinder pulse feeling. The exhaust note is tuned for a pleasing low-end beat and raucous top-end howl.
An assist/slipper clutch—with FCC leaning segment discs—reduces clutch-drag torque by 30%, for a lighter lever load and easier upshifts. It also manages rear-wheel hop under hard braking and rapid downshifts.
TECHNOLOGY
To simplify and miniaturize the entire electrical system, the Transalp uses a controller area network (CAN) alongside a body control unit (BCU). The BCU is situated on the left frame rail, under the fuel tank and collectively processes control signals from the ABS modulator, TFT screen and switch cluster. All lighting is LED.
Electronic Rider Aids
Throttle By Wire engine control offers four default riding modes—SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN and GRAVEL—adjusting the engine’s performance delivery and feel to suit conditions and the rider’s intent; they’re easily switched and managed between the TFT screen and left switch cluster. There is also a specific USER mode that allows the rider to fine-tune his or her own personal settings.
Available 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); HSTC and rear ABS can also be switched off. The riding modes offer different combinations of each parameter. Wheelie control is also standard and integrated with HSTC.
SPORT mode offers maximum performance and uses level 4 EP, level 2 ABS and level 1 EB and HSTC, to deliver strong acceleration with minimal intervention.
STANDARD mode is a midway setting for urban riding that uses level 3 setting for EP and HSTC, with level 2 EB and ABS.
RAIN mode is designed for challenging on-road conditions and employs the lowest EP setting (level 1), for the least-aggressive power delivery, with level 2 EB and ABS and level 5 HSTC.
GRAVEL mode features level 2 EP, level 3 EB and level 4 HSTC, with level 1 ABS setting for confident travel on rougher off-road terrain.
USER mode allows the rider to choose between settings 1-4 EP, 1-5 HSTC and 1-3 EB, and to switch off rear ABS; the settings can be saved for future use.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The Transalp is designed to provide exceptional handling and ride comfort across a wide range of terrains, thanks to its meticulously engineered chassis and suspension system. With a focus on balance, durability and agility, the frame and suspension work in harmony to deliver both stability on highways and confidence off-road.
Frame
The steel-diamond mainframe is lightweight at just 40.3 pounds—10% lighter than the frame of the NX500, for example. A major R&D process of reducing the number of reinforcing parts, thinning of the main and down tubes, and optimizing the upper shock mount and swingarm pivot shape produced a very strong platform, with rigidity balanced to deliver feel to the rider across all conditions, and geometry set to inspire confident handling agility. The integrated subframe employs high-tension steel tubing for strength and toughness.
Rake and trail are set at 27° and 4.4 inches, respectively, with a wheelbase of 61.5 inches and curb weight of 463 pounds. Slow-speed U-turns are simplified thanks to a 42° steering angle and 8.6-foot minimum turning circle.
Suspension
The suspension specifications have been selected with the “all-around” concept in mind, with long travel and superb bump absorption to deliver smooth performance and comfort on-road, and reassuring control off-road.
The remote-reservoir Showa shock (with adjustable preload) operates through a Pro-Link system, delivering 7.5 inches of rear-wheel travel. For the 2025 model year, compression and rebound damping have both been increased, giving more control on uneven ground, or when fully loaded with a pillion or luggage. The swingarm employs the same castings from the CRF1100L Africa Twin, but uses aluminum material exclusive to the Transalp. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches.
A 43mm Showa Separate Function Fork-Cartridge inverted fork offers 7.9 inches of wheel travel and has spring-preload adjustment. Compared to the previous setup, the fork is tuned to offer slightly less compression and rebound damping. A forged-aluminum bottom triple clamp and cast-aluminum top triple clamp are used, for a perfect balance of strength and rigidity in wide-ranging riding situations.
Brakes
Compact, two-piston front calipers work dual 310mm “wave” discs. The rear 256mm “wave” disc is operated by a single-piston caliper. The stainless-steel, spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are fitted with tube-style 90/90-21 and 150/70R-18 tires, respectively.
ACCESSORIES
The Transalp’s accessory lineup includes 23 returning accessories and 11 new additions, including a Comfort Seat, new cargo options and much more.
2026 Honda XL750 Transalp – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| Model | XL750 Transalp |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 755cc liquid-cooled 30º inline-two-cylinder four-stroke w/ 270º crank |
| Valve Train | OHC Unicam; 4 valves per cylinder; 35.5mm inlet valves, 29mm exhaust valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 87.0mm x 63.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Induction | PGM-FI; 46mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | Full transistorized |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet |
| Final Drive | 16T/45T; chain |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 43mm Showa SFF-CATM telescopic inverted fork w/ spring-preload adjustment; 7.9 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link® system w/ single Showa remote-reservoir shock; 7.5 in. travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Dual hydraulic calipers w/ 310mm “wave” discs; ABS |
| Rear | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 256mm “wave” disc; ABS |
| TIRES | |
| Front | 90/90-21 |
| Rear | 150/70R-18 |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27º |
| Trail | 4.4 in. (111mm) |
| Length | 91.5 in. |
| Width | 33 in. |
| Height | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Height | 33.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 61.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.4 gal. (0.9 gal. reserve) |
| Curb Weight* | 463 lbs. |
| OTHER | |
| Color | White; Deep Pearl Gray |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
Specifications subject to change
2026 Honda XL750 Transalp – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Honda XL750 Transalp – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
