The Honda XL750 Transalp offers adventure touring capabilities and classic Honda reliability.
Having spent countless hours riding this new iteration on the Karak Highway, winding mountain roads of Genting Highland, off-road trails and even through the bustling city streets, here’s my personal take.
I am glad that I had the opportunity to review this much talked about machine courtesy of Honda BigWing Damansara (Fast Bikes).
The Transalp’s design is a nod to its predecessors, with modern touches.
The sharp lines, beak-like nose and windshield give it a purposeful look.
The overall package feels well-built and robust, ready to tackle any terrain.
I particularly loved the beak that gives a bad boy persona.
The 755cc parallel-twin engine is a delight and delivers a smooth power with ample torque for effortless cruising and overtaking.
This adventure bike boasts the same cutting-edge parallel-twin engine found in the CB750 Hornet.
The engine character is refined, with no vibrations at all.
I found myself grinning ear-to-ear as I twist the throttle and feel the bike surge forward.
The Transalp is stable and planted at high speed.
The wind protection is adequate, though taller riders might appreciate a higher windshield option.
The comfortable ergonomics make long-distance journeys a breeze.
The engine’s smooth power delivery and ample torque make cruising a pleasure.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Transalp’s highway performance is its smoothness.
Even at high speeds, I noticed an absence of vibrations on the handlebars, footpegs or belly of the motorcycle.
This level of refinement contributes to a relaxed and fatigue-free riding experience.
The Transalp’s suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and handling.
It’s capable of soaking up bumps and potholes while remaining agile on twisty roads.
The engine provides ample power for climbing steep grades.
The traction control system, in combination with the ABS, helps to maintain control in challenging mountain conditions.
I’ve had some exhilarating rides through Genting Highland where the Transalp’s handling is impressive.
The bike feels stable and planted through sweeping corners, allowing for confident leans.
The chassis is well-balanced, and the steering is precise, making it easy to manoeuvre through tight hairpins.
There’s 200mm of wheel travel at the front and 190mm at the rear.
The suspension provides excellent feedback, allowing the rider to feel the road surface and adjust their riding lines accordingly.
While it may not be as sharp as a dedicated sports bike, the Transalp’s handling is more than adequate for riding enjoyment.
I couldn’t resist testing the Transalp’s off-road capabilities on a nearby Puchong trail consisting a mix of sand, gravel, mud and uneven terrain.
The tall ground clearance and the engine’s low-end torque is a boon in off-road situations.
The suspension easily absorbs bumps and potholes while maintaining stability.
The model might not be as agile as a dedicated dirt bike but the Transalp is able to handle most off-road trails that adventure riders will encounter.
The Transalp’s traction control system is a valuable asset, especially in challenging conditions.
It helps to prevent wheelspin, particularly when accelerating on slippery surfaces or tackling steep inclines.
The system is well-tuned and doesn’t intrude on the riding experience, allowing for a natural feel.
The traction control system is effective, providing peace of mind in slippery conditions.
Meanwhile, the TFT screen is easy to read and provides all the necessary information, including speed, engine revs, fuel level and riding mode.
The bike offers an optional quickshifter while rear-wheel selectable ABS comes standard.
This middle-weight adventure bike offers five riding modes that adjust throttle response, traction control and ABS sensitivity.
Sport comes with aggressive throttle response, less sensitive torque control and normal ABS sensitivity which is ideal for enthusiastic riding or challenging conditions.
Meanwhile, Standard gives a balanced mix of performance and control that is suitable for most riding situations.
Rain provides the most gentle throttle response, with highest traction control, and the highest ABS sensitivity which is good for wet or slippery conditions.
Gravel minimises traction control and ABS intervention suited for the off-road along with a customisable mode for riders who want to personalise the Transalp to their liking.
The Transalp’s tall riding position and upright ergonomics make it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic while the low-seating position makes it accessible to riders of all sizes.
The fuel economy is reasonable, making it a practical choice for daily commuting.
On busy city streets, the Transalp is a surprisingly agile and manageable bike.
Priced at RM56,800, the Transalp is a well-rounded adventure touring motorcycle that offers a great blend of comfort, performance and versatility.
Its classic design, reliable engine and capable handling make it a strong player in its class.
SPECIFICATIONS
Honda XL750 Transalp
Engine: 755cc, four-stroke, two cylinders, eight-valve SOHC parallel twin
Maximum power: 90.5hp at 9,500rpm
Maximum torque: 75Nm at 7,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front Showa 41mm upside down forks, non-adjustable, 200mm travel; rear single shock, preload adjustable, 190mm travel
Brakes: Front 2x310mm discs with two-piston callipers, ABS; rear 256mm disc with single piston calliper, ABS
Features: Five riding modes, 5-inch TFT Screen, quickshifter, Honda RoadSync app (provides navigation, messaging, handsfree voice calls and music), USB charging socket.
Fuel capacity: 17 litres
Wet weight: 208kg
Price: RM56,800 (without insurance and registration)
