UPDATES ON Sep. 19, 2023:
Honda Confirms All-New XL750 Transalp for U.S. Market
In an announcement today, American Honda revealed that the highly anticipated XL750 Transalp is coming to the U.S. market for the 2024 model year. Originally introduced in 1986, the Transalp touts a rich heritage in the adventure category, where it is renowned for its ability to perform on the pavement and explore past the road's end. Carrying this same ethos, the new-generation Transalp has been a hit in the European market over the past few months, and now U.S. customers will be able to enjoy this versatile, middleweight ADV platform.
"As the adventure category continues to thrive and evolve, customers are more eager than ever to get out and explore," said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing. "The all-new, midsize XL750 Transalp joins Honda's iconic Africa Twin and pocket-adventurer CB500X to complete our popular True Adventure lineup, ready to deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences to U.S. ADV enthusiasts from coast to coast."
2024 XL750 Transalp
Around town or around the world, Honda's brand-new XL750 Transalp carries the adventure forward from the iconic original, ready for a fresh generation of riders looking to travel wherever the road leads. The new-generation Transalp is friendly but tough—perfect for extended touring trips, as well as the urban cut and thrust, and all points in between. It's at home slicing through a mountain pass or kicking up dust on rough dirt trails, and it adds to the formula a high-performance engine, all-new design and the equipment level that modern riders demand. The versatile Transalp can be fine-tuned for specific applications with Honda accessory collections that include Adventure, Touring, City and Comfort options.
- MSRP: $9,999
- Colors: Matte Black Metallic
- Available: October
Honda Confirms All-New XL750 Transalp for U.S. Market
Honda's hot new mid-weight XL750 Transalp entry to the adventure motorcycle market is making waves. Recently announced at EICMA , riders are excited to see an official production model, but will it come to the USA? Also, how will it stack up to increasing competition?
The gap between Honda's 1,000cc Africa Twin and 500cc CB500X is currently filled with the DCT equipped NC750X, which lacks an off-road friendly wheelset. While the CRF300 and CRF450 model lines have shored up the small displacement dual-sport segment in recent years, many fans have been calling for two distinct models from Honda. One is a 500cc rally style bike to complement the CRF300L Rally and the other is the new XL750 Transalp which features 21 and 18-inch wheels, a full TFT dash, LED lights, heritage color options and a weight closer to Yamaha's popular Tenere 700. Gone is the venerable V-twin mill which powered previous Transalps, in favor of 270-degree firing order parallel twin which is becoming de rigueur in the category.
At the same time, Suzuki released the parallel-twin powered V-Strom 800DE which closely matches the new Transalp in many specs and — we can only speculate — price. MSRPs for both bikes have not been released and, once again, the new Transalp has not been confrimed for the American market. While we would be surprised if it did not come to the USA, we can still wonder when. If you want the XL750 Transalp in the US, let Honda know. Check out the following press release and official XL750 Transalp video for more info!
New Model: Around town or around the world, Honda’s brand-new XL750 Transalp carries the adventure forward from the iconic original, ready for a fresh generation of riders looking to travel wherever the road leads. Its eight-valve, parallel twin-cylinder engine delivers 67.5kW and 75Nm; Throttle By Wire (TBW) serves up 4 default riding modes plus User option, 5-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control and 3 levels of Engine Braking and Power. The steel frame wears full Showa suspension: 43mm SFF-CATM USD forks and rear shock working through Pro-Link. Dual, two-piston calipers bite hard up front and 21/18-inch wheels wear tubed tyres. The premium specification includes 5-inch colour TFT instrument display, with Honda Smartphone Voice Control, full LED lighting, auto-indicator cancel and Emergency Stop Signals (ESS) technology. An A2 license option will also be available.
1. Introduction
The original Transalp, introduced in 1986 with a 583cc V-Twin engine, is something of a legend. And as testament to the sheer quality of its build and timelessness of its design, many can still be seen on Europe’s roads today.
Back then, its focus was as a smooth, comfortable do-it-all crossover that could cope with rougher ground thanks to long-travel suspension and light off-road dynamic. By 2000 the engine had grown to 647cc and, for the last version in 2008 it landed with 680cc, fuel injection and a 214kg kerb weight.
The Adventure segment has expanded massively since the Transalp first turned a wheel. Honda has the superb pocket-adventurer, A2-compatible CB500X plus the dual purpose, super-athletic CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure flagship and its long-range continent-crossing sibling, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Which means there is room in the mid-capacity sector of Honda’s range for a model to attract customers with a different set of adventurous aspirations.
This is just what the new XL750 Transalp is built to do, and a legend of adventure touring is thus reborn.
The XL750 Transalp takes inspiration from the original and is perfect for an extended touring trip as well as the urban cut and thrust – and all points in-between. It’s at home both slicing through an Alpine pass or kicking up dust on rough tracks. And it adds to the formula a high-performance engine, all-new design and the kind of top-draw equipment level that modern riders demand.
Simply put, the XL750 Transalp is a brilliant all-rounder and leaves only one question unanswered. How far do you want to go?
Mr. Masatoshi Sato, Transalp Large Project Leader, Honda R&D, Japan:
“With our new Transalp we looked hard at what made the first model so good and wanted to strike the right balance between urban agility, long-distance, on-road touring comfort and off-road ability. In arriving where we are, we have considered all these aspects in a ‘360 degree’ way, and created a bike that gives riders of all experience levels a fresh new option in the Honda range. The look revives the classic Transalp presence in a modern key, the new engine is incredibly strong and versatile, and the bike has an appealingly long and rich specification list. Around town or around the world – our Transalp is ready!”
2. Model Overview
The Transalp’s design projects an unmistakeable 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. The overall look is sleek, simple and clean.
The engine packs a great deal of Honda’s engineering prowess into a small space and provides strong response across the rev-range – just what’s needed for either solo or two-up touring. The all new 755cc, parallel twin-cylinder unit (shared with the new CB750 Hornet) produces 67.5kW top power and a strong helping of torque right through the rev range, peaking at 75Nm. Refined settings of the Throttle By Wire (TBW) system orientate the engine character towards touring and comfort.
Compact, competition CRF-derived Unicam eight-valve cylinder heads employ downdraft air intakes and Vortex flow duct to ensure optimal combustion. The 270° crank delivers feel and character. Electronic rider aids run via Throttle By Wire (TBW) and include 5 riding modes, 4 of which contain pre-set combinations of Engine Power, Engine Braking, ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control. The 5th ‘User’ mode allows the rider to fix their own preferred combination.
Handling is light, nimble and confidence inspiring. The steel diamond frame is light weight thanks to optimisation of wall/pipe thickness and stiffness. For supple on-road performance and off-road bump absorption, suspension is top quality: Showa 43mm SFF-CA USD forks and rear shock operating through Pro-Link. Dual two-piston calipers provide efficient stopping power while the tyres – 90/90-21/150/70-18 front and rear – deliver versatility on or off-road.
The rich specification list is headlined by a 5-inch TFT colour display which supplies vivid information delivery and management of all systems, as well as the connectivity of Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCs) for Android and IOS devices. All lighting is LED; the indicators auto-cancel and also include Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology to warn other road users of sudden braking.
A range of accessories, including quickshifter, soft and hard luggage, rally/touring equipment and cosmetic enhancements are ready to go for an owner’s preference (see full list below: 4. Accessories).
The 23YM XL750 Transalp will be available three striking colour options including, of course, the beautiful Tricolour paying homage to the original XL600V, marking the return of an icon.
- Matte Iridium Gray Metallic
- Mat Ballistic Black Metallic
- Ross White Tricolour
3. Key Features
3.1 Styling & Equipment
- Fairing and bodywork balance aerodynamic wind protection, on-road comfort and off-road ability
- Practicality from 850mm seat height, USB socket and rear carrier
- Premium feel of a 5-inch full colour TFT screen with Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCs)
- Full LED lighting and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology for the rear indicators
In imagining the perfect lines for the Transalp’s bodywork, the Rome R&D designers’ aim 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 result is sleek, simple and clean bodywork. It has a purposeful look and feel, with zero excess and is built tough. For open visibility forward – and excellent wind deflection – the screen’s height has been carefully optimised. Its compact width also minimises turbulence from ‘trapped’ air. A tall screen and upper/lower around the front and side of the screen deflectors will be available as accessories.
This bike is built to go the distance, so genuine comfort – also for two – matters. Seat height is low for the class at 850mm (an 820mm low 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.
The instruments comprise a 5-inch, full colour high-visibility TFT screen, which offers four types of speed/rpm display – 3 analogue rev-counter styles and 1 bar – according to rider preference – as well as fuel gauge and consumption, riding mode selection and engine parameters, gear selected and customisable shift-up point on the rev-counter. Management is via the screen and switchgear on the left handlebar.
Also incorporated into the interface is the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, which links the rider to their Android while on the move and allows voice management of phone calls, messages, music and navigation. Several of the HSVCs functions will also be accessible on IOS smartphones. A helmet-mounted headset is needed, and the smartphone connects to the dash via Bluetooth; management of Honda Smartphone Voice control is also possible using buttons the left switchgear.
To simplify and miniaturise the entire electrical system the Transalp uses a Controller Area Network (CAN) alongside a Body Control Unit (BCU). The BCU is sited on the left-hand frame rail, under the fuel tank and collectively processes control signals – from the ABS modulator, TFT screen and switch gear.
All lighting is LED. The rear indicators feature an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function. At a minimum speed of 56km/h with either brake working, if negative acceleration of a minimum of 6.0m/s2 is detected, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. At the same speed the threshold is reduced if ABS is activated, to a negative acceleration of a minimum 2.5m/s2.
They also auto-cancel; rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.
3.2 Engine
- 755cc, 8-valve Unicam parallel twin-cylinder engine with 270° crank
- 5kW @ 9,500rpm, 75Nm torque @ 7,250rpm and 35kW A2 license option
- Transalp-specific TBW mapping for touring focus
- Patented Vortex flow intake ducts and tuned exhaust note
- Assist/slipper clutch
Starting from a clean piece of paper, Honda’s development engineers set out to build a brand new twin-cylinder engine to power both the street fighting CB750 Hornet and adventuresome XL750 Transalp.
The resulting 755c, 8-valve Unicam unit has bore and stroke set at 87 x 63.5mm, with compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces a hard hit of top end power, with maximum output of 67.5kW @ 9,500rpm. This is accompanied by mountains of usable torque in the low to mid rpm range, rising to a peak of 75Nm @ 7,250rpm. The result is an engine that provides usable, enjoyable performance for rides of all types and all distances, and for riders of all experience levels.
The new engine is extremely compact and lightweight, due in no small part to the Unicam head (as used by the MX competition ready CRF450R) which operates the 35.5mm diameter inlet valves (with 9.3mm lift) via cam, and 29mm diameter exhaust (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 up duties and also spins the balance shaft; the water pump is tucked away inside the lefthand engine cover and there’s no need for a water-cooled oil-cooler.
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 diameter throttle bodies. The cylinders use a Ni-SiC (Nickel-Silicon Carbide) coating, as used on the CRF450R and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, to increase the engine’s efficiency.
The crank uses 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.
While mechanically identical, the Transalp’s engine TBW settings are tuned differently to focus on an engine ‘flavour’ in keeping with the long distance, touring work for which the Transalp will be the ideal machine.
An assist/slipper clutch – with F.C.C Leaning Segment (FLS) discs – reduces clutch drag torque by 30%, for a lighter lever load and easier up shifts. It also manages rear wheel hop under hard braking and rapid down changes.
Fuel consumption of 23.km/l (WMTC mode) offers a potential range of 390km from the 16.9L fuel tank. And just like the Hornet, a 35kW, A2 licence option will also be available through a quick ECU remap at a Honda dealer.
3.3 Engine Electronics
- Four default rider modes; SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN and GRAVEL
- USER customisation option between all levels
- Four levels of Engine Power and three of Engine Brake
- Five stage Honda Selectable Torque Control with integrated Wheelie Control
- Off-road ABS brake setting allows rear caliper to be switched off in USER mode
Throttle By Wire (TBW) 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 left handlebar mode and TFT screen. There is also a specific USER mode that allows the rider to fine tune their own personal settings
There are 4 levels of Engine Power (EP), 3 levels of Engine Brake (EB), 2 levels of ABS, and 5 levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) available; 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 to 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 minimum intervention.
STANDARD mode is a mid-way 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 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 terrain off road.
USER mode allows the rider to choose between settings 1-4 EP, 1-5 HSTC and 1-3 EB plus rear ABS switch off, and save them for future use.
3.4 Chassis
- Lightweight 18.3kg steel diamond frame with integrated subframe
- Showa 43mm SFF-CA USD forks and Pro-link rear shock; both spring preload adjustable
- Two-piston front calipers/310mm wave discs; single piston caliper/256mm rear disc
- 21/18-inch wheel combination wearing 90/90-21/150/70-18 front and rear tyres
The steel diamond mainframe is lightweight, at just 18.3kg – 10% lighter than the frame of the CB500X. A major R&D process of reducing the number of reinforcing parts, thinning of the main and down tubes, and optimisation of the upper shock mount and swingarm pivot shape has produced a hugely strong platform, with rigidity balanced to deliver feel to the rider across all conditions and geometry set to inspire confident handling agility. The integrated heavy-duty subframe employs high-tension steel pipework for strength and toughness.
Rake and trail are set at 27° and 111mm, with wheelbase of 1560mm and kerb weight of 208kg. Slow speed U-turns are easy thanks to a 42° steering angle and 2.6m minimum turning circle.
The suspension specifications have been selected with the all-round concept firmly in mind, with long travel and superb bump absorption to deliver smooth performance and comfort on-road, and reassuring control off-road. Showa 43mm SFF-CATM (Separate Function Fork-Cartridge) USD forks offer 200mm travel with spring preload adjustment, and mount by a forged aluminium bottom yoke and cast aluminium top yoke, for a perfect balance of strength and rigidity in wide-ranging riding situations.
With 190mm travel the remote reservoir Showa shock (with adjustable preload) operates through Pro-Link and the swingarm which, while employing the same castings as the CRF1100L Africa Twin’s, uses aluminium material exclusive to the Transalp. Ground clearance is 210mm.
Compact, two-piston calipers work dual 310mm ‘wave’ discs. The rear 256mm ‘wave’ disc is operated by a single-piston caliper. 21/18-inch front rear (stainless steel) spoked wheels wear (tubed) 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tyres; Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour.
A full range of accessories are available for the XL750 Transalp, ready for personalisation to an owner’s preference and use, including a quickshifter and low seat option.
To make it easy there are 5 packs that group the accessories neatly together:
- URBAN PACK: (practicality and storage) 50L top box, aluminium panel, mounting base, pillion pad and inner bag plus tall screen and main stand.
- TOURING PACK: (comfort and storage) Rear panniers (R26L / L33L), aluminium panels, support stays, inner bags and heated grips.
- ADVENTURE PACK: (style and functionality) Side pipes, LED fog lights and radiator grill.
- RALLY PACK: (style and functionality) Quickshifter, engine guard, bash plate, off-road rally footpegs and knuckle guards with extensions.
- COMFORT PACK: (comfort and practicality) 3L tank bag, wind deflectors, comfort pillion footpegs and AAC charging socket.
Additional accessories include side tank pads and colour matched wheel stripes and all accessories are also available separately.
5. Technical specifications
ENGINE
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled OHC 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Unicam
Engine Displacement: 755cc
Bore x Stroke (mm): 87mm x 63.5mm
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Max. Power Output: 67.5kW @ 9,500rpm
Max. Torque: 75Nm @ 7,250rpm
Noise Level (dB): Lwot - 81.5; Lurban - 77.5
Oil Capacity: 3.9L
Starter: Electric
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation: PGM-FI electronic injection
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9L
CO2 Emissions WMTC: 103g/km
Fuel Consumption: 23km/l
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Capacity: 12v 8.6Ah
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type: Wet multiple, assist slipper clutch
Transmission Type: 6 speed Manual Transmission
Final Drive: Chain
FRAME
Frame Type: Steel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L´W´H): 2,325mm x 838mm x 1,450mm
Wheelbase: 1560mm
Caster Angle: 27°
Trail: 111mm
Seat Height: 850mm
Ground Clearance: 210mm
Kerb Weight: 208kg
Turning radius: 2.6m
SUSPENSION
Suspension Front: Showa 43mm SFF-CA – 200mm travel
Suspension Rear: Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 190mm travel
WHEELS
Wheels Front: 21in (stainless steel) spoked wheels
Wheels Rear: 18in (stainless steel) spoked wheels
Tyres Front: 90/90-R21 M/C 54H
Tyres Rear: 150/70-R18 M/C 70H
BRAKES
ABS Type: 2 channel
Brakes Front: Dual 310mm x 4.5mm ‘wave’ discs with axial mounted, 2 piston calipers
Brakes Rear: Single 256mm x 6.0mm ‘wave’ disc is operated by a single-piston caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments: TFT
Headlight: LED
Taillight: LED
Connectivity: Honda Smartphone Voice Control
USB: Type C (under the pillion seat)
12V Socket: Optional
Auto Winker Cancel: Yes
Quickshifter: Optional
Security System: HISS
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** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
