2024 Honda XL750 Transalp ADV Motorcycle Review

Honda Transalp Returns

We recently teased the return of Honda’s iconic original “do-it-all crossover” bike, the Transalp. While we still occasionally encounter one, it was only sold in the U.S. from 1989-90. Honda brings it back in the form of the 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp, which draws cues from its legendary predecessor, but features a larger 755cc engine in a lighter 472-pound fuel-injected package.

My suspicions are confirmed; the 2024 Transalp is an outstanding mid-sized bike in Honda’s adventure line-up for those who want full-size bike features without the bulk, weight, and tall height.

The 755cc parallel twin is only 479 pounds, comes in my favorite color (black), and starts at $9,999.

The complete Honda ADV family includes the NC750, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports, XL750 Transalp, NX500 (formerly CB500X), and the Africa Twin. Having ridden both the CRF1100L Africa Twin (left), and the CB500X “Halfrica Twin” (Currently named the NX500), the Transalp is my favorite in terms of size, performance, off-road capability, and affordability. The NC750 functions more as a street commuter bike that can do light offroad.

I have been excited to try this new/old offering from Honda since I saw it debut at the EICMA motorcycle show in Italy a few years ago. At the show it appeared to be very popular with smaller stature riders, and I love the edgy all black color scheme.

As a long time fan of Honda’s two-wheeled (and four-wheeled) products, I had high hopes for the Transalp and it definitely delivers on those expectations.

Known for its prowess in small engine performance, Honda impresses from the moment the ignition button is pushed and a lovely growl lets you know the Transalp is firing up. I am instantly impressed every time I twist the throttle and take off on a ride. The inline two cylinder engine is strong and smooth with just the right amount of torque. The Transalp offers plenty of power for a mid-sized bike, with usable torque on the bottom end. Such an impressive ride!

The Translap has received lavish praise about the motor and it can’t be understated what smooth, confident, comfortable power it provides in any environment, whether on a long street tour or an off-road adventure.

The Right Setup for the Ride

Designed for performance both on and off the road, the Transalp is so comfortable it’s no problem to do an all day or multiple day street tour. And when you’re ready to get a little dirty, the 750 is completely capable on terrain beyond the gravel road. Optional street-legal dual sport tires perform well even in more technical environments.

The Honda Translap proves quite capable in ADV conditions and offers better off-road performance than the CB500X and smaller riders like me will enjoy more confidence inspiring control than on the bigger Africa Twin.

Riders can select one of four ride modes (Rain, Gravel, Standard, Sport) to automatically adjust the Transalp’s power delivery, engine braking, traction control, and ABS settings. A fifth mode called “User” allows the rider to self-adjust each of those settings. The quick-shifter (you don’t need to use the clutch) works in every setting and it’s awesome and smooth, especially at higher RPM.

I find that the gravel setting is great for easy gravel roads, but for anything ‘spicier,’ you’re going to want to go to User mode and adjust (or turn off completely) the traction control and ABS.

A 5-inch full-color LCD display provides plenty of information, including the ride modes, which can be easily toggled or changed. There are four display options providing vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level, engine mode, trip distance, gear position, engine braking level, ABS setting, and much more.

The ride modes and displays can be easily toggled through with the controls at the riders left thumb. This is also where you will find the 5-level heated grip settings which I couldn’t live without.

The 2024 Honda Transalp’s 33.7-inch seat height is competitive with only a handful of mid-sized adventure motorcycles. At 5 feet 4 inches tall, I chose the low seat option which drops the height by almost an inch (.78).

ADV Worthiness

With a base retail price of $9,999, the Transalp provides plenty of confident fun in an affordable package. However, if you are going to take it off-road, it’s a good idea to consider some upgrades, either from Honda or an aftermarket provider.

The bike has had some criticism for the placement of the catalytic converter (cat) below the engine at the bottom of the bike. As a multi-purpose bike it already doesn’t have a lot of ground clearance and the placement of the cat will make a skid plate mandatory for off-road use. Additionally you will want crash bars to protect it from falling on rocks. I wasn’t comfortable riding it off-road until after installing handguards to protect the levers and mirrors (and my hands).

Honda offers a slew of ADV accessories in addition to the crash bars, handguards, and the skid plate pictured here. Plenty of aftermarket companies are offering parts for this bike now too.

High Mileage Comfort

The great thing about the Transalp is it really is an exceptional do-it-all bike. Some people have asked about its street worthiness and between the engine, the seat comfort, and the windscreen, it’s definitely a bike you can take on long sport and/or touring rides. This is also great because it’s comfortable to ride a long distance to get to an off-road ride and not need to load it in a truck to get out there.

Just like with the ADV accessories, there are plenty of options for luggage on the Transalp including these offered from Honda. You can also see Honda’s skid plate, crash bars, and hand guards here.

With the big passenger seat and substantial rack, even without hard cases or panniers, you can already mount quite a load to it.

2024 Honda Transalp

Pros

Self-canceling turn signals
Steel tank enables use of magnetic tank bag (or a tank ring version)
Low price point compared to class competitors, it feels like a high quality bike
Not top heavy, especially for an ADV bike

Cons

Engine temp only, no ambient temperature gauge
No cruise control
Still taller than the NX500 (formerly CB500X)

Specs at a Glance: 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp

Engine Size: 755cc parallel twin
Seat Height: 33.7 inches (Optional seat lowers it by .78 inches)
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Wet Weight: 459 pounds
Colors: Matte Black Metallic
MSRP: $9,999

WRN Recommendation

Whether you’re looking for a long distance street touring bike or an ADV motorcycle, the Transalp is one of those unicorns that does it all well and in a confidence-inspiring way. At first I thought of it as a street bike that does well off-road, but after some aggressive technical rides, I started thinking of it as a big dirtbike that also does street touring exquisitely. It will be a great performer no matter your use, and with a low price point there is budget left to make it your own depending on the riding you want to do.

We expect the Transalp to be a hit with women (and men!) riders with its relatively low seat, mid-sized performance, low pricing, and Honda’s reputation for reliability.

Find more information here about the Honda Transalp.

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