The Transalp, one of Honda’s most-loved adventure bikes, is back. The new 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp debuted at the EICMA show in Milan today, and in an era where the market is flooded with many choices for adventure bikes, Honda says this bike will fill the same role as the original. As the press release puts it:
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?
So what do we get here?
Engine
As predicted by moto-pundits and spy shots alike, the new XL750 Transalp is based on a 755cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, with eight-valve head and 270-degree crank. Claimed output is about 90 hp at 9,500 rpm and 55 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. An assist/slipper clutch is standard; a quickshifter is available as an option for the six-speed gearbox.
The parallel twin is aimed at grown-up riding, not hooliganism, by the sound of Honda’s presser:
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.
Stock, the bike comes with Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel power modes. Sounds like User mode will at least allow riders to let their freak flag fly, if Sport mode isn’t hairy-chested enough!
Honda’s press release notes that although this engine is the same as the Hornet’s engine mechanically, it has been retuned for the Transalp. It’s supposed to get 23 km/l fuel consumption which works out to 54 US mpg. This theoretically allows a 390-km range, or 242 miles, from the 16.9-liter fuel tank.
The engine can also be detuned with a dealer reflash, making this bike legal on an A2 license, for overseas buyers on learner restrictions.
Chassis
Just like the CB750 Hornet, the XL750 Transalp has a steel diamond frame. It’s very lightweight, coming in 10% lighter than the CB500X frame, due to clever engineering and manufacturing. Alas, the subframe is integrated, which means it’s only a matter of time before we hear bitter complaining about this from riders who’ve dropped their bike and are now in for expensive welding repairs.
Honda says “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 front suspension is has a Showa 43mm SFF-CATM (Separate Function Fork-Cartridge) USD fork, with 200 mm travel. In back, there’s a remote reservoir Showa shock with 190 mm travel and preload adjustability. Honda says the swingarm is based off the same casting as the Africa Twin.
The brakes carry on the theme of practicality and affordability. In front, there are dual 310mm discs, with two-piston caliper; in back, there’s a single 256 mm disc, with single-piston calipers. The Transalp rolls on 90/90-21 front tire and 150/70-18 rear tire, either Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour rubber. Dual-channel ABS is standard.
Accessories
Want to farkle your bike? Here’s what Honda says is available:
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.
Of course, the aftermarket will also no doubt be quick to respond.
Pricing & Availability?
For now, the new Honda Transalp isn’t confirmed for North America for 2023, so we have no pricing or availability to share—but surely that’s just a matter of time.
