The 2023 Honda Transalp 750 is REAL! Weight, Seat Height, Horsepower, and Price + Tenere vs Transalp
Posted on 11/09/2022 3:22:46 AM PST by RoosterRedux
After much speculation, Honda has unveiled the new XL750 Transalp for 2023, bringing yet another competitor into the middleweight adventure bike category.
The first Transalp arrived back in 1987 and proved popular around the world before disappearing from the Honda lineup in 2012. The Transalp name has always been synonymous with reliability and the ability to get from A to B, wherever A or B may be.
The return of Honda’s Transalp will be welcomed by its devoted fans, but may put fear into the hearts of other manufacturers as they compete for glory at the top of the middleweight adventure class.
The Honda XL750 Transalp is powered by the same parallel twin engine found in the recently announced Honda CB750 Hornet, which puts out 90.5bhp and 75Nm of torque, squaring the Transalp up against rivals like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and BMW F 850 GS.
Throttle control is ride-by-wire, and it pairs with a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. There’s also a de-tuned A2 licence option available, which can be reconfigured back up to full power once the rider has an unrestricted licence.
The XL750 Transalp comes equipped with five riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel, and User. User allows the rider to customise the bike’s handling to suit their needs.
Information is displayed on a full colour, 5-inch TFT display, and other electronic rider aids include anti-wheelie control, and ABS and traction control which can be switched off on the rear wheel. It also comes with smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, calls, and messages. And there’s LED lighting throughout.
The new Transalp is built around a steel diamond frame which weighs 18.3kg, and the entire bike has a wet weight of 208kg, which makes the bike very approachable for off-road riders and for beginners alike.
Showa suspension is fitted at the front and rear of the bike, with 200mm and 190mm of travel respectively. Combined with a ground clearance of 210mm, the XL750 should be plenty capable of tackling trails.
The brakes are a two-piston calliper working dual 310mm discs at the front, and a single-piston calliper paired with a 256mm disc at the rear.
Wheel sizes are off-road biased with a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear, with spoked wheels and tubed tyres: either Metzeler Karoo Streets or Dunlop Mixtours depending on your intended riding style.
The fuel tank has a 16.9-litre capacity, and with a claimed fuel consumption of 65mpg, that should work out to a potential 180 mile distance between fill-ups.
The seat is an easy-going 850mm height, with a low 820mm seat available as an option.
The styling of the new Transalp has hint of the retro, with it borrowing some of the lines and form of the original 1987 XL600V. The main visual differences are the exhaust set up, a larger windscreen, and the LED headlights. That’s either a testament to Honda’s original futuristic vision or people’s demand for retro style today, but either way, the 2023 Transalp looks fantastic.
It’s available in three colours: Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, Matte Iridium Grey Metallic, and of course, Ross White Tricolour which pays homage to the original 1987 livery.
The Transalp name carries a long legacy with it, and after a 13 year hiatus, many people will be expecting a lot from Honda’s new XL. But from what we can see so far, it’s got all the makings to be a success for Honda.
With a capable new engine, the expected Honda build quality, useful but not overbearing electronics, an accessible size and weight, and a truly retro style, the new Transalp should faithfully carry on the legacy of its name.
Of course, we’ll have to ride one before we know if it really is the complete middleweight adventure package.
The only factor that remains to be seen is the price. In such a competitive market, Honda can’t afford to price anyone out. But with luxury features relatively few, we expect that the XL750 Transalp will arrive with a reasonable price tag.
You can find out more about Honda’s new Transalp over at their website here.
The 2023 Honda Transalp 750 is REAL! Weight, Seat Height, Horsepower, and Price + Tenere vs Transalp
Not so sure I’d want ride by wire in a motorcycle. I’ve had cars suddenly rev in gear on me.
I did a ride yesterday that required about 50 miles round trip on tarmac to reach some really nice dirt roads (very sandy, beautiful), and the wind beat me to death. When I got home, my shoulders were sore as hell just from hanging on in the wind (the wind was bad, but that wouldn't have been a problem on a heavier bike).
Here's a pic of the CRF300L Rally. Love it, but it's just too light for the highway at 333 lbs dry.
That’s a good point. But it is a Honda and they have thoroughly tested that tech on several other platforms (like the Africa Twin).
I’d take Tenere any day as it is off-road oriented. If you are more into touring then there are better bikes than both of them.
I used to teach English at the Honda Head office in Tokyo . My students were in the “ motorcycle division “ . Bunch of good chaps .
I'm a dirt road and trail rider mostly, but sure would like a little comfort on the tarmac to get there.
“…my shoulders were sore as hell…”
The way I look at it these days, if you’re over 50 that’s a damn fine workout for a guy who’s sitting down.
Nice bike and doesn’t look too tall. I wonder if you can actually buy one? The showrooms in Albuquerque are pretty bare. I have a GS1200. Great bike but I have no use for all that power and it’s tall. I actually prefer my 650 Vstrom for all around riding. Decisions decisions.
Great bikes.
My CRF300L is tall (35 inches). I am used to it but it would be nice to ride a lower bike.
I'm 74 but still get a lot of cardio (I ride my road and mountain bikes about 5 hours a week combined at a local state park).
I wondered what the exercise value might be for my motorcycle. As said, I was sore as hell last night...and tired.
I drop my CRF300L from time to time in the sand and can pop it right back up.
But a GS1200 would require some help or a very dependable jack.
No DCT option?
Transalp? What the hell kind of name is that? Tranny Sap?
Speaking of dependable , their cars are as well . We’ve owned nothing but Hondas since 1995 .
Transalp is definitely better on road, but not dramatically. If comfort is critical then maybe you need to bring the bike by truck. Or get the 1 liter VStrom and choose easier trails.
“Crossing the Alps” was the reference that I got from the name. But hey, different strokes...
Motorcycle ping! :-)
The Transalp would probably come in about 100 lbs heavier.
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