For Indian motorcycling enthusiasts who dream of crossing high-altitude passes, navigating dense north-eastern trails, or carving through the cool desert stretches of Rajasthan in winter, the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp lands as a compelling answer. It is more than just another ADV in the mix — it is a name that carries heritage, function, and that ever-elusive X-factor for the long-haul rider.
Adventure bikes have been enjoying a strong surge in India, particularly among a growing tribe of riders who are not looking at their motorcycle as just a commuter tool, but as a passport to freedom. And in this evolving landscape, Honda’s decision to finally bring the XL750 Transalp to India through its BigWing network feels timely, if not overdue.
The 2025 Transalp carries the legacy of its forebears, but it has been thoroughly modernised to meet current expectations
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Special arrangement
The 2025 Transalp carries the legacy of its forebears, but it has been thoroughly modernised to meet current expectations. At its core is a 755cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 67.5 kW (roughly 90.5 bhp) at 9,500 RPM and 75 Nm of torque at 7,250 RPM. This powertrain is no stranger — it also does duty on the CB750 Hornet — but in the Transalp, it has been tuned with long-distance and mixed-terrain usage in mind.
Riders get access to five riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User. These modes alter the power delivery, engine braking, traction control (via Honda’s Selectable Torque Control), and ABS parameters. The throttle-by-wire system ensures smooth modulation, while the assist slipper clutch keeps things drama-free on downshifts — critical when descending rough, rocky slopes.
On the suspension front, Honda has gone with Showa 43mm USD forks up front and a Pro-Link monoshock at the rear. The damping has been revised to offer better control in off-road conditions. Combined with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheel setup, the Transalp is clearly designed to go beyond tarmac. Braking is taken care of by twin 310mm front discs and a 256mm rear disc, all backed by dual-channel ABS.
Riders get access to five riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User
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Visually, the Transalp strikes a fine balance between rugged functionality and sleek design. While it does carry a silhouette that nods to the larger Africa Twin, especially around the fairing and the upright stance, it also manages to stand apart. Dual LED projector headlights and a contoured windscreen speak to its long-haul intentions, while the slim mid-section and tucked-in tail section hint at off-road agility.
Tech-savvy riders will appreciate the new five-inch colour TFT screen, which employs optical bonding for superior sunlight visibility. Connectivity is handled via the Honda RoadSync app, which integrates calls, SMS alerts, music control, and navigation. Safety features include Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) tech and auto-cancelling indicators.
Honda is offering the Transalp in two shades: the classic Ross White and a more stealthy Graphite Black. Both lend the bike a purposeful, almost understated presence — one that’s better appreciated when caked in mud or dust after a hard day’s ride.
Honda is offering the Transalp in two shades: the classic Ross White and a more stealthy Graphite Black
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Priced at ₹10.99 lakh, the XL750 Transalp is not gunning for the budget-conscious. But for riders who view motorcycling as a lifestyle, a passion, or a form of personal discovery, this bike ticks all the right boxes. It is not trying to out-spec the competition on paper, but what it brings is Honda’s signature reliability, thoughtful engineering, and a setup that feels properly sorted for the mixed realities of Indian adventure touring.
From city commutes to Himalayan crossings, the Transalp seems prepared to handle it all. And in a segment that’s increasingly crowded with over-equipped or overly large offerings, Honda’s take feels refreshingly balanced.
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Published – June 23, 2025 04:21 pm IST
