Did You Hear? The Honda XL750 Transalp is coming to the US. Get Specs, Features, and More

Since the 1980’s the Honda Transalp has found its place in European garages. Given its major successes in these markets, in 1989, it made its debut in the US market. Unfortunately, due to a wide variety of factors, primarily related to the fact that there wasn’t really an existing adventure bike segment here, it only remained stateside for two years.

Since then, much has changed. From acid wash jeans and satellite phones, to iPhones and Crocs we’ve come a long way (and unfortunately in the case of Crocs, it appears we still have a long way to go). 

And that includes a burst of popularity in adventure bikes. 

So what does that mean for the Honda Transalp?

Yep, you guessed it. The Transalp is back in the US market. 

Wondering what you can expect in the 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp? Keep reading to find out. In this post we’ll take a deep dive into the features and specifications you need to know in this truly groundbreaking bike. (After all, many say that the Transalp was THE adventure bike before they existed.)

1. 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp Specs 
2. Technology
3. Performance
1. Horsepower 
2. Handling
3. Engineering 
4. Comfort and Convenience
5. What is the Difference Between Transalp and Africa Twin?
6. Accessorizing Your Transalp 750

2024 Honda XL750 Transalp Specs

We know, first the specs and then the details. We won’t keep you waiting (but we do recommend you keep reading).

The 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp comes well equipped with a liquid-cooled 755cc parallel-Twin with Honda’s Unicam design. It has 4 valves per cylinder, and a 270 degree crank. Additional crucial upgrades and features include a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a slip/assist clutch, and a standard quickshifter (more about all of those below). 

One added bonus that makes this bike even more ready to take on whatever you throw at it, thanks to five easily accessible ride modes. These are: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and rider-customizable. 

Technology

Those five ride modes we mentioned? Those are just the beginning of what this bike has to offer for adventure riders. Each one has different characteristics related to power delivery, engine braking, and ABS intervention. You know how important bike adjustability is on demandings surfaces, so being able to seamlessly switch between these different modes makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

Additional technologies you can find in the Honda 750 Transalp?

• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): For increased or decreased rear wheel spin. This can give you increased control on slippery roads, thanks to reduced wheel spin. Alternatively, if you’re hitting the dirt roads, you can choose a level allowing for some rear wheel spin.
• Throttle by Wire (TBW): Instead of a mechanical linkage, the system uses an electronic position sensor connected to the accelerator that sends an electronic signal to the vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM). This system is what allows the Transalp to have its 5 different ride modes. 

These technologies, coupled with performance factors mentioned in the next section, make it clear why the US was clamoring for our very own Transalp in the 2020’s. 

Photo courtesy of Honda

Performance

One of the things that makes this 756cc twin-cylinder bike both unique and reminiscent of other Honda favorites is its Unicam engine design. Also found in the Honda Africa and CRF450R, this choice of engine means a compact cylinder head that creates optimal engine placement. Its design is narrow and recognized for the consistent torque it offers throughout the bike’s RPM range. 

Some additional performance attributes to consider include:

• Parallel-Twin Engine Layout: This choice allows the bike to be shorter from front to back. Subsequently, the front wheel can get closer to the engine, resulting in a shorter wheelbase and a more nimble bike.

• Vortex Airflow Ducting: If you’re a Honda fan, you’ve likely seen other bikes with this feature. It speeds up the bike’s intake-charge airspeed at low and mid-engine speeds (3,000-8,000 RPM) to give you a better throttle response and acceleration. 

• Ni-Sic Cylinder Bore Plating: Leave behind the iron cylinders in exchange for Nickel-Silicon-Carbide plating. This leads to better engine cooling and a more compact cylinder spacing.

• Quick Shifter: Standard on the Transalp 750XL, this results in fast and decisive shifting that truly “makes things happen”, as Honda says. 

• High Pressure Fuel Injection: Pressurized at 65 PSI, enjoy improved combustion for better throttle response; especially in low and mid range RPMs.

Honda 750 Transalp Horsepower 

One common question about the Honda 750 Transalp is: how much horsepower? Well, the answer depends on where you’re riding. The US version makes 83 horsepower, whereas its European counterpart hits 90.5 horsepower.

Handling 

As you might have guessed by now, this bike has incredible handling both on and off road. Wonder what makes it happen? Keep reading to find out.

• Spoked Wheels: Off road bikes generally utilize wire wheels and traditional spokes because they tend to perform better in the dirt. Additionally, you get a 21” wheel up front and 18” rear wheel. 

• Long Travel Front Suspension: An inverted SFF-CA fork has 43mm tubes and 7.9” travel - making it perfect for on and off road riding alike. 

• Pro-Link Rear Suspension: Can’t have the long travel front suspension without a Showa shock rear suspension with 7.5” of travel in the back.

• Slipper-Assist Clutch: No more “hop” in the downshift and a lighter clutch pull at the lever. What more could you want? 

• Disk Brakes with ABS: Hello, dual front discs and a single rear disk (and incredible stopping power). PS: You can turn off the rear wheel ABS when you’re riding in the dirt.

• 42 Degree Steering Lock: The Transalp will be one for the books when it comes to maneuverability. 

• Excellent Ground Clearance: 8.3” of clearance means the Transalp is ideally suited for both off road and highway riding. Spend more time in the dirt? An optional skid plate can be integrated. 

• Electronic Fuel Injection: Cold starts and high altitudes, we’re coming for you (with predictable and powerful performance).

• Diamond Truss Steel Frame: Light, strong, and appropriately rigid. That’s how we’d describe this frame. 

{Want more Moto content? Sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates, new products, sales, and much more}

Engineering 

Though some might argue that this bike as a whole is a feat of engineering, we still like to take a closer look. Some additional features you may want to keep in mind when assessing this bike are:

• Compact Water Pump: Located inside the engine alternator’s cover, this water pump is safely hidden away from external risks. But fear not, it’s still easily accessible - while also still reducing both size and weight.

• 270° Phase Crank: Most comparable twin engines feature a 180° crank. Honda’s choice to up it to 270° results in a power delivery that’s easy to modulate across challenging terrain in particular.

• Gear Driven Counterbalancer: The Transalp’s engine drives the counterbalance of the crank’s existing primary gear. This results in less weight and complexity, while also keeping the engine more compact.

• FLS Clutch Discs: With its oblique-layout frictional materials in the bike’s clutch discs, clutch drag torque is reduced by 30% over earlier designs, resulting in a more nimble shift as well as better durability and performance. 

Comfort and Convenience

A TFT display is only beginning on the 750 XL Transalp. It features a 5” full color LCD, multi-information dash display. It can provide updates on vehicle speed, engine speed, engine mode, fuel level, gear position, trip distance, engine braking level, ABS, and much more.

Additional features to look out for include:

• Extra Comfy Seat: If you’re considering a Transalp, you likely have some longer rides planned, so a comfortable ride is crucial. The unique shape of the seat on this bike results in one that is supportive in the corners and comfortable over longer distances. 

• Optional: Low Seat: In Honda’s available accessory set, you can find an option that sits 1.1” lower than the standard seat.

• Larger Fuel Tank: You can go the distance, without being dragged down by excess weight with a 4.5 gallon fuel tank.

• Standard Rear Carrier: Feel free to bring a friend along for the rider on the Transalp (and let them enjoy the ride… as well as passenger handholds as standard).

• Rally-Type Fairing: Here’s an example of a bike that is ready for inclement weather without being too bulky or heavy for off road riding. 

• USB-C Port: Yup, we get it. Everyone’s got something that needs to charge. Find your USB-C port below the passenger seat.

• Self-Canceling Turn Signals: Hello, modern conveniences. Gone are the days where you’ll find yourself driving along with your turn signal still blinking in the breeze. 

2024 Transalp XL750 vs Honda Africa Twin

One common comparison, thanks partially to the Unicam engine mentioned above, is between the Transalp and the Honda Africa Twin. They’re both designed to deliver a high quality riding experience, but have some differences that may make them appeal to different segments of the adventure bike market.

Generally speaking, the Africa Twin is often considered more suitable for serious off road adventures, with features like a long-travel suspension and robust chassis. On the other hand,the Transalp 750 is designed more for versatility in uses; so while it can handle a range of off road conditions, it may not be as capable as the Africa Twin in extreme off-road terrains.

Here are some of the biggest differences between these bikes. 

Engine Size:

• The Africa Twin typically has a larger engine, often around 1000cc, providing more power and torque. The exact engine size can vary depending on the model year.
• The Transalp, historically, has had smaller engine options, often in the 600cc range but sneaking up into the 700’s in the 2024 model. 

Weight and Size:

• The Africa Twin is larger and heavier due to its off-road-oriented features and larger engine.
• The Transalp is generally more compact and lighter, making it potentially more maneuverable for urban commuting.

Features and Technology:

• The Africa Twin, being a flagship adventure-touring model, may come equipped with more features and technology that make it more suited for challenging off road terrain.
• The Transalp, being positioned as a versatile all-around bike, may have fewer advanced features compared to the Africa Twin. It’s also quite a bit cheaper. 

Accessorizing Your Transalp 750

It’s no surprise that the Transalp made a splash with its return to the US market. Once you’ve got this incredible bike, you may want to accessorize or upgrade it. That’s where we come in. Check out our 2024 Honda Transalp 750 parts and accessories to enhance your riding experience. 

You can even see a video of a Transalp getting fitted with some of our top selling accessories here:

Got questions about how to outfit this bike or others? Feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to share our expertise so that you can get that perfect performance from your bike. 

Like this post? You might also enjoy:

• Top Bikes from the 2024 Honda Motorcycles Lineup
• Everything You Need to Know About Motorcycle Fender Extenders from Pyramid Plastics
• Fuel Tank Tactics: How to Never Hit Empty on Your Bike