23YM XL750 Transalp

Honda’s new ADV ISN’T an Africa Twin…

When the rumours of a new Transalp surfaced it was a surprise. For the longest time the new ‘Africa Twin’ 750 was rumoured. So what are we looking at here?


Impressed, surprised and excited. I think those are all solid adjectives to describe the new Transalp. Maybe I have a negative association with the name and I want Honda to make the dream bike, but on paper at least there is very little to be offended at here. The signs are good.

From the marketing Honda appear to putting this in a very central part of the adventure bike curve.

 

When we talk about ADV’s in the modern era, I think most people want fast, light, good suspension and a seat heigh that only allows the tallest of riders comfort. Honda seem to have managed that. It’s a competitive 208kgs Kerb Weight (ready to ride with fuel), has 200mm of suspension travel, 21/18″ wheels and is pushing 67.5kw of power (90hp) from the all-new 750 engine.

From the marketing Honda appear to putting this in a very central part of the adventure bike curve. It’s not a KTM 890 ADV R competitor, it’s a bike to do a bit of everything. Decent street bike, amble around the world on some gravel and dirt and be home a few days later. It’s not breaking any conventions with anything, that’s not really Honda’s jam anymore. The fuel tank is traditional, the seat heigh 850mm (standard ADV bike) and the colouring playing heavy on the Africa Twin heritage from the 80’s & 90’s. Now we just need one to ride… Anyone got a phone number from Honda?

 


Specs –

ENGINE
Engine TypeLiquid-cooled OHC 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Unicam
Engine Displacement755cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)87mm x 63.5mm
Compression Ratio11.0:1
Max. Power Output67.5kW @ 9,500rpm
Max. Torque75Nm @ 7,250rpm
Noise Level (dB) Lwot – 81.5; Lurban – 77.5
Oil Capacity 3.9L
StarterElectric
FUEL SYSTEM
CarburationPGM-FI electronic injection
Fuel Tank Capacity16.9L
CO2 Emissions WMTC103g/km
Fuel Consumption23km/l
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Capacity12v 8.6Ah
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch TypeWet multiple, assist slipper clutch
Transmission Type6 speed Manual Transmission
Final DriveChain
FRAME
Frame TypeSteel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L´W´H)2,325mm x 838mm x 1,450mm
Wheelbase1560mm
Caster Angle27°
Trail111mm
Seat Height850mm
Ground Clearance210mm
Kerb Weight208kg
Turning radius2.6m
SUSPENSION
Suspension FrontShowa 43mm SFF-CA – 200mm travel
Suspension RearMonoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 190mm travel
WHEELS
Wheels Front21in (stainless steel) spoked wheels
Wheels Rear18in (stainless steel) spoked wheels
Tyres Front90/90-R21 M/C 54H
Tyres Rear150/70-R18 M/C 70H
BRAKES
ABS Type2 channel
Brakes Front

Dual 310mm x 4.5mm ‘wave’ discs with axial mounted

2 piston calipers

Brakes RearSingle 256mm x 6.0mm ‘wave’ disc is operated by a single-piston caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
InstrumentsTFT
HeadlightLED
TaillightLED
ConnectivityHonda Smartphone Voice Control
USBType C (under the pillion seat)
12V SocketOptional
Auto Winker CancelYes
QuickshifterOptional
Security SystemHISS

Did you like this article? Brake is an independent magazine, producing free content online. We aim to make detailed, honest, quality content. The downside being that it comes at a cost. If you would like to support our reviews and travel stories, you can do so for a little as the cost of a coffee. Thanks for reading!