The original Transalp, introduced in 1986 with a 583cc V-Twin engine, is something of a legend. And as testament to the sheer quality of its build and timelessness of its design, many can still be seen on Europe’s roads today.
Back then, its focus was as a smooth, comfortable do-it-all crossover that could cope with rougher ground thanks to long-travel suspension and light off-road dynamic. By 2000 the engine had grown to 647cc and, for the last version in 2008 it landed with 680cc, fuel injection and a 214kg kerb weight.
The Adventure segment has expanded massively since the Transalp first turned a wheel. Honda has the superb pocket-adventurer, A2-compatible CB500X plus the dual purpose, super-athletic CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure flagship and its long-range continent-crossing sibling, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Which means there is room in the mid-capacity sector of Honda’s range for a model to attract customers with a different set of adventurous aspirations.
This is just what the new XL750 Transalp is built to do, and a legend of adventure touring is thus reborn.
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?
