Honda XL750 Transalp 2023 vs. Ducati DesertX 2022

The Honda XL750 Transalp 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are both enduro motorcycles that offer different strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Honda XL750 Transalp 2023, it has an in-line engine with a displacement of 755ccm. It produces 92 HP of power and 75 Nm of torque. The engine is known for its accessibility and fun, making it suitable for both small and big riders. The bike is well-built and offers good value for money. It has a low weight, which contributes to its easy handling in all situations. Additionally, the Transalp has low fuel consumption, making it an economical choice.

In terms of suspension, the Transalp features an upside-down telescopic fork from Showa at the front with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock from Showa, offering a travel of 190mm. The suspension is adjustable for preload, providing some customization options.

The chassis of the Transalp is made of steel and has a rake of 63 degrees and a trail of 111mm. The bike is equipped with double disk brakes at the front from Nissin, ensuring reliable stopping power. As for rider assistance systems, the Transalp comes with ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

Honda XL750 Transalp 2023

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Transalp has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm with an 18-inch diameter. The wheelbase is 1560mm, and the seat height is 850mm. The bike weighs 208kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 16.9 liters. It offers a range of 393km and has a combined fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100km. The Transalp is equipped with Bluetooth, connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

Moving on to the Ducati DesertX 2022, it features a V-type engine with a displacement of 937ccm. The engine delivers 110 HP of power and 92 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Transalp. The DesertX has an electric starter and a chain transmission, similar to the Transalp.

The suspension of the DesertX consists of an upside-down telescopic fork from Kayaba at the front with a diameter of 46mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock, also from Kayaba, offering a travel of 220mm. The suspension is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound, providing greater customization options compared to the Transalp.

Like the Transalp, the DesertX has a steel frame with a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm. It is equipped with double disk brakes at the front from Brembo, ensuring powerful braking performance. The DesertX offers advanced rider assistance systems such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of dimensions and weights, the DesertX has the same front tire diameter of 21 inches and rear tire width of 150mm with an 18-inch diameter as the Transalp. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1608mm, and the seat height is higher at 875mm. The DesertX weighs 223kg (with ABS) and has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. It offers a range of 375km and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100km. The DesertX is equipped with connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the Transalp offers an accessible and fun engine, making it suitable for riders of different sizes. It is well-built and offers good value for money. The bike has a low weight, making it easy to handle in all situations, and it has low fuel consumption. On the other hand, the DesertX has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, and powerful brakes. It also offers well-thought-out detail solutions and extensive standard equipment.

However, the Transalp has some weaknesses. It lacks cruise control, even as an accessory, and its components, which are trimmed for comfort, may reach their limits under tougher conditions. The top quickshifter is only optional, and the bike has relatively little lean angle clearance. The Transalp also has carefully tuned electronics. As for the DesertX, its weaknesses include a slightly less smooth running engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger.

In conclusion, the Honda XL750 Transalp 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Transalp offers accessibility, good value for money, and easy handling, while the DesertX provides a powerful engine, advanced rider assistance systems, and a high level of standard equipment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.