Honda XL750 Transalp 2025 Off-Road Review

Off-roading in German-speaking regions often comes with restrictions, especially when everything is meant to be above board. But here, in the Alpine foothills southwest of Vienna, lies a true paradise for enduro riders: the Red Stag Enduro Park. With over 50 kilometers of off-road tracks and approximately 33 kilometers of demanding hard enduro sections, this terrain offers everything an off-roader's heart desires. The trails are color-codedfrom green to bluemaking them suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Big adventure bikes are also expressly welcome here. Time and again, riders venture out on fully-loaded big rigs to tackle the varying technical challenges and push their machines to the limit. Operated by Enduro Extreme, the park hosts eight events a yearfrom May to the end of October. Anyone interested can find all the info at www.enduro-extreme.com. It's the perfect spot to put the revamped 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp through its paces. Together with McGregor and off-road expert Busty Wolter, we took on the challenge of testing this mid-range adventure bike under real and relentless conditions. From the very first ride, it was clear: something's different from the old version. The Transalp now feels more direct, firmer in its response to irregularities, and more substantial in its damping.

Honda stays true to its roots: The Transalp is neither a radical sportbike nor a hardcore enduro. Weighing in at 210 kilograms ready to ride and with a seat height of 850 millimeters (optionally 820 mm), the Transalp remains accessible. It's a particularly good choice for shorter riders. The fuel tank holds 16.9 liters, enough for extended tours. It's a thoroughly sensible, extremely versatile adventure bike that now shines even brighter thanks to targeted upgrades. The redesigned LED headlight gives it a modern look, while the revamped fairing provides improved wind protection. Additionally, the new display with its enhanced four-way control brings the bike up to date technologically. However, the most significant update for our test was undoubtedly the suspension, eagerly anticipated by many Transalp enthusiasts.

At this year's Off-Road Test Days, 1000PS is banking on a true classic: the Continental TKC 80. This tire is celebrating a remarkable milestone in 202540 years of service on expeditions and travels around the world. While the rubber compound has been modernized over the decades, the core construction and iconic block pattern have remained largely unchanged. It's a testament to timeless design that still performs today. The TKC 80 delivers exactly whats needed off-road: solid grip, high traction on loose surfaces, and excellent self-cleaning in muddy sections. Especially in the rougher parts of the Red Stag, this tire sparks real joy. Our test crew quickly agreed: the TKC 80 remains a reliable partner when venturing into the wild. A well-deserved spot as the standard tire for the Off-Road Test Days.

The 755 cc parallel-twin engine retains its characteristic charm. It responds crisply to throttle input, delivering 92 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 7250 rpm. This provides a solid punch in the mid and upper rev range, though it does need some revs to really get going. In the lower range, the power delivery is somewhat tame and unspectacular, but once you surpass the 5000 rpm mark, the engine pulls with sporty vigor towards the redline. In tough off-road conditions, it's advisable to work the clutch a bit to smoothly navigate obstacles at low speeds.

Honda has done an outstanding job here. The previously too-soft suspension has been specifically revised. The 43mm Showa upside-down fork and the Showa central shock absorber, with 200 mm and 190 mm of travel respectively, have been retuned. The rear, in particular, is now significantly firmer and works more precisely. Combined with the equally retuned front, this creates a harmonious interaction that enhances ride stability. Especially in fast off-road sections with deep ruts and bumps, the new reserve strength is evident. The Transalp now remains well-controlled at higher speeds and no longer bottoms out. However, the setup is not fully adjustable, which might be missed by more ambitious riders.

The new control layout appears more streamlined and intuitive. The large 5-inch display is excellently readable, providing all relevant information at a glance. The configurability of ride modes, traction control, engine brake, and ABS is extensive. In User Mode, you can set up a custom configurationsuch as disabling traction control and rear ABS for off-road use. However, it's worth criticizing that these settings are lost each time the ignition is turned off. This is particularly cumbersome for an adventure bike intended for longer off-road tours.

The braking system may lack big-name branding and excessive sizing, but it performs flawlessly. The front brake's pressure point is well-defined yet not aggressiveideal for off-road use. The rear brake also allows for fine-tuned deceleration. Riders with a delicate touch will find the braking performance thoroughly satisfying. The correlation between lever travel and deceleration is well-balanced, instilling confidence, especially on loose surfaces.

A positive highlight is the comprehensive onboard toolkit under the seat, which allows for minor roadside repairs with ease. On the downside, changing the air filter is quite labor-intensive, as it requires navigating through several fairings and even the display. Additionally, the welded rear frame is a disadvantage in the event of a crash.

Compared to the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Aprilia Tuareg 660, Suzuki V-Strom 800, or KTM 790 Adventure, the Transalp positions itself as a "well-rounded all-rounder." Its not radically sporty or ultra-light, but overall very cohesive. The Yamaha is more purist, the Tuareg more technical, the KTM more aggressive, and the Suzuki heavier. The Honda, on the other hand, appears very balanced, easily accessible, and robust.

At the 2025 Off-Road Test Days, Leatt's two adventure suits impressed with functionality, protection, and comfort. The MultiTour 5.5 is a weatherproof all-rounder featuring a 3-layer construction, a 20,000 mm waterproof inner jacket, and thoughtful ventilationideal for 10 to 20°C and variable conditions. The FlowTour 5.5 boasts large mesh panels, a sporty cut, and a waterproof outer jacketperfect for active riders in 25°C and above. Both offer high-quality Level 2 protectors, smart features like hydration system preparation, and adjustable widths. For uncompromising touring function, choose the MultiTour. For those who value lightness, ventilation, and flexibility, the FlowTour is the right choice.