In today’s economy, justifying motorcycle ownership can feel like a luxury, especially when garage space and finances are tight. The dream of a multi-bike garage might be fading for many enthusiasts facing inflation and economic uncertainty. However, what if there was a single Honda Bike that could do it all, negating the need for multiple machines and delivering exceptional value? After spending four days riding the Honda XL750 Transalp, it’s clear this motorcycle makes a compelling case for being the only bike in your garage.
Last June, I needed a reliable and versatile motorcycle. The requirements were demanding: it had to comfortably carry luggage for a week-long trip, be easy to maneuver through a bustling and unfamiliar city, and provide comfort for extended freeway rides. The Transalp not only met these needs but exceeded expectations in surprising ways.
An Unconventional Beginning
My first encounter with the Transalp was less than graceful. Before picking up the bike, I had to wrestle an oversized suitcase into a luggage storage locker – a task that required physical exertion. From there, an Uber ride led me to the Transalp, ready to be loaded with gear for my upcoming stint at the California Superbike School. The pressure was on; I was carrying enough motorcycle equipment to equip a Moto3 team, and everything had to fit.
Photo by: Guy PickrellTo my astonishment, the Transalp’s panniers swallowed an incredible amount of gear with minimal effort. It was far from a game of Tetris. Had it not been for the bulk of my racing equipment, packing for a month-long adventure would have been easily achievable.
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With a new bike and over 40 pounds of gear, I embarked on my inaugural journey across Los Angeles. Having only heard tales of LA’s notorious traffic, and now facing it on a press bike, a wave of nervousness washed over me.
Effortless City and Highway Companion
While I hoped the Honda would be manageable enough to navigate LA traffic and reach Willow Springs Raceway without undue stress, I was unprepared for its exceptional capabilities.
In the urban jungle, this Honda bike proved remarkably easy to ride. Its predictable throttle response, light clutch, and user-friendly low-speed handling made city riding a breeze. The 856mm (33.7 inches) seat height might be a touch tall for some, but at my six-foot frame, it provided a commanding yet comfortable riding position. Whether lane-splitting through congested traffic or cruising on the freeway, the Transalp excelled, especially on the open road.
The ride back from Willow Springs Raceway after an exhausting day at California Superbike School left me drained, both mentally and physically. My Garmin indicated I had burned around 6,000 calories each day, making a relaxed and effortless ride home essential. The Transalp delivered perfectly.
Photo by: Guy PickrellThe bike’s surprising agility in the city and unwavering stability on the highway are a testament to Honda’s thoughtful engineering. Cruising at highway speeds, the 755cc liquid-cooled 24.5-degree parallel-twin engine induced a meditative state with its seamless smoothness. For a bike priced at $9,999, the non-adjustable windshield performed admirably. However, the seat was the real revelation.
Initially, the seat felt firmer than expected for an adventure (ADV) bike. Yet, its generous dimensions allowed for natural movement, preventing any hint of discomfort, even on longer rides.
Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised by a middleweight ADV Honda bike exhibiting such refined city manners and highway composure. But the true shock came when I tackled Angeles Crest Highway with a fellow moto journalist on a much sportier machine.
Unleashing Performance in the Canyons
I must confess, the prospect of experiencing Angeles Crest Highway for the first time on a middleweight ADV bike wasn’t my ideal scenario.
If there’s a place to test the limits of an ADV bike’s handling, it’s a winding mountain road. And Angeles Crest Highway offers some of the best proving grounds imaginable. Considering its 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear, and long-travel suspension, one might assume the Transalp would be out of its element here. That assumption would be wrong.
Pushing harder and harder, I reached a point where the feedback from the non-adjustable 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted fork became slightly vague, prompting me to dial back the pace just a touch. Then, the magic happened – that sought-after sensation on a twisty road where bike and rider feel perfectly synchronized.
The Showa forks and Pro-Link rear suspension instilled surprising confidence as I leaned the Transalp through the canyons. And lean I did. This Honda bike produces 91 hp and 55 lb-ft of torque. Unlike many ADVs, the Transalp enjoys being revved. Peak torque arrives at 7,750 rpm, and peak horsepower at 9,500 rpm.
It was here, where the Transalp supposedly should have struggled, that I unexpectedly fell for it. Reflecting on this experience, I now truly appreciate the electronics package offered at this price point. Five riding modes, adjustable engine braking on the fly, along with traction control and ABS, provide a level of customization rarely seen in this class. Each mode can be adjusted independently, a feature I missed on the Triumph Speed Twin RS I recently tested, a bike costing around 50% more than the Transalp.
While pushing the revs, the quick-shifter, standard on this model, became invaluable. Initial upshifts in the city felt a bit abrupt, but once the parallel twin was spinning, both upshifts and downshifts were seamless. In fact, downshifts were impressive throughout the rev range, making you reconsider how good a stock 755cc parallel twin can sound.
Photo by: Guy PickrellThis is a good moment for a public service announcement about the Transalp: it’s incredibly fun. The ADV suspension means even a slight roll-off before opening the throttle can result in effortless front-wheel lift. However, the real amusement begins if you “accidentally” engage the off-road rear ABS on the street. This minimally intrusive mode allows riders like myself, with zero backing-it-in skills, to “accidentally” back it into corners.
But it was a wrong turn that truly revealed the XL750 Transalp’s true nature.
En route to Streets of Willow Raceway, a missed turn led me onto a dirt road – and “road” is used loosely here. On any other motorcycle, especially loaded with track gear, this would have been a disaster. But on the Transalp, it was a joy. The bike’s off-road capability far exceeded my own, and I was almost disappointed when the asphalt reappeared after a brief but exhilarating dirt detour.
This Honda bike is exciting, delightful, and provides both comfort and exhilaration precisely when needed. In today’s economic climate, the Transalp firmly positions itself as a prime contender for a spot in most motorcyclists’ garages.
Ditch the Car, Embrace the Transalp
Motorcycles have long been my primary mode of transportation, a necessity given the costs of car ownership. At $9,999, the XL750 Transalp emerges as an exceptional choice for those seeking to live life on two wheels.
No commute can faze it. It can inject energy into your morning ride to work and unwind you on the way home after a demanding day. Unlike some motorcycles that dictate their own riding style, the Transalp adapts to your preferences, delivering whether it’s a mundane weekday commute or a spirited weekend ride.
Photo by: Guy PickrellFor those who rely on a motorcycle as their sole vehicle, weekends are for adventure. As long as your riding companions aren’t solely focused on high-speed pursuits, the Transalp is equally adept at carving canyons and raising your adrenaline, or venturing off-road for a more intense thrill.
One of my favorite motorcycle pastimes is escaping for weekend getaways. With a 50-liter top box and 59 liters of combined pannier capacity, extended trips are entirely feasible, although the luggage adds approximately $1,545 to the MSRP.
For those seeking the ultimate “one-bike garage” solution, the Honda XL750 Transalp stands out as a top contender. The ideal “one bike” is subjective, but the Transalp’s versatility, performance, and value proposition make it a compelling option in the Honda bike lineup and the broader motorcycle market.
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