Honda XL750 Transalp 2025 Off-Road Review

Off-roading in German-speaking regions often comes with restrictions, especially if you want to keep it legal. However, here in the Alpine foothills southwest of Vienna, a true paradise for enduro enthusiasts unfolds: the Red Stag Enduro Terrain. With over 50 kilometers of off-road trails and about 33 kilometers of demanding hard-enduro sections, this area offers everything an off-road heart desires. The trails are color-coded—from green to blue—making them suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. Large adventure bikes are also explicitly welcome here. Riders frequently tackle the more or less technically challenging sections with fully loaded beasts, pushing their machines to the limit. The terrain is operated by Enduro Extreme, which hosts eight events a year—from May to late October. Anyone interested can find all the information at www.enduro-extreme.com. It’s the perfect place to thoroughly test the revamped 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp. 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 first ride, it was clear: something is different from the old version. The Transalp now feels more direct, firmer in its response to bumps, and with more substance in the damping.

Honda stays true to its roots: The Transalp is neither a radical sports bike nor a hardcore enduro. With a ready-to-ride weight of 210 kilograms and a seat height of 850 millimeters (optional 820 mm), the Transalp remains accessible. It's a great choice for shorter riders. The fuel tank holds 16.9 liters, ample for longer tours. It's a thoroughly sensible, highly versatile adventure bike that now shines even brighter thanks to targeted updates. The newly designed LED headlight gives it a modern look, and the revised fairing offers improved wind protection. Furthermore, the new display with enhanced four-way controls brings the bike up to modern technical standards. However, the most significant update for our test was undoubtedly the suspension, eagerly anticipated by many Transalp fans.

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 2025—40 years of service on expeditions and journeys around the world. Even though the rubber compound has been updated over the decades, the core construction and iconic block pattern have remained largely unchanged. A testament to timeless good design that still proves itself today. The TKC 80 delivers exactly what's needed off-road: solid grip, high traction on loose surfaces, and excellent self-cleaning in muddy conditions. Especially in the rougher sections of Red Stag, this tire is a blast. 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 hp at 9500 rpm and 75 Nm at 7250 rpm. This provides solid thrust in the mid to high rev range, although it requires revs to truly come alive. At lower revs, the power delivery is somewhat mild and unremarkable, but once you cross the 5000 rpm threshold, the engine pulls sportily and energetically towards the redline. In demanding off-road scenarios, it's advisable to work the clutch occasionally to smoothly navigate obstacles at low speeds.

Honda has done an excellent job here. The previously too-soft suspension has been specifically reworked. The 43mm Showa upside-down fork and the Showa rear shock, with 200 mm and 190 mm of travel respectively, have been retuned. The rear, in particular, is now significantly firmer and more precise. Combined with the newly adjusted front, this creates a harmonious interplay that enhances ride stability. The newfound reserve strength is especially evident during fast off-road runs with deep ruts and bumps. The Transalp now remains well-controlled at higher speeds and no longer bottoms out. However, the setup is not fully adjustable, which more ambitious riders might miss.

The new control concept appears more organized and intuitive. The large 5-inch display is excellently readable and provides all relevant information at a glance. The configurability of the riding modes, traction control, engine brake, and ABS is extensive. In User Mode, you can create a custom setup—such as deactivating traction control and turning off rear ABS for off-road. However, it deserves criticism that these settings are lost every time the ignition is turned off. This is somewhat inconvenient, especially for an adventure bike intended for longer off-road tours.

The braking system skips big-name brands and overly generous sizing, yet it functions flawlessly. The front brake's bite point is clearly defined but not aggressive—perfect for off-road use. The rear brake also allows for precise modulation. Those who ride with finesse will be thoroughly satisfied with the braking performance. The correlation between lever travel and deceleration is well-tuned, which builds confidence, especially on loose surfaces.

A positive highlight is the comprehensive onboard toolkit under the seat, which makes minor roadside repairs manageable. On the downside, changing the air filter is quite labor-intensive, as you have to navigate through several panels 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." It's not radically sporty or ultra-lightweight, but overall very balanced. The Yamaha is more purist, the Tuareg more technical, the KTM more aggressive, and the Suzuki heavier. The Honda, on the other hand, comes across as very balanced, easily accessible, and robust.

At the 2025 Off-Road Test Days, Leatt's two adventure suits impress with functionality, protection, and comfort. The MultiTour 5.5 is a weatherproof all-rounder with a 3-layer construction, a 20,000 mm waterproof inner jacket, and thoughtful ventilation—ideal for 10 to 20°C and changing conditions. The FlowTour 5.5 features large mesh panels, a sporty cut, and a waterproof outer jacket—perfect for active riders at 25°C and above. Both offer high-quality Level-2 protectors, clever details like hydration system preparation, and adjustable width settings. Those seeking uncompromising touring functionality will opt for the MultiTour, while those who value lightness, airflow, and flexibility will find the FlowTour ideal.