2025 Honda XL750 Transalp First Ride Review
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is a big comeback for Honda's adventure motorcycles, mixing up-to-date tech with the feel of long rides. The Transalp name has always meant bikes that can tackle different kinds of roads, from smooth highways to tough trails.
The new XL750 is built to give riders a bike that works well in performance, comfort, and tech. It’s made for both experienced adventure riders and people who want a dependable, flexible motorcycle for daily use. Its light frame, comfortable setup, and smart features make it a strong option in the midsize adventure category.
Design and Build Quality
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is a great mix of modern looks and practical design, making it a top choice in the midsize adventure motorcycle category. Honda made this bike to be both good to look at and useful for long trips and off-road riding.
At first glance, the XL750 has a strong and stylish appearance. Its clear lines, smooth front cover, and tall windshield make it stand out on the road and also help protect the rider from wind when going fast. The bike is light, which makes it easier to handle in cities and tough terrain.
The comfort of the rider is a big part of the XL750’s design. The seat is made for long rides, with a shape that helps keep the rider in a good position and less tired. The handlebars are placed for natural control, and the footpegs offer good stability whether the rider is alone or carrying a passenger. These thoughtful features make riding for hours more enjoyable and less tiring.
Honda also put a lot of effort into making the bike strong and reliable. The body parts, frame, and suspension are built to handle all kinds of adventure riding, from roads to dirt tracks. Even small details, like extra strong places for holding luggage or guards for important parts, show how Honda focuses on making the bike dependable and useful.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is equipped with a 750cc parallel-twin engine that offers a great mix of smoothness, quick response, and fuel efficiency. Honda has designed this engine to provide dependable power in a variety of riding situations, making it ideal for both city driving and long trips.
One key feature of the XL750’s engine is how it delivers power smoothly. Whether you’re riding on the highway or through winding mountain roads, the bike reacts consistently to how much throttle you use. The engine has strong mid-range power, which is helpful when passing slower vehicles or climbing hills without needing to push too hard. Riders will find that the engine provides good power even when running at lower engine speeds, making it easy for new riders to handle while still being enjoyable for experienced riders.
The bike accelerates smoothly and feels lively when starting from a stop, yet it stays steady and controlled at high speeds. The parallel-twin layout helps keep the engine compact, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity and makes it more maneuverable. This careful design allows the bike to be nimble in tight corners and stable on straight roads.
Honda has added advanced engine features to make the bike more efficient and perform better. These include a throttle that adjusts based on how you ride, different riding mode settings, and improved fuel injection. These features let riders change how the engine behaves depending on the road conditions, like wet surfaces or gravel. These technologies make the bike easier to ride and safer by ensuring it works reliably in different situations.
The sound and feel of the engine also play a role in how enjoyable the ride is. The exhaust note is quiet and refined, matching the bike’s adventurous style without being too loud during long rides. Along with low vibration levels, the engine helps ensure that even rides lasting several hours stay comfortable and fun.
Handling and Suspension
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is great at handling, combining stability, agility, and rider confidence in a way that makes it enjoyable to ride in many different situations. Whether you're on smooth highways or light off-road trails, Honda has designed the chassis and suspension to work well in a wide range of conditions. This makes the XL750 a versatile option for adventure riders who want a bike that can handle different types of riding.
At the front, the bike uses telescopic forks that help absorb bumps and rough patches on the road, giving the rider clear feedback on how the bike is responding. These forks are stiff enough to handle sharp turns, but they also stay comfortable on rougher surfaces, making sure the rider feels in control at all times. The rear suspension is a single shock that keeps the bike stable, even when it's carrying luggage or there's a passenger on board. The rear suspension can also be adjusted, so riders can tweak it to suit their personal style or the weight they're carrying. This helps make the bike more adaptable to different riding conditions.
What really sets the XL750 apart is how it handles. With a lightweight frame and a low center of gravity, the bike feels surprisingly quick and easy to maneuver, even for a motorcycle that's built for adventure. It turns smoothly around tight corners and handles winding backroads with ease. On long straightaways, the bike stays steady thanks to its balanced geometry. This mix of sharp handling and steady performance means the XL750 is easy for new riders to get used to, but also fun and responsive for more experienced riders.
Honda also made sure the weight of the bike is spread out well and that the rider's position is comfortable. This lets the rider control the handlebars with precision and feel the road clearly under their tires. The way the frame, suspension, and seating work together makes it easier for riders to handle difficult terrain without getting too tired or overwhelmed. Even during off-road rides, the XL750's suspension works well, smoothing out bumps and allowing the tires to stay in contact with the ground. This helps the rider stay balanced and in control on gravel, dirt paths, and uneven surfaces. The bike's performance on these kinds of surfaces shows that it's ready for adventure, without being too bouncy or too heavy to handle.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is not only powerful and fun to ride but also very comfortable and easy on the body. Honda designed this motorcycle with long-distance riding in mind, making it perfect for touring, daily commutes, and weekend getaways.
The seat is designed to be soft yet supportive, giving riders a comfortable place to sit for hours. It’s wide enough to spread out weight, which helps avoid sore spots. The seat is also a bit higher, giving riders a good view of the road while keeping their hands and arms in a natural position on the handlebars. Passengers also get a spacious and supportive seat, making long trips more enjoyable.
The way the handlebars are placed helps riders sit in a relaxed, upright position, which is easier on the wrists and shoulders. The footpegs are positioned to give stability without pressing the knees into uncomfortable angles. This makes the ride more comfortable, especially on long adventure tours. The motorcycle also has a smooth-running engine and a frame that absorbs vibrations well. This means less fatigue in the hands and legs, even when riding for long periods or on rough roads. The windscreen and fairing also help protect riders from wind at higher speeds, making trips more comfortable.
The XL750 is also good for carrying gear. Its frame and suspension are built to handle extra weight, whether it’s in saddlebags, a top case, or on the rear seat. This means riders can pack for long journeys without worrying about the bike being hard to handle or uncomfortable.
Technology and Features
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp offers a range of advanced technologies that make riding more convenient and safer, showing Honda's focus on innovation and rider needs. Every feature is carefully designed to improve the overall riding experience, whether you're on city streets, highways, or light off-road paths.
At the heart of the XL750's technology is its full-color TFT display. This screen clearly shows all important information, like speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip details. Riders can easily check these at a glance. The display also lets you choose different riding modes, which adjust engine response and traction control based on the road conditions—whether it's wet roads, loose gravel, or smooth pavement.
Safety is a top priority for the XL750. The bike comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control, which help keep the bike stable during quick stops or on slippery surfaces. There's also cornering ABS that ensures braking works well even when leaning into turns, giving riders more confidence in tricky situations. These systems work smoothly without getting in the way of the ride.
Honda has used LED lights all over the XL750, including the headlight, taillight, and turn signals. LED lights are brighter and use less power than regular bulbs, and they also make the bike more visible to other drivers, which improves safety. The lighting design matches the bike's modern and tough look while serving a useful purpose. Another great feature is the bike's ability to connect with other devices. You can easily add GPS navigation or mount your smartphone, helping you plan your route and stay connected without taking your eyes off the road. Honda also made the bike so it can fit optional luggage, handguards, and other touring gear, making it flexible for many different riding situations.
The XL750 also includes electronic rider aids like multiple engine maps. These settings change how the engine responds and delivers power depending on the situation. Riders can choose different modes for comfort, fuel efficiency, or a more exciting ride. Together, these features make the bike suitable for both daily rides and long journeys.
First Ride Impressions
Taking the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp out for its first ride shows just how well Honda has designed this adventure motorcycle. Right from the start, it feels balanced and easy to handle, making it a good choice for riders of all experience levels. Whether you're riding on smooth roads or light off-road trails, it feels natural and confident.
One of the first things you notice is how smooth the engine runs. The 750cc parallel-twin engine gives a steady and predictable power, making it easy to accelerate. Whether you're going fast on the highway or turning through tight corners, the throttle response is quick but not too sharp, which helps you feel in control and enjoy the ride. The mid-range power is especially good, making it easy to pass other riders or climb hills without effort.
The handling and suspension also make the bike feel confident and stable. The XL750 turns smoothly in corners, and the front forks and rear shock work well together to keep the bike steady over bumps and uneven surfaces. Even when the road gets rough, the suspension stays calm, letting you focus more on the road rather than dealing with every bump.
Comfort is another big plus right from the start. The seat is soft and supportive, and the upright riding position helps keep your wrists, shoulders, and back from getting sore. Even after long rides, the quiet engine and good design make the experience feel relaxed and less tiring. The passenger also has a comfortable and secure seat, with foot pegs that help with balance and comfort.
Technologically, the bike is easy to use. The touchscreen display and riding features are simple to access while riding. Changing between riding modes feels natural, and the ABS and traction control work quietly in the background to help you ride safely without getting in the way. The LED lights are bright, making it easier to ride in both day and night conditions, and they also look good with the bike's modern style.
Who Should Consider the XL750 Transalp?
The 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is built to be versatile, making it a great option for many types of riders. It offers a good mix of power, comfort, and smart features, so it works well for both experienced riders and those new to adventure biking.
Adventure lovers will really like the XL750. It has strong suspension, a light frame, and is designed to handle rough roads, twisty trails, and long rides with ease. Riders who like to go on weekend trips or travel across different kinds of terrain will enjoy how stable and nimble the bike feels. The XL750 is also great for daily use. Commuters who often deal with traffic or drive on highways will find the comfortable seat, upright riding position, and smooth engine very helpful. The bike is easy to handle in the city, and it has safety features like ABS, traction control, and cornering assist that make riding safer, especially on tricky roads.
For riders who like to take long trips, the XL750 is a good choice. Its comfortable seat, good luggage space, and ergonomic design make it suitable for multi-day rides or for riders who need a reliable bike that works in different conditions. It also has space for a passenger, making it a great option for two-up rides. New riders looking to start in the adventure category will find the XL750 a good starting point. It has easy-to-control power, predictable handling, and helpful rider aids that make learning fun and safe. Experienced riders will also appreciate how balanced the bike is between performance and comfor
