Reviewed: Honda Transalp

Reintroduced in 2022 (the original, pioneering 600 V-twin was launched in 1986 before being recreated as a 650 in 2000 and then growing to a 700 in 2008), the revived Transalp, now based on the Hornet 750 roadster’s parallel twin cylinder engine, immediately proved one of the sportier offerings in the increasingly popular middleweight adventure bike category and stood out for its revvy and potent 91bhp twin cylinder motor, iconic style and affordable price.

Prompted by the arrival of new Euro5+ regulations, the 2025 version gets subtle spec, engine, chassis and accessory mods to make it even better. Fuel injection revisions get it through the latest emissions regulations and deliver a smoother engine response; there’s a new, more powerful, twin beam projector headlight and restyled ‘nose’ to match (along with bigger, bolder graphics and two new colour options, grey and black); there’s an updated TFT dash with tweaked switchgear, an uprated quickshifter, recalibrated suspension settings and a whole raft of new accessories, including manually adjustable screen. Individually, these changes may not sound much but the Transalp was already good and the revisions should significantly improve handling and enjoyment.

The Hornet-derived, ‘unicam’, 270-degree, 755cc twin may be largely unchanged, with only fueling changes to improve smoothness and to meet Euro5+. This added smoothness means some small changes to the riding modes and quickshifter settings, and only contribute to an improvement on what was already one of the best motors in the class. As such it remains among the most powerful in the category, is free-revving and fast, and has five easily switchable rider modes – Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel with an additional, customizable ‘User’ mode. If you like your middleweight adventure bikes slick and quick, the Transalp stands out.

Although the old Transalp was already a fine road handler, even though its 21" front and 18” rear wheels are chosen for off-road prowess, the 2025 version is a conspicuous improvement. Where the old bike could sometimes be a little vague and mushy, new damping settings for the otherwise unchanged Showa 43mm ‘Dual Bending Valve’ forks and rear preload adjustable monoshock deliver a much more composed and confidence-inspiring ride that is comfortable, but also well-balanced and nimble on twisty switchbacks. It’s even reasonably competent off-road, well, for a 750cc adventure bike, that is…

Although a ‘mid-size’ adventure bike, the Transalp comes over as virtually a full-size one. All things considered, the seat is not too high; being a twin means its weight and girth aren’t excessive; it’s not bulky or intimidating and the upright adventure posture is upright, comfortable and sufficient for my 6’3” (190cm) frame. Its windscreen may not be the tallest but it is effective and able; the new adjustable option is a boon, the saddle proved comfortable through my afternoon ride and there’s also a new ‘comfort’ seat option as well.

Adventure bikes, by definition, are hugely versatile in that they can tour, take a passenger and luggage, commute, give sufficient sporting thrills and even sometimes venture off road as well. The Transalp was already better than most mid-sized adventurers by virtue of its potent, sporty motor, solid chassis, decent equipment and off-road ability. All have been improved, if only slightly, for 2025. Its delivery and quickshifter is better; the revised suspension settings improve the handling, and a new ‘Gravel’ mode makes it more credible off road. Together, it all adds up.

The final area of significant improvement for the 2025 Transalp is its improved equipment and accessories. The new dual projector headlight is significantly brighter, the revised TFT dash is clearer (although only subtly) and has enhanced connectivity, the updated switchgear is intuitive and now backlit, while the updated quickshifter is a bonus, too. There is now also a much wider range of accessories, including manually adjustable screen (although you need to use two hands at standstill to do so) and stylish, soft luggage set, not to mention the previous heated grips, comfort seat, crash bars and so on.

As more riders turn to middleweight adventure bikes due to the increasing size, speed and expense of litre-class adventures, the Transalp stands out. With its 91bhp, Honda class, real world proportions and sub-£9k price the old version was already one of the best in the category. This update for 2025 significantly improves its handling, freshens its look, adds to its options and makes it more appealing still.

Perhaps the only downside is that the price of the 2025 Transalp has risen by £1,000, coming in at £9,749. It looks bad only because the ‘old’ model was so aggressively priced. The price rise moves the Transalp closer to key competitors like the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and Yamaha Tenere 700, but it’s still the only one to boast an RRP of under ten grand. It remains the bargain buy of the class, even if the spec and riding experience don’t reflect that.

2025 Honda Transalp Specification

Words: Phil West 

Photos: Honda/Zep Gori