What is the difference between a Yamaha Tenere 700 and a Honda XL750 Transalp?

There is a certain attraction to racebred and inspired machinery, and there are not many manufacturers that do it as well as Honda and Yamaha. We check out how the Yamaha Teneré and Honda Transalp compare.

Lawrence Minnie

9 Jun 2025 · 11:58Buying a Bike2 min read

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Rally raid racing, particularly races like the Dakar, has given birth to specifically styled bikes that look like their race-bred cousins. These bikes not only look the part but, in some cases, are true descendants of the race-winning machines. Bikes like the Yamaha Teneré, which got its name from a famously harsh desert, have dominated this style of bike for many years.

Related: What is the difference between a Yamaha MT-09 SP and a Kawasaki Z900 ABS?

Honda would not be outdone. It also has a machine with a terrain-dominating name, the TransAlp, which became well known for taking adventurous riders across incredibly challenging terrains and taking the fight to Yamaha. With similar specs, styling, and pricing, how does the Tenere from Yamaha compare with the mighty Honda Transalp?

Honda XL750 Transalp (2023) Review

Specifications

	Yamaha Tenerè 700	Honda XL750 Transalp
Engine	689cc 4-stroke; 2-cylinder; Liquid-cooled; DOHC; 4-valves	755cc Liquid-cooled OHC 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270 crank and uni-cam
Transmission	6-speed sequential, quickshifter, Wet; Multiple Disc,	6-speed sequential, Wet Multiple, assisted slipper clutch (opt quickshifter)
Power figures	54kW / 68Nm	67.5 kW / 75Nm
Top speed	206km/h	195km/h
Frame	Double cradle, Steel tube backbone	Steel diamond
Suspension Front	Ø43mm KYB Upside-down telescopic fork 210mm travel (high) 120mm (low)	Showa 43mm SFF-CA USD, 200mm travel
Suspension Rear	KYB Link suspension; Swingarm 200mm travel (high) 180mm (low)	Monoshock damper, ProLink swingarm, 190mm travel
Brakes Front	Ø 282mm Hydraulic dual disc, 2-piston calliper	Dual 310mm x 4.5mm wave disc with axial mounted 2-piston calliper
Brakes Rear	Ø 245mm Hydraulic single disc, single piston calliper	Single 256mm x 6mm wave disc with single piston calliper
Fuel Tank (litres)	16	15.2
Tech & Features	6.3-inch TFT screen, navigation, MyRide App, 2 ride modes, Switchable ABS and TC	5-inch TFT Screen, HISS, LED lighting, Honda Road Sync App, 5 rider modes
Fuel Consumption	4.3 L/ 100km	4.3 L / 100km
Weight	208kg	208kg
Seat Height	875mm (high) 860mm (low)	850mm
Price	R 259 950	R 220 849
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

Verdict

The Teneré is somewhat more expensive than the Transalp, and although it does have better tech and a few more features, the Transalp delivers more power and a softer, more compliant ride. We would have the Transalp on any given day purely as a value proposition, but if you are thinking about doing serious off-road work, then we highly suggest testing both machines back to back, as the Teneré may be the better option for you.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more