Middleweight motorcycles have become the bread and butter of the motorcycle industry, with most manufacturers throwing their full R&D departments into the mix, resulting in amazing machines emerging from the workshops. Honda has recently updated the Transalp we tested a few short years ago, and it is now every inch better than the outgoing model.
Related: Honda XL750 Transalp (2023) Review
Although we thoroughly enjoyed the previous model, it had a few idiosyncrasies that had somewhat spoiled the ride overall. With the latest model now on showroom floors around the country, we were pleasantly surprised by the new bike, which appears to have addressed those issues.
How does the Honda Transalp compare to the KTM 790 Adventure?
Styling
The updated Honda Transalp moves away from its original utility-first look and adopts a much more aggressive, premium aesthetic heavily inspired by its bigger sibling, the Africa Twin. The 2026 model introduces three primary colour schemes, all featuring a revised graphics package that looks more modern and streamlined. Our test unit was clad in Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, a stealthy, monochromatic look for a more urban/industrial feel.
An aluminium skid plate is now standard equipment, adding a rugged look to the lower half of the engine and a tough crash bar system.
Engine and Drivetrain
The engine and drivetrain of the 2026 Honda Transalp XL750 represent a blend of proven performance with a significant technological leap in how you interact with the bike's power. While the core mechanical heart remains the same successful 755cc unit, the way that power reaches the ground has been refined. It produces 67.5 kW at 9 500 r/min and 75 Nm of torque at 7 250 r/min.
The 270° Crank and subsequent firing order give the engine a characterful V-twin pulse and excellent traction, particularly useful when navigating loose gravel or dirt. Unique ducting creates a more symmetrical airflow into the airbox, sharpening throttle response in the low-to-mid range, exactly where you need it for overtaking or technical off-roading. The engine is now Euro 5+ compliant, maintaining a frugal fuel consumption of roughly 4.3L/100km.
One of the biggest complaints of the original model was the limited suspension adjustment. The 2026 model now features fully adjustable 43mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks and a Pro-Link rear shock, allowing you to tune preload, compression, and rebound.
Tech and Features
The 2026 Honda Transalp XL750 has undergone a significant mid-life tech evolution, shifting from a budget-friendly middleweight to a more sophisticated, high-feature adventure machine. While the 5" TFT screen size is familiar, the interface has been refreshed with new display modes and better visibility in direct sunlight. The 4-way toggle switches on the handlebars are now easier to navigate at night, adding a touch of premium feel for the rider. You now have four presets (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel) plus two fully customisable user modes (up from one in previous years).
The Throttle-By-Wire system now allows for 5 Levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control, as well as 3 Levels of Engine Braking and 4 Levels of Power Delivery. Finally, there's Off-Road ABS. The rear-wheel ABS can still be completely deactivated for dirt riding via the user mode. The 2026 update now means that you also get a bi-directional quickshifter for exciting riding dynamics.
Let's Ride
Taking the Tranalp out for a serious ride, and you very quickly find that it feels remarkably unstressed at high speeds. In terms of raw acceleration and high-speed cruising. It is smooth at 135–160 km/h, making it a superior highway mile-muncher. The new, fully adjustable Showa forks and shock have transformed the bike. It now "shrugs off bumps with disdain" and stays composed on rocky terrain that previously would have caused it to bottom out. While slightly firmer on the road, it feels much more planted and predictable in the dirt. The suspension is leagues ahead of the old model and makes two-up riding much more enjoyable.
Model and Pricing
| Honda CB750 Hornet (2026) | R 198 799 |
| Honda XL750 Transalp (2026) | R 220 849 |
Honda Transalp is sold with a 2 yrs / Unlimited Km warranty
Pros and Cons
The 2026 Honda Transalp XL750 has moved from being a budget alternative to a serious contender for the one-bike-garage title. Honda addressed several of the major complaints from the original 2023–2024 launch, but a few nagging issues remain.
Pros
Superior Engine Performance: Its 755cc twin punches well above its weight; it significantly outpowers the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and rivals larger litre-class bikes for highway overtaking and top-end speed.
Upgraded Adjustable Suspension: For 2026, Honda finally added compression and rebound damping adjustment to the Showa forks and shock. This fixes the "too soft" feel of the previous version and allows you to stiffen the bike for aggressive off-roading or heavy luggage.
Massive Value for Money: Even with the updates, the Transalp remains one of the most affordable ways to get a 90+ hp adventure bike with a full electronics suite.
Improved Standard Protection: The inclusion of a standard aluminium skid plate solves the exposed belly problem that previous owners had to fix with aftermarket parts.
Cons
No Factory Cruise Control: Despite having a full Throttle-by-Wire system, Honda still hasn't added electronic cruise control. On a bike designed for long-distance touring, this is a notable omission compared to some European rivals.
Deep Menu Diving: The new 5-inch TFT is beautiful, but simple tasks require navigating through multiple sub-menus rather than a dedicated physical button.
Weight Gain: The 2026 model is slightly heavier than the original. Between the Euro 5+ exhaust updates, the bike now sits around 216 kg, making it less flickable than a pure dirt-focused machine like the KTM 890 Adventure.
Fixed Windscreen: While the new "Durabio" screen has better aerodynamics and a central vent to reduce buffeting, it is still not height-adjustable, which can be frustrating for exceptionally tall or short riders.
Verdict
The 2026 updates effectively turn the Transalp into the "GS of middleweights". It isn't the absolute best at any one thing, but it is incredibly good at everything. It has evolved from a budget alternative into a highly polished, sophisticated all-rounder that many now consider the most balanced bike in its class. It’s the bike for the rider who wants one machine that can commute on Monday, carve canyons on Saturday, and cross a desert on Sunday.
