For adventure motorcyclists, the thrill of conquering rugged trails, rocky paths and dirt roads is unmatched. While we’ve had extensive on-road experience with Honda’s XL750 Transalp and NX500, our off-road miles on these bikes have been limited. To change that, Honda invited us to their True Adventure Camp, a two-day event designed to showcase the off-road capabilities of their ADV line-up. Not only would we be navigating a series of obstacles on these motorcycles, but we would also be trained by OusephChacko and Rish George, the experts behind ‘The School of Dirt’.
The event took place at the 19 Degree North Adventure Park, outside the private township of Aamby Valley. Our training kicked off with fundamental lessons on body positioning and essential off-road techniques. The coaches emphasised the importance of mastering the correct standing position based on our heights and riding styles.
I started with the NX500, which is the lighter of the two and features a more road-oriented setup with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. Despite its design, the NX500 held its own in the dirt. Powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine producing 47hp and 43Nm of torque, it lacks the brute strength of the Transalp but compensates with approachable dynamics and smooth power delivery.
Next, we tackled tricky inclines with loose surfaces and controlled descents down steep slopes. What seemed simple at first quickly proved challenging, requiring precise throttle control, vision, controlled braking and balance.
After completing the initial drills, we took a short break before regrouping for an introduction to the electronic aids on both motorcycles. The NX500 comes with ABS, but it’s not switchable – a drawback for serious off-road riding. However, it does have a switchable traction control system. Its lightweight build and linear power delivery make it an excellent option for riders easing into off-road adventures. With traction control turned off, I followed my batch down a fast trail filled with dust, jumps and rocks.
After enjoying some spirited riding on the NX500, I moved on to the XL750 Transalp. While still primarily road-biased, the Transalp is noticeably more capable off-road than its smaller sibling. As a mid-weight adventure bike, it’s designed for long-distance touring, with the ability to handle moderate off-road terrain.
Its 755cc parallel-twin engine delivers 91hp and 75Nm of torque, numbers that might seem intimidating off-road, but the broad torque curve proved advantageous for climbing inclines and manoeuvring through loose terrain. The soft rear shock ended up being the limiting factor on this bike.
Additionally, the Transalp features advanced electronics, including switchable ABS, traction control and multiple riding modes. Riders can customise ABS and traction control intervention, engine braking and throttle response, making it easier to tailor the bike’s behaviour to individual riding styles. Equipped with a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel setup, the Transalp effortlessly rolled over obstacles and felt more composed off-road, inspiring me to push my limits.
While enjoying low-speed slides and jumps with the Transalp, I also had to prepare for the inevitable missteps. Eventually, I lost balance and had no choice but to pick up the heavy motorcycle. Though initially daunting, using the right technique to pick up an ADV made the task much more manageable.
For riders eager to improve their skills and take their motorcycles off the beaten path, Honda regularly organises adventure camps. These sessions are open to both ADV and non-ADV owners for a fee of Rs 2,000, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and refine their off-road riding techniques.
