With its unveiling at EICMA 2022, the XL750 Transalp marked the return of the eponymous moniker to Honda’s line-up a full decade later. Now, the manufacturer has filed a design patent for the bike in India and unlike many of its other international models that have been patented (but not launched here), we believe there’s a good chance of this bike coming to India. The bigger Africa Twin has a loyal following in India, so it makes sense for Honda to offer another more affordable ADV that slots underneath this.
- 755cc parallel-twin engine makes 92hp, 75Nm
- Weighs considerably less than European rivals
Honda XL750 Transalp mechanicals
Powering the XL750 Transalp is the same engine that's found in the new CB750 Hornet. This liquid-cooled, 755cc, parallel-twin engine makes 92hp at 9,500rpm and 75Nm at 7,250rpm which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. As with most parallel-twin engines these days, this motor has a 270-degree firing order, giving it the ‘pulse’ that’s a hallmark of a V-Twin engine (which powered the Transalps of yesteryear). While the engine is shared between the two, the Transalp gets bespoke mapping suited to its intended usage.
Nestling this engine is a new steel diamond frame suspended by a 43mm Showa USD fork and monoshock, both featuring only preload adjustability. With 210mm of ground clearance, 21-/18-inch tubed wire-spoke wheels and block-pattern tyres, the Transalp is certainly at the more ‘adventurous’ end of the spectrum. Its 208kg kerb weight is quite a bit less than its immediate rivals such as the Tiger 900 Rally (196kg dry) and the BMW F 850 GS (233kg kerb).
A raft of electronic rider aids, including 5 riding modes, cornering ABS and traction control and a bidirectional quickshifter are on offer here.
Honda XL750 Transalp: India launch?
Honda has patented other international products like the Hawk 11 cafe racer and the Forza 350 in India, but the chances of those bikes making their way to India are slim given the market for maxi-scooters and cafe racers is a niche one. However, the middleweight adventure bike segment is one of the most burgeoning ones in India (and globally) with entrants from brands like BMW, Triumph and Ducati. This is why we think that there’s a good chance the Honda XL750 Transalp will make its way to India and hopefully, the CB750 Hornet follows soon after.
Do you think these new Honda big bikes will make their way to India? Let us know in the comments section below.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
