Honda XL750 Transalp: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The return of a historic name, on a lightweight and capable middleweight
Ninety-two horsepower, a 21-inch front wheel, and just 208 kg: the Transalp is the Honda middleweight that Africa Twin customers had been waiting for. The dedicated catalog is young but no longer empty: handguard kits, a skid plate, and a top-case plate have already been developed for this bike.
- In summaryRecent model: the first dedicated part numbers are available, along with many universal accessories.
- Do this right awayBHG-108 handguard kit, CJC521 skid plate.
- Coming soonSpecific engine guards and pannier racks, as they become available.
- Good to knowAfrica Twin accessories do not fit: this is a different motorcycle.
- BrandsLOBOO, Barkbusters, Endurrad.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You want to ride genuine dirt roads without carrying the weight of a 1100: 208 kg and a 21-inch wheel
- You are over 1.80 meters tall, or accept the 850 mm seat height as a limitation
- You are looking for low costs, both for purchase and for outfitting
- You travel solo or with a passenger on medium-length trips, with soft or semi-rigid luggage
- Handguards, a skid plate, and luggage are enough for now: the rest is on the way
Look elsewhere if
- You want to kit it out fully right away: dedicated engine guards and pannier racks are not available yet
- You ride long stretches without stopping: with 16.9 liters, the range is average
- You do a lot of highway riding: the standard wind protection is basic
- You plan to reuse Africa Twin accessories: the frame and mounting points have nothing in common
- You need a DCT gearbox, which is not available on this bike
In two words: this is the middleweight that takes off-road riding seriously, with the limitation of a still-young catalog. If you need range, DCT, and more comprehensive electronics, the CRF1100L Africa Twin is the step up; if you want the same lightness with an already mature accessories range, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is its direct rival.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 755 cc parallel twin, 270-degree crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Power | 92 hp at 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 gears, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel diamond frame, 43 mm Showa SFF-CA fork |
| Wheels | 21 inches front, 18 rear, spoked |
| Weight | 208 kg ready to ride |
| Tank | 16.9 liters |
| Seat height | 850 mm |
| Production | from 2023 onward |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Just 208 kilograms: among the lightest maxi-enduro bikes in its class
- 21-inch front wheel, genuine dirt riding without the weight of a 1100
- Flexible, modern engine with comprehensive electronics
- Costs much less than an Africa Twin to equip and keep
- Good-quality Showa suspension already fitted as standard
Cons
- Accessory catalog still young compared with its rivals
- 16.9-liter tank: average range, no more
- 850 mm seat height: tall for shorter riders
- Basic stock wind protection
- Nothing in common with the Africa Twin in terms of mounting points
What to fit, in order of priority
Start with the three codes developed for this bike, then add whatever does not depend on the mounting points.
- 1
Barkbusters BHG-108 handguard kitDeveloped for the Transalp from 2023 onward: a two-point through-bar, the protection you really need as soon as you leave the asphalt. Bars and shells are chosen separately. - 2
CJC521 side-stand plate, from 2024 onwardCNC aluminum and 304 stainless steel, 148 grams: on grass and gravel, the stock stand sinks in and the bike tips over. - 3
JP521W top-case plateDeveloped for the Transalp from 2024 onward: the first step toward fitting serious rear luggage. - 4
Aluminum top caseTo be paired with the plate: on a lightweight bike, it is preferable to two side panniers. - 5
4.5-6.5-liter tank bagExpandable and equipped with a mounting ring, which is needed because magnets alone do not hold on the plastic tank. - 6
Wanderer semi-rigid panniersLightweight and waterproof, with strap mounting: on a 208-kilogram bike, they add capacity without adding too much weight. - 7
Folding mirrorsThey fold away before the dirt section: on a tall, narrow bike, they prevent contact on trails. Adapters for the original thread are also available. - 8
Waterproof motorcycle coverOn a new motorcycle, it protects the seat, instruments, and plastics from the sun and rain.
Compatibility table
The name refers to the Africa Twin, but it is a motorcycle in its own right: the mounts are not interchangeable.
| Accessory | From Africa Twin | From NC 750 X |
|---|---|---|
| BHG-108 handguard kit | no, it is for the Transalp | no |
| CJC521 side stand plate | no | no |
| JP521W top-case plate | no | no |
| Pannier racks and skid plate | no | no |
| Tank bags with ring | yes | yes |
| Mirrors, adapters, and soft luggage | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOLuggage and ergonomicsDedicated CJC521 side stand plate and JP521W top-case plate, panniers, tank bags with ring, folding mirrors.
BarkbustersHandguardsDedicated BHG-108 kit for the Transalp from 2023 onward, to be combined with a bar and shell of your choice.
EndurradCompletionMotorcycle cover, waterproof bags, and detail accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Do Africa Twin accessories fit the Transalp?
No, if we are talking about protection, plates, and brackets: they are two motorcycles with different frames and mounting points. Only soft luggage, tank bags, and handlebar-mounted accessories fit.
Why does it have fewer accessories than the others?
Because it arrived in 2023 and the aftermarket takes time to develop dedicated part numbers. The first ones - handguard kit, side stand plate, and top-case plate - are already available, and others are arriving month by month.
Transalp or Africa Twin?
The Transalp if you are looking for light weight and low costs: twenty-four kilos less and an equipment package that costs much less. The Africa Twin if you need DCT, more comprehensive electronics, and greater range.
Is it suitable for serious off-road riding?
Yes, better than many mid-size bikes: a 21-inch wheel, Showa suspension, and low weight. The two purchases to make before trying are the BHG-108 handguard kit and the side stand plate; the dedicated skid plate is not yet in the catalog.
Can it handle a trip for two?
Yes, for medium-length stages. With 16.9 liters, refueling needs to be planned, and with heavy luggage it is worth adjusting the rear shock preload.