Some motorcycles make you want to head for the other side of the world the moment you turn the key. Others remind you that before crossing three countries, you still have to get home and feed the dog. The 2026 Honda XL750 Transalp clearly belongs to the second group… but don’t be fooled: it is perfectly capable of taking you much farther than you planned.
The Transalp follows a proven recipe: a 755 cc parallel twin, a six-speed manual transmission, a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension and a riding position designed for both pavement and back roads. In short, it feels like a motorcycle built around one simple idea: “We’ll hit the road… and see where it takes us.”
An Engine That Never Runs Out of Breath
The 755 cc parallel twin remains one of the Transalp’s greatest strengths. With 91.8 hp and 75 Nm of torque, it has enough punch to have fun on a winding road, pass without calculating the distance to the next kilometre marker, and cruise comfortably at highway speed without making you feel as though you are torturing the engine.
Its 270-degree crank also gives it plenty of character. The engine is smooth at low rpm, eager through the middle of the rev range and genuinely entertaining when you open the throttle generously.
This is not, however, a machine designed solely for pulling wheelies in front of the local hardware store. Honda favoured progressive, predictable power delivery—a philosophy that suits a motorcycle built to travel.
And when you decide to leave the pavement, that smoothness becomes an advantage. On loose surfaces, it is much easier to meter the throttle without turning a forest road into a rodeo.
A Manual Gearbox the Way We Like It
The 2026 Transalp uses a conventional six-speed transmission with a quick shifter. No DCT, no E-Clutch, no magic button: pull the clutch, shift gears and enjoy the pleasure of riding.
The ratios are well spaced and make it easy to keep the engine in its sweet spot. On secondary roads, the gearbox suits the engine perfectly and lets you play with the gears through the corners.
On the highway, sixth gear provides relaxed cruising while leaving enough in reserve for passing.
And unlike some modern motorcycles that seem to require a university degree to understand their electronic menus, the Transalp remains relatively easy to figure out.
A Chassis That Loves Corners
The Transalp keeps its 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, a classic combination in the adventure world.
On pavement, that large front wheel does nothing to spoil the fun in corners. The bike holds a line easily and changes direction with surprising ease.
On Quebec roads, where “smooth pavement” and “perfect road” are sometimes two expressions that never meet, the suspension does an excellent job of soaking up imperfections.
The Transalp is also light and nimble enough that you quickly forget you’re sitting on a motorcycle capable of leaving the pavement.
And When the Road Ends?
That is precisely where the Transalp gets interesting.
It is not a competition enduro disguised as an adventure bike. And nobody should head into a deep mud trail just to prove something to the neighbour.
But for forest roads, gravel roads and stretches where the pavement has decided to retire, the Transalp is right at home.
The standing position feels natural and the bike remains reassuringly easy to control. Its overall balance lets you venture off the beaten path without constantly feeling as though you have just signed a contract with roadside assistance.
Comfort and Technology
The 850 mm seat provides an upright, comfortable riding position. The overall ergonomics are well suited to long days in the saddle.
The 5-inch colour TFT display is clear and provides access to the bike’s various settings. The riding modes also let you tailor the motorcycle’s response to the conditions.
The technology is there, but Honda generally avoids turning the motorcycle into a laptop on two wheels.
The Strong Points
+ Smooth, Energetic Engine
The parallel twin delivers enough power for two-up touring and plenty of fun when riding solo.
+ Excellent Versatility
Roads, highways, winding back roads and gravel: the Transalp is ready for almost anything.
+ Maneuverability
Despite its size, it is easy to ride and reassuring in corners.
+ Comfort
Well-designed ergonomics let you pile on the kilometres without having to book an appointment with the chiropractor.
+ 21-Inch Front Wheel
A real advantage when the pavement disappears and the road becomes less predictable.
+ Simple Six-Speed Gearbox
A conventional, precise and enjoyable transmission paired with a smooth quick shifter.
The Weak Points
– Wind Protection Could Be Better
For long highway stretches, some riders will want a more protective windscreen.
– Suspension Tuned for Versatility
It does its job very well, but riders who attack off-road trails seriously may soon want more adjustment options.
– Limited Standard Protection for Serious Off-Road Riding
For extended trips on forest roads, a few protective accessories quickly become worthwhile.
– Less Dramatic Engine Character Than Some Rivals
The power is more than adequate, but riders looking for a truly explosive experience may be left wanting more.
– Equipment to Add for Long-Distance Travel
Like many adventure motorcycles, the Transalp becomes truly expedition-ready once luggage, protection and a few accessories are added.
Verdict
The 2026 Honda XL750 Transalp is not trying to be the biggest, most powerful or most impressive motorcycle in the parking lot.
And that is probably one of its greatest qualities.
Instead, it offers a particularly successful balance of comfort, performance, versatility and ease of riding. It can take you to work Monday morning, out for a ride on Saturday and onto a gravel road Sunday without asking its owner to choose just one personality.
With its six-speed manual gearbox, energetic engine and excellent maneuverability, the Transalp remains an easy motorcycle to like and a difficult one to categorize.
The only real danger?
Heading out for a little two-hour ride… and coming home three days later, telling your partner:
“Come on… I just went out for a ride!”
Thanks to Honda Canada for making this 2026 Transalp test possible.
