Honda XL750 Transalp

From a press release issued by Honda:

The XL750 Transalp’s design projects an unmistakeable feeling of adventure touring in a package that works superbly on the road, with a long-legged stance that makes a strong statement of purpose. For 25YM a new, bold look is headed up by a new dual LED projector headlight – drawing design influence from the Africa Twin – that adds to the adventurous styling and throws out more powerful beams. Paired with this is a revised upper fairing that utilises a central duct to improve airflow around the helmet area, while the new, high-transparency DurabioTM screen features reprofiled surfacing to further aid air flow around the rider’s body. Internal mid-cowl aerodynamics have also been updated to improve handling agility.

The engine packs a great deal of Honda’s engineering prowess into a small space and provides strong response across the rev-range – just what’s needed for either solo or two-up touring. The 755cc, parallel twin-cylinder unit (shared with the new CB750 Hornet) produces 67.5kW top power and a strong helping of torque right through the rev range, peaking at 75Nm. Settings of the Throttle By Wire (TBW) system orientate the engine character towards touring and comfort.

Compact, competition CRF-derived Unicam eight-valve cylinder heads employ downdraft air intakes and Vortex flow duct to ensure optimal combustion. The 270° crank delivers feel and character. Electronic rider aids run via Throttle By Wire (TBW) and include five riding modes, four of which contain pre-set combinations of Engine Power, Engine Braking, ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control. The 5th ‘User’ mode allows the rider to fix their own preferred combination.

Handling is light, nimble and confidence inspiring. The steel diamond frame is light weight thanks to optimisation of wall/pipe thickness and stiffness. For supple on-road performance and off-road bump absorption, suspension is top quality: Showa 43mm SFF-CA USD forks and rear shock operating through Pro-Link. Damping at either end has been revised; slightly softer in both compression and rebound up front, and firmer in the rear for increased compliance on rougher terrain, while maintaining the on-road composure. Dual two-piston calipers provide efficient stopping power while the tyres – 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 front and rear respectively – deliver versatility on or off-road.

The rich specification list is headlined by an updated, customisable, five-inch TFT colour display which relays information through a choice of three display types and management of all systems, as well as the connectivity of Honda RoadSync system for both Android and IOS devices. It’s operated, easily, by a 4-way toggle switch on the left handlebar. The indicators auto-cancel and include Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology to warn other road users of sudden braking.

A range of accessories, including updated quickshifter, soft and hard luggage, rally/touring equipment and cosmetic enhancements are ready to go for an owner’s preference. New for 25YM are 100% waterproof easy-detach 20-26L Soft Side/Top Bags, a 20mm thicker Comfort Seat, Tall Screen, upper ‘A’ Deflectors, Fog Lights and loud volume Alarm.

The 25YM XL750 Transalp will be offered with a revised colour palette, with two new choices and an updated graphic set for all, with more prominent Transalp branding:
- Ross White – Tricolor graphic set
- Graphite Black
- Pearl Deep Mud Gray

Key Features
Styling & Equipment
- Fairing and bodywork balance wind protection, on-road comfort and off-road ability
- New central aero duct, DurabioTM screen and internal mid-cowl airflow management improve aerodynamics and agility
- Compact new dual projector headlight throws out a powerful beam
- Practicality from 850mm seat height, USB socket and rear carrier
- New five-inch TFT display with four-way handlebar toggle switch and Honda RoadSync Android/IOS smartphone connectivity
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology for the rear indicators

The XL750 Transalp’s bodywork is sleek, simple and clean. It has a purposeful look and feel, with zero excess and is built tough. For 25YM, a redesigned front end with some styling cues taken from the flagship Africa Twin is built around a new headlight unit – comprising dual LED high/low unified projector lenses.

Sitting above this is a new reprofiled screen (now constructed from sustainable, high transparency DurabioTM) mounted on a revised upper fairing which utilises a central intake duct to control back pressure, reducing buffeting around the helmet. A redesigned middle cowl section employs optimised internals to suppress flow velocity, for nimbler handling in urban situations and on twisting roads.
A Genuine Honda Accessories Tall Screen, redesigned to suit the new fairing and headlight is available, alongside new upper ‘A’ deflectors that reduce wind disturbance.

This bike is built to go the distance, so genuine comfort – also for two – matters. Seat height is low for the class at 850mm (an 820mm low seat is also available as an option) and the riding position is upright for natural control and leverage. The riding geometry also works well when standing up. A rear carrier is standard and there’s a USB socket under the seat.

The new five-inch full colour TFT screen uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved. Riders can customize the read out to their preferences, with three styles (bar, circle, and simple) as well as a high-contrast black background available to choose from. IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync remains available.

This feature – alongside a simplified, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the XL750 Transalp, and go.
To simplify and miniaturise the entire electrical system the Transalp uses a Controller Area Network (CAN) alongside a Body Control Unit (BCU). The BCU is sited on the left-hand frame rail, under the fuel tank and collectively processes control signals – from the ABS modulator, TFT screen and switch gear.

The rear indicators feature an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function. At a minimum speed of 56km/h with either brake working, if negative acceleration of a minimum of 6.0m/s2 is detected, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. At the same speed the threshold is reduced if ABS is activated, to a negative acceleration of a minimum 2.5m/s2.

Front and rear indicators also auto-cancel; rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.

Engine
- 755cc, 8-valve Unicam parallel twin-cylinder engine with 270° crank
- 67.5kW @ 9,500rpm, 75Nm torque @ 7,250rpm and 35kW A2 licence option
- Transalp-specific TBW mapping for touring focus
- Patented Vortex flow intake ducts and tuned exhaust note
- Assist/slipper clutch

The 755c, 8-valve Unicam engine has bore and stroke set at 87 x 63.5mm, with compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces a hard hit of top end power, with maximum output of 67.5kW @ 9,500rpm. This is accompanied by mountains of usable torque in the low to mid rpm range, rising to a peak of 75Nm @ 7,250rpm. The result is an engine that provides usable, enjoyable performance for rides of all types and all distances, and for riders of all experience levels.

It's extremely compact and lightweight, due in no small part to the Unicam head (as used by the MX competition ready CRF450R) which operates the 35.5mm diameter inlet valves (with 9.3mm lift) via cam, and 29mm diameter exhaust (with 8.2mm lift) by rocker arm.

The compact dimensions are also due to clever packaging: there’s no balancer drive gear since the primary drive gear doubles up duties and spins the balance shaft; the water pump is tucked away inside the lefthand engine cover and there’s no need for a water-cooled oil-cooler. An aesthetic update for 25YM is removal of the breather tube which ran across the side of the engine – it has been re-sited for a much cleaner look.

For razor-sharp pick-up and throttle response, patented Vortex flow ducts create a more uniform distribution from the side scoops into the airbox, which then feeds downdraft intakes and 46mm diameter throttle bodies. The cylinders use a Ni-SiC (Nickel-Silicon Carbide) coating, as used on the CRF450R and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, to increase the engine’s efficiency.

The crank uses a 270° firing order for characterful, twin-cylinder pulse feeling. The exhaust note is tuned for a pleasing low-end beat and raucous top-end howl. While mechanically identical to the CB750 Hornet, the Transalp’s TBW settings are tuned differently to focus on an engine ‘flavour’ in keeping with the long distance, touring work for which the Transalp is made.

An assist/slipper clutch clutch – with oblique layout disc segments – offers light lever feel, eases up shifts and manages rear wheel hop under hard braking and rapid down changes.

The catalyser has been upgraded and an SO2 added for forward looking legislative compliance. Fuel consumption of 23.km/l (WMTC mode) offers a potential range of 390km from the 16.9L fuel tank. A 35kW A2 licence option will be available from a Honda dealer.

Engine Electronics
- Four default rider modes; SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN and GRAVEL
- USER customisation option between all levels
- Four levels of Engine Power and three of Engine Brake
- Five stage Honda Selectable Torque Control with integrated Wheelie Control
- Off-road ABS brake setting allows rear caliper to be switched off in USER mode

Throttle By Wire (TBW) engine control offers four default riding modes: SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN and GRAVEL, adjusting the engine’s performance delivery and feel to suit conditions and the rider’s intent; they’re easily switched and managed between the left handlebar mode and TFT screen. There is also a specific USER mode that allows the rider to fine tune their own personal settings

There are four levels of Engine Power (EP), three levels of Engine Brake (EB), two levels of ABS, and five levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) available; HSTC and rear ABS can also be switched off. The riding modes offer different combinations of each parameter. Wheelie Control is also standard and integrated to HSTC.

PORT mode offers maximum performance and uses level four EP, level two ABS and level one EB and HSTC to deliver strong acceleration with minimum intervention.

STANDARD mode is a mid-way setting for urban riding that uses level three setting for EP and HSTC, with level two EB and ABS.

RAIN mode is designed for challenging on-road conditions and employs the lowest EP setting, level one, for the least aggressive power delivery with level two EB and ABS and five HSTC.
GRAVEL mode features level two EP, level three EB, and level four HSTC with level one ABS setting for confident travel on rougher terrain off road.

USER mode allows the rider to choose between settings one through four EP, one through five HSTC and one through three EB plus rear ABS switch off. All settings, except ABS settings, are retained when the ignition is switched off.

Chassis
- Lightweight 18.3kg steel diamond frame with integrated subframe
- Showa 43mm SFF-CA USD forks/Pro-link rear shock, both rear spring preload adjustable and with new damping settings
- Two-piston front calipers/310mm wave discs; single piston caliper/ 256mm rear disc
- 21/18-inch wheels wear 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 front and rear tyres

The steel diamond mainframe is lightweight, at just 18.3kg – 10% lighter than the frame of the CB500X. A major R&D process of reducing the number of reinforcing parts, thinning of the main and down tubes, and optimisation of the upper shock mount and swingarm pivot shape has produced a hugely strong platform, with rigidity balanced to deliver feel to the rider across all conditions and geometry set to inspire confident handling agility. The integrated heavy-duty subframe employs high-tension steel pipework for strength and toughness.

Rake and trail are set at 27° and 111mm, with wheelbase of 1560mm and kerb weight of 210kg. Slow speed U-turns are easy thanks to a 42° steering angle and 2.6m minimum turning circle.

After an extensive European tour by Honda development engineers from Japan and Europe, the suspension settings have been revised to maintain on-road comfort while boosting bump absorption over rougher ground. Showa 43mm SFF-CATM (Separate Function Fork-Cartridge) USD forks offer 200mm travel with spring preload adjustment, and mount by a forged aluminium bottom yoke and cast aluminium top yoke. Compared to the previous setup they have been tuned to offer slightly less compression and rebound damping, matching the revised rear setup for a more stable platform.

With 190mm travel the remote reservoir Showa shock (with adjustable preload) operates through Pro-Link and the swingarm which, while employing the same castings as the CRF1100L Africa Twin’s, uses aluminium material exclusive to the Transalp. The 25YM revisions see an increase in compression/ rebound damping, giving more control on uneven ground and offering better control when fully loaded with a pillion or luggage. Ground clearance remains 210mm.

Compact, two-piston calipers work dual 310mm ‘wave’ discs. The rear 256mm ‘wave’ disc is operated by a single-piston caliper. 21/18-inch front rear (stainless steel) spoked wheels wear (tubed) 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tyres; Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour.

Accessories
A full range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the XL750 Transalp either individually or as part of five curated packs for convenience. New for 25YM are 100% waterproof easy-detach 20-26L Soft Side/Top Bags, 20mm thicker Comfort Seat, updated Tall Screen, upper Windscreen Deflectors, Fog Lights and loud volume Alarm.

Urban Pack
Boost practicality and storage with a 50L Top Box, Aluminium Panel, Mounting Base, Pillion/Inner Bag plus Tall Screen and Main Stand.

Touring Pack
Includes the convenience of Rear Panniers (26L right/ 33L left) plus Aluminium Panels, Support Stays, Inner Bags and 12V Socket allowing the charge of electronic devices.

Adventure Pack
Boosted off-road style and functionality from Side Pipes, LED Fog Lights and Radiator Grill.

Rally Pack
The performance upgrade of a Quickshifter, plus Engine Guard and Bash Plate protection, Off-Road Rally Footpegs and Knuckle Guards with extensions. Wheel Stripes add the final touch.

Comfort Pack
Prep for the long haul; Upper/Lower Wind Deflectors expand wind and weather protection. Comfort is enhanced through the addition of an extra-padded Seat and Heated Grips while rubber Footpegs reduce pillion fatigue. The handy Tank Bag is a convenient addition for travel.