5 reasons why the 2025 Honda Transalp is the best Transalp yet

After riding the 2023 model Honda XL750 Transalp for thousands of miles around the UK, the ABR Verdict was that it was the most accessible mid-weight adventure bike on the market and a damn good road bike. But as with previous generations of Transalps that have been around in various displacements since the late ‘80s, it wasn’t perfect.

Thankfully, Honda has updated the Transalp for 2025, and here are five reasons why the 2025 model is the best Transalp yet.

Updated suspension delivers sharper, more composed handling

One of the biggest issues we had with the 2023 version was its undersprung suspension, especially the shock. However, the revised suspension settings on the 2025 model are designed to shift the ride quality away from the comfort end of the spectrum and more towards the performance side.

Thanks to the increase in compression and rebound damping in the shock and the re-tuned fork settings, the bike was noticeably more composed and stable when hitting the twisties at speed.

We were impressed with the way the new suspension handled the corrugations in the road, which does help make the Transalp even more viable for exploring dirt and gravel roads over longer distances.

Optional comfort seat is worth every penny

While the standard saddle remains unchanged for 2025, Honda has developed an accessory comfort seat. With an increase of 20mm in cushion thickness (and a corresponding rise in seat height), along with a classy, stitched leather construction, the comfort seat was an absolute game changer. At £145 it offers reasonable value, and we wouldn’t buy a Transalp without one.

Improved pillion accommodations

The 2023 version was a capable two-up bike, with well-placed grab handles and a decent amount of room for two. However, the suspension could barely cope with the weight of two people, but now that that’s fixed, the 2025 Transalp will make a much better choice for you and your better half.

Small TFT refinements make a big difference

Something else Honda has changed on the 2025 Transalp is the dash and the switchgear that you use to navigate through the many submenus. The 5” TFT hasn’t altered dramatically, but the information is less cluttered and clearer. There were three TFT layout styles to choose from, with each shifting from light to dark modes automatically thanks to a light sensor.

The new switchgear also makes navigation the dash easier than before, although there’s still a lot of submenus to sift through, and frustratingly, no range indicator.

Updated Gravel riding mode enhances off-road manners

Gravel mode has been tweaked to make it more useable, including its own dedicated ABS setting to reduce its intervention, helping you to lock up the brakes off-road when you want to. Traction control can be turned off, but if you are a beginner looking to tackle a gravel road every now and then, it is a reassuring level of intervention that can help you get you started in the dirt on a bigger adventure bike.

Read the full Honda XL750 Transalp review in ABR magazine

So there you go. Five reasons why this is the best Honda Transalp ever. But before you rush down to your local dealership and hand over your hard-earned cash for one, make sure you read our full review in the May/June issue of Adventure Bike Rider magazine. Get your copy today with free UK postage HERE.