Can you green lane a Honda XL750 Transalp?

Holloway ratings

Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.

Full specs

What we actually found

Owners describe the Transalp as an exceptionally smooth, road-biased all-rounder that comfortably handles light off-road duty. Riders love the free-revving 755cc parallel twin on tarmac links and appreciate the line-holding ability of the 21-inch front wheel. However, owners frequently note that the soft, non-adjustable front forks and modest 210mm ground clearance mean pace must be kept in check over rocky steps and deep drainage ruts.

Pros for green laning

• Proper 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels: enables installation of aggressive off-road rubber for dependable tracking on muddy lanes.
• Relatively manageable weight: at 216kg wet, it is among the lighter multi-cylinder mid-weight adventure bikes on the market.
• Smooth parallel-twin power: the 755cc 91.8hp engine delivers responsive throttle modulation and tractable low-rev pull in User Off-Road mode.
• Accessible 850mm seat: narrow stand-over width lets average-height riders touch down securely when stopping on uneven ruts.

Cons and limitations

• Modest suspension travel and clearance: 210mm ground clearance with 200mm front / 190mm rear travel and soft factory damping leads to bottoming out on rocky ledges.
• Exposed exhaust headers and belly: the exhaust routing and oil filter sit low and exposed, necessitating an aftermarket aluminium skid plate.
• No dedicated off-road hardware: comes without handguards, heavy-duty sump protection, or switchable rear ABS hotkeys as standard.
• Vulnerable body panels: broad front fairing plastics are prone to scuffs and cracks during drops in rocky lanes.

Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.