The Honda XL750 Transalp is 14kg lighter than the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, with a seat 5mm lower, and scores 4/10 against 6/10 on the Holloway Green Lane Score.
4/10Transalp
6/10V-Strom 800DE
Which suits you
Choose the Transalp if low-speed control and picking it up after a drop matter most: it is 14kg lighter wet.
Both take a 90/90-21 front tyre, so the same front tyre options fit either bike.
The V-Strom 800DE goes further on a tank, roughly 280 miles against 245, which helps on lanes where fuel stops are far apart.
A tick marks the better figure for green laning. Manufacturer figures; weights are wet unless marked as estimates.
Where they sit against every other bike
Wet weight against ground clearance across the whole Bike Finder. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit.
Our take on each
Honda XL750 Transalp: A smooth, comfortable all-rounder better suited to gravel and light lanes than serious technical green laning, the soft suspension and low clearance are the limiting factor.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: A smooth, refined twin that copes well with ruts and stones, its main weakness for green laning is straightforward weight and tubed wheels.
Remember: rider ability, tyres and the weather on the day move the real answer more than the bike does. Check each lane's own difficulty and legal status before you ride.
Find where to ride either one
Plan a day of legal green lanes across England and Wales on Holloway's map, with each lane's difficulty and status.
