This Legendary, Affordable Honda Adventure Motorcycle Just Got Even Better

The latest edition of the iconic Transalp boasts some welcome new wrinkles while keeping the price approachable.

Published May 28, 2025

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Updated May 28, 2025

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You don’t keep a motorcycle in your lineup for going on 40 years without two key factors: consistent excellence and continuous improvement.

Both descriptors can easily be applied to Honda’s Transalp off-road bike, which pre-dates even the vaunted Africa Twin by a year or two.

honda transalp duo — The new Transalp is available in White and Deep Pearl Gray. (I much prefer the latter, but hey, to each their own.)

As beloved as the brand’s biggest adventure moto is, the scrappy Transalp — produced in some form by Honda since 1987 — is arguably a more compelling option.

That’s especially for newer riders and those minding their wallets, as its base price is nearly $5,000 less.

The 5-inch full-color TFT display lets you toggle through five ride modes and the four-level Honda Selectable Torque Control, optimizing your set-up to meet the challenges of whatever path lies ahead.

The case gets even stronger with the recently unveiled 2025 Transalp, which hews true to the latter factor with some key upgrades — and a price tag that still somehow remains four figures.

All-around ace

Even before the latest update, the Transalp was already a winner thanks to its impressive versatility.

The 755cc liquid-cooled 30.0º parallel-twin four-stroke engine offers plenty of power, whether you’re climbing a steep stretch of tarmac or ripping gnarly fire roads.

honda transalp engine — Having (somehow) ridden a 411cc motorcycle through the Himalayas, I can tell you that a 755cc engine is more than enough for most off-road challenges.

At the same time, the 33.7-inch seat (or lower, 32.6 inch accessory option) and 463 pound curb weight make it more than half an inch lower and 47 pounds lighter than the Africa Twin.

So while you sacrifice that bike’s more robust 1,083cc engine, you’re rewarded with a ride that’s not only more nimble and approachable but also easier to pick up if it happens to go down. (Hey, it’s an adventure bike, these things happen.)

honda transalp climbing — The redesigned screen and mid-cowl help the breeze fly by a little easier, no matter what’s under your wheels.

Adding to the Transalp’s agility are a handy quick shifter, slipper/assist clutch and generous Showa suspension (7.9 inches front, 7.5 inches rear), enabling it to negotiate even super technical terrain.

Better than ever

While the 2025 edition is hardly an overhaul, that’s a good thing, because one wasn’t needed. However, Honda did introduce a number of tweaks that boost the appeal.

Key improvements include a visibility-enhancing dual-projector headlight and a new central duct that improves aerodynamics and handling, plus a redesigned screen and mid-cowl for better airflow.

honda transalp roadsync — Providing tons of data and control, the 5-inch full-color TFT display is the biggest upgrade on the new Transalp.

Honda says it has also updated the front and rear suspension settings to smooth out the ride as you roll over mixed surfaces.

Most notable is a 5-inch full-color TFT display you can pair with your phone and the Honda RoadSync app for hands-free navigation, weather forecasts and other critical data.

honda transalp offroad action — With the right ride mode and torque settings, you’ll be blasting through the backcountry with relative ease.

Key for an off-road bike, the screen lets you toggle through five ride modes (sport, standard, rain, gravel and a custom setting) and the four-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), optimizing your setup to meet the challenges of whatever path lies ahead.

Of course, the connectivity also permits something even more important — controlling the tunes blasting through your (audio-enabled) helmet on the go.

Availability and pricing

With White and Deep Pearl Gray paint jobs, the 2025 Honda Transalp rolls into US dealerships in June at a starting price of $9,999.

2025 Honda Transalp

Starts at $9,999

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.