Many riders dream of a motorcycle that seamlessly blends touring comfort and exhilarating sportbike performance, but achieving this combination often comes with a hefty price tag. Typically, models offering both features cost well over $15,000. However, recent shifts in the motorcycle market have opened doors to more affordable options. Now, for under $10,000, it’s possible to find bikes that deliver a compelling mix of comfort and speed. Our pick, the Honda XL750 Transalp, stands out as a particularly strong contender.
The Honda XL750 Transalp: A Do-It-All Adventure Bike
The Honda XL750 Transalp earns its place as the top choice for riders seeking a balance between touring comfort and sporty performance. It excels as a versatile adventure bike, capable of handling various terrains while maintaining rider comfort throughout long journeys. Beyond its adaptability, the Transalp boasts impressive performance, featuring an engine that produces 91 horsepower—the highest output among adventure bikes in its price range. This allows for speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour. Notably, the bike received a refresh in 2025 without an increase in its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), a rare and welcome move in a market where price hikes are increasingly common.
Alternatives: Triumph and Harley-Davidson
While the Honda Transalp is our top pick, other motorcycles offer competitive features. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660, for example, features a triple-cylinder engine with roots in the iconic Daytona 675. Although toned down for touring purposes, the engine still provides a distinctive and enjoyable sound. Its 81 horsepower and 47 pound-feet of torque result in a slightly lower top speed of approximately 125 miles per hour. The Harley-Davidson Nightster presents an offbeat American alternative, justifying its touring capabilities with a low-slung cruiser design and potential for adding accessories like saddlebags. Its punchy Revolution Max engine, producing 91 horsepower and 72 pound-feet, provides quick acceleration, though the lack of wind protection and lower top speed detract from its overall touring potential. Ultimately, the Transalp offers the most compelling blend of touring comfort and speed within the $10,000 budget.
Honda’s New 755cc Parallel-Twin Engine
At the heart of the Transalp’s performance lies Honda’s new mid-capacity engine. With a displacement of 755 cubic centimeters, an 11:1 compression ratio, and Ni-SiC (Nickel-Silicon Carbide) coating on the cylinders (also used in the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade), the engine produces 91 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque. The inclusion of a 270-degree crank contributes to a noticeable “thump” and helps distribute power evenly across the mid and low-end of the powerband. This combination, along with a relatively high RPM range (peak power at 9,500 RPM, peak torque at 7,250 RPM), promises both performance and impressive fuel efficiency (estimated at 54 miles per gallon, resulting in a theoretical range of approximately 240 miles).
Long-Travel Suspension and Upright Ergonomics for Touring Comfort
The XL750 Transalp’s design emphasizes both off-road capability and comfortable long-distance riding. Featuring a 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension (7.9 inches of travel for both forks and shock), the bike appears built for challenging terrain. However, Honda’s stated goal was to create an adventure-touring bike, balanced for urban agility, comfortable on-road touring, and off-road capability. This design philosophy is reflected in the bike’s steel diamond chassis, paired with Showa SFF USD forks and a Showa monoshock, alongside an upright riding posture. The rider sits on a scooped saddle with hands on a raised tubular handlebar and feet on mid-set footpegs, providing excellent control and all-day comfort. At just 463 pounds wet, the Transalp is also lighter than many competitors, such as the 500-plus-pound Suzuki V-Strom 800DE.
Key Specifications and Dimensions
- Chassis: Steel tubular
- Front Suspension: Showa SFF-CA USD forks
- Rear Suspension: Showa monoshock with Pro-Link
- Wheels: 21/18-inch
- Weight: 463 pounds (wet)
- Seat Height: 33.4 inches
- Ground Clearance: 8.26 inches
- Wheelbase: 61.5 inches
Impressive Features Boost the Transalp’s Value
Beyond its powerful engine and robust underpinnings, the Transalp stands out with its comprehensive features package. The bike boasts a class-leading 5-inch TFT instrument cluster with Honda’s RoadSync smartphone connectivity, along with a suite of rider aids, including wheelie control, traction control, engine brake control, and multiple ride modes. Additional comforts include a USB socket, an adjustable windscreen, and a rear carrier. A notable omission is the lack of cruise control, which would further enhance its touring capabilities.
Key Features
– 5-inch TFT instrument cluster
– Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity
– Wheelie control
– Traction control
– Engine brake control
– Ride modes
– USB socket
– Adjustable windscreen
– Rear carrier
In conclusion, the Honda XL750 Transalp offers an exceptional blend of touring comfort and sportbike speed for under $10,000. Its versatile design, powerful engine, and extensive features make it an ideal choice for riders seeking a motorcycle that can handle both long journeys and spirited riding. The Transalp proves that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a truly capable and enjoyable motorcycle experience.
