Did you ever wish for a smaller and more affordable Africa Twin because the current one is a bit too big on… everything? Well, Honda has possibly delivered on your prayers, and though it is not really a smaller “Africa Twin,” it is the one in spirit.

Welcome to the 2023 XL750 Transalp

Reviving iconic motorcycles of the past has been a prominent move by various motorcycle manufacturers in recent years. And just like the Africa Twin, Honda is now reviving the Transalp name for 2023.

Launched originally in 1986 as the XL600V Transalp, it was a popular adventure touring motorcycle designed to cover long distances in comfort, and reliably.

But one look at the all-new Transalp would tell you that the Africa Twin influence is clearly there. It carries the basic Africa Twin silhouette to create a similar, yet relatively simpler design. It is a little less angular, slightly less edgier than its larger sibling. Personally, I like the way the new Transalp looks; it looks like a smaller Africa Twin to me, and that is perfectly alright with me.

But the bike has its own personality. It has a simpler design language, cleaner lines, and perhaps, a bit too basic for some people. But then, this is one of those designs that can grow on you with time and something that you can appreciate on a daily basis, or after a long hard ride you can admire its timeless simplicity.

The front headlight reminds of the one on the CB500X. The front fairing and the side panels at the rear have a smooth, streamlined design. The fuel tank capacity is 16.9 liters. There’s a 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch at the rear.

The engine is a brand new unit that made its debut in the recently launched CB750 Hornet. It is precisely 755cc, parallel twin, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, Uni-cam (inspired by Honda’s CRF450R), having a 270-degree crank. It produces a healthy 91.7 PS of power at 9,500 RPM and 75 NM of torque at 7,250 RPM.

The engine cylinders use Ni-Sic (Nickel-Silicon Carbide) coating for reliability and durability. One of the highlights of the new engine is its Vortex Flow intake ducts for efficient combustion.

The all-new Transalp is loaded with some of the best hardware and electronics packages. At the front, there’s a pair of Showa upside-down Separate Function Big Piston Forks with 200mm of travel and the rear has an aluminium swingarm with a pro-link monoshock with 190mm of travel. Both front and rear suspensions are preload adjustable.

There’s a set of dual 310mm discs at the front with Nissin 2-piston callipers, while the rear gets a single 256mm disc with a single piston calliper.

The chassis comprises a steel diamond frame which has the integrated subframe. It weighs 18.3 kg and is actually lighter than the frame of the CB500X

When it comes to electronics, Transalp is not devoid of them. There’s a ride by wire throttle which enables four riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, and Gravel. There are four levels of Engine Power modes and three levels of Engine Brake modes. Then there are two levels of ABS modes, as well as five levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), or in simpler terms, traction control. Also, ABS and traction control can be switched off at the rear wheel.

The XL750 Transalp is a more approachable motorcycle, making it a better choice for a larger number of riders. We expect this motorcycle to come to India in the near future, realistically in the first-half of 2023.