Transalp XL750 vs V-Strom 800 DE
The middleweight adventure motorcycle segment has witnessed an exhilarating Japanese rivalry between two highly anticipated models – the Honda XL750 Transalp and the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE. Both motorcycles were unveiled at EICMA and have since captured the imagination of adventure riders worldwide. These bikes represent different philosophies in adventure touring – the Transalp emphasizing road-biased versatility with spirited performance, while the V-Strom focuses on off-road capability and all-terrain competence. This comprehensive 2025 comparison will help you decide which Japanese adventure machine deserves your investment.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Middleweight ADV Battle
The Honda XL750 Transalp costs Rs 10.99 lakh as a CBU, while the locally assembled Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is priced lower at Rs 10.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The ex-showroom price of Honda Transalp XL750 is ₹10,99,990 and Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is ₹10,30,000. Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is the cheapest among these bikes, providing a Rs 69,990 advantage at entry level.
Out of 3 user reviews, V-Strom 800 DE scores 4.2 whereas the Honda XL750 Transalp tallies 4.6 out of 5 based on 5 user reviews. The higher Transalp rating reflects owner satisfaction with its performance and overall package despite the premium pricing.
Design Philosophy: Refined Versatility vs Rugged Capability
Honda XL750 Transalp – Modern All-Rounder
Honda Transalp XL750 is available in 2 colours whereas the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE comes in 3 colours. The Transalp’s design prioritizes clean, modern aesthetics with a focus on everyday usability. However, the design looks identical to the smaller CB500X, which is a red flag for some enthusiasts who wanted more Africa Twin-inspired styling.
The overall appearance is sleek and contemporary, appealing to riders seeking an adventure bike that doesn’t look overly aggressive or intimidating. The design successfully balances adventure capability with street-friendly appeal, making it suitable for urban commuting and weekend adventures alike.
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE – Adventure-Ready Stance
As for the design, the V-Strom 800DE is, without a doubt, the winner here. The V-Strom presents a more purposeful, off-road-focused appearance with taller stance, prominent beak, and rugged proportions. The design clearly communicates its adventure intentions and off-road competence.
The V-Strom’s aesthetic maintains Suzuki’s adventure heritage while modernizing key elements. The overall look is functional, purposeful, and appeals strongly to riders prioritizing genuine adventure capability over urban sophistication.
Engine Performance: Power vs Torque
Honda Transalp XL750 Superior Power
The Honda XL750 Transalp is powered by a 755cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers 91bhp and 75Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission. The engine in the XL750 Transalp makes 91.7 PS and 75 Nm. The Transalp’s 755cc engine is lifted straight from the Hornet 750 and produces the same 67.5kW (90.5hp) of claimed power at 9500rpm and 75Nm of torque at 7250rpm.
Even though the Suzuki has a bigger engine capacity, it’s the Honda Transalp that pumps out more horsepower which, coupled with its lighter weight, gives it a better power-to-weight ratio than the Suzuki. The Honda loves to be revved and, on the road, its extra power, combined with less weight, means it will pull away from the V-Strom with ease.
Peak power for the Transalp will see the rev-counter hitting 9,500rpm, while peak torque is delivered at 7,250rpm – 450rpm higher than the Suzuki. The engine character is enthusiastic, responsive, and rewards spirited riding with strong performance throughout the rev range.
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE Torque Character
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE uses a slightly larger 776cc DOHC parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank for an improved low-end response. It produces 84bhp at 8,500rpm and 78Nm at 6,800rpm. The power and torque of V-Strom 800 DE stand at 84.3 PS and 78 Nm respectively.
The V-Strom’s engine is identical to that used in the GSX-8S and punches out the same 62kW (83hp) of power at 8500rpm and 78Nm of torque at 6800rpm. The Suzuki is the boss in the midrange but it’s geared taller, so it doesn’t feel as spritely as the Honda off the throttle.
The Suzuki’s power delivery is smoother and easier to modulate in the dirt with traction control turned off, whereas the Transalp can be a bit angry and more finesse through the ride-by-wire throttle is required to keep the rear wheel under control off-road.
Weight Advantage: Honda’s Edge
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is heavier (232 kg) than Honda Transalp XL750 (208 kg). This substantial 24 kg weight difference significantly impacts handling, maneuverability, and rider fatigue. The lighter Transalp feels more nimble, easier to handle at low speeds, and less intimidating for less experienced riders.
The weight advantage combined with superior power gives the Transalp a clear power-to-weight ratio advantage, translating to better acceleration and more engaging on-road performance.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
The Honda XL750 Transalp Mileage is around 23 kmpl, while the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE Mileage is around 22.7 kmpl. Suzuki is claiming the new V-Strom 800DE can return 64mpg, while Honda is claiming a significantly lower 23km/l – 54mpg in some markets.
The Transalp comes with a 16.9-litre fuel tank while the V-Strom features a larger 20-litre fuel tank ideal for long-distance rides. Going by those numbers, the Transalp and its 16.9-litre tank could take you around 240 miles compared to the V-Strom’s theoretical range of 270 miles from its 20-litre item.
The V-Strom’s larger fuel capacity provides meaningful range advantage for touring, reducing fuel stops and enhancing adventure capability on remote routes.
Suspension and Off-Road Capability
Honda Transalp Setup
Both machines run Showa kit, with the Transalp adorned with a 43mm USD fork offering preload adjustment and 200mm of travel and a preload adjustable monoshock with 190mm of travel. The overall ground clearance of the Transalp is 210mm.
The Transalp uses 43mm Showa USD forks and a Pro-Link monoshock, but with shorter travel. However, it features a lower overall weight and an 18-inch rear wheel, which contributes to more responsive handling on rough terrain.
V-Strom 800 DE Superior Travel
The V-Strom rolls with a beefier fully adjustable 45mm USD fork, and a fully adjustable monoshock giving 220mm of travel at both ends. The design provides the V-Strom 800DE with a slightly longer amount of wheel travel than the Transalp and it has an overall ground clearance of 220mm.
The V-Strom 800DE boasts more suspension travel and ground clearance than the Honda, which should give it better off-road capabilities. Speaking of which, the Suzuki also has plenty of crash protection as standard while the Transalp gets none initially.
By every other measure the Suzuki’s kit is better and it handles accordingly off-road. On the tarmac the V-Strom returns a better overall ride experience with the exception being quite a bit of dive when you grab a handful of front brake.
Technology and Features Battle
Transalp Advanced Connectivity
For 2025, the XL750 Transalp features a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with optical bonding to enhance screen readability in direct sunlight. It also offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, enabling access to calls, texts, music, navigation, and voice control through a switch on the handlebars.
It features five riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User, allowing riders to tailor performance to different conditions. Additional electronic aids include a slipper clutch, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), adjustable engine braking and power levels, and dual-channel ABS for enhanced control and safety.
The Transalp also features Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, or HSVCS, that pairs with an app and allows riders to switch between voice-controlled activities using the four-way directional control on the left bar pod. Safety is enhanced with an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that activates hazard lights during hard braking, along with self-canceling turn indicators.
V-Strom 800 DE Practical Tech
The V-Strom 800DE comes equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. Suzuki ported its Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) in from other models and it features three ride modes, Active, Basic, Comfort and a new off-road oriented Gravel mode. Each mode can be tweaked in several ways, including ABS (two levels), traction control, and so on. Gravel mode allows for rear wheel ABS defeat.
Rider aids include ride-by-wire throttle, a bi-directional quickshifter, traction control with a specific Gravel mode, two-stage ABS, Low RPM Assist, and Suzuki’s Easy Start System – making it highly capable both on and off-road. The Suzuki screen is 5 inches across while both feature LCD/TFT screens that are configurable and convey comprehensive information.
The V-Strom boasts a crucial bi-directional quickshifter not available on the base Transalp. The Suzuki also misses out on smartphone connectivity, but sort of makes up for it via its better-positioned USB port.
Which Adventure Bike Should You Choose?
Choose Honda XL750 Transalp If
You want maximum power with 91.7 bhp output. The 24 kg lighter weight appeals for easier handling. Better power-to-weight ratio provides superior acceleration. Road-biased versatility suits your riding style. Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity is essential. Voice control and modern tech features matter. Five riding modes provide maximum customization. Self-canceling turn indicators add convenience. Emergency Stop Signal enhances safety. You prefer spirited on-road performance. The engine that loves to be revved excites you. Higher user rating of 4.6/5 provides confidence. 18-inch rear wheel suits your preference. More responsive handling appeals to you.
Choose Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE If
Lower price of Rs 10.30 lakh fits your budget better. Superior off-road capability with 220mm suspension travel. Better ground clearance of 220mm matters. Larger 20-litre fuel tank provides extended range. Bi-directional quickshifter is essential. Fully adjustable suspension front and rear appeals. Standard crash protection provides confidence. Smoother power delivery suits your riding style. Three torque-rich Nm advantage benefits touring. Local CKD assembly ensures better parts availability. You prioritize genuine adventure capability. The off-road-oriented Gravel mode is important. Rear ABS defeat for serious off-roading matters. More rugged, purpose-built design appeals.
The Final Verdict
These two bikes are very closely matched, on power, size, weight, and spec, making the choice challenging. The bottom line is that even after the successful model update, the XL750 is a Transalp as a Transalp should be, which has always been regarded as a smooth-running, comfortable all-rounder.
The new 800 has become a real V-Strom that can do what a V-Strom has to do. An everyday motorbike in the most positive sense, a bike for everyday use as well as for long journeys. It will certainly also appeal to the many fans of the V-Strom 650, as it has a significantly more powerful engine with otherwise similar attributes.
The Honda XL750 Transalp excels as a versatile, road-focused adventure tourer with superior power, lighter weight, advanced connectivity, and engaging on-road performance. The exceptional user rating of 4.6/5 demonstrates high owner satisfaction. It’s perfect for riders prioritizing spirited riding, modern technology, and a bike that feels quick and responsive.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE provides unmatched value with its lower price, superior off-road capability, longer suspension travel, larger fuel tank, and standard crash protection. The bi-directional quickshifter and fully adjustable suspension add significant value. It’s ideal for riders seeking genuine adventure capability and long-distance touring prowess.
Visit dealerships, test ride both motorcycles on varied terrain, and honestly assess your riding priorities. If on-road performance, technology, and lighter weight matter most, choose the Transalp. If off-road capability, value, and touring range are priorities, select the V-Strom. Either choice provides exceptional middleweight adventure capability from proven Japanese manufacturers.
