Honda XL750 Transalp vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: Price & Specification Showdown

Vinay Kamboj

1 week ago

Honda XL750 Transalp vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

Honda has officially brought the 2025 XL750 Transalp to Indian shores, stepping directly into the ring with one of its closest Japanese rivals—the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. Let’s see how these two adventure-tourers stack up in terms of mechanicals, dimensions, features, and value.

Engine and Performance

Specification	Honda XL750 Transalp	Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Engine	755cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled	776cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled
Power	91.7hp @ 9,500rpm	84.3hp
Torque	75Nm @ 7,250rpm	74Nm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
Power-to-Weight	436hp/tonne	363hp/tonne

Both bikes employ parallel-twin engines with a 270-degree crank for a more characterful and tractable power delivery. The Transalp enjoys a slight edge in both peak power and power-to-weight ratio, translating to potentially stronger top-end performance. Meanwhile, the V-Strom’s higher compression ratio (12.8:1 vs 11.0:1) hints at more explosive low-end torque, albeit with the caveat of needing 95-octane fuel.

Dimensions and Weight

Specification	Honda XL750 Transalp	Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Kerb Weight	210 kg	232 kg
Seat Height	850mm	855mm
Ground Clearance	210mm	220mm
Fuel Tank	16.7L	20L
Wheelbase	1560mm	1570mm

The V-Strom is notably heavier, tipping the scales at 22kg more than the Transalp. It compensates with a larger 20-litre fuel tank, ideal for longer stints between fuel stops. However, for shorter or newer riders, the Transalp’s lighter weight and slightly lower seat height may be more manageable.

Suspension, Wheels, and Brakes

Specification	Honda XL750 Transalp	Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Suspension	USD fork / monoshock (retuned for 2025)	Fully adjustable USD fork / monoshock with remote preload
Tyres	90/90-21 (F), 150/70-R18 (R)	90/90-21 (F), 150/70-R17 (R)
Brakes	310mm front / 256mm rear disc	Twin front discs / rear disc

Both motorcycles ride on spoked wheels with tubed tyres and come equipped with long-travel suspension. The V-Strom takes the edge in adjustability, featuring fully adjustable suspension and a remote preload adjuster, ideal for touring with varied loads. The Transalp’s revised suspension for 2025 aims to strike a better balance between comfort and handling.

Features and Electronics

For 2025, the Transalp receives key updates including a sharper LED headlamp and a new 5-inch TFT from the CB500X/NX500 family, bringing it closer in line with modern standards. It also features new switchgear and refined ergonomics.

Both bikes include:

Multiple rider modes
Traction control
Engine brake control

However, the V-Strom 800DE comes out ahead by offering a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, which is an optional and expensive extra on the Transalp. That said, both lack cruise control—a surprising omission at this price point.

Pricing and Value

Model	Price (Ex-showroom)
Honda XL750 Transalp	₹11.00 lakh (Haryana)
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE	₹10.30 lakh (Delhi)

While the price difference seems modest on paper, the Transalp is imported as a CBU (Completely Built-Up) unit, resulting in higher overall on-road costs due to added taxes and duties. On the other hand, the V-Strom 800DE, assembled locally via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route, offers better value for money.

Verdict: Which One to Pick?

Choose the Honda XL750 Transalp if you want a lighter, road-biased yet off-road-capable ADV with a broader torque spread and smoother highway performance.
Choose the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE if you need a better-equipped touring machine out of the box, with superior suspension adjustability and a lower price tag.

Ultimately, both motorcycles deliver strong performances and are built to cover serious ground. The final decision depends on your preference for handling, equipment, and how much you’re willing to spend.

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