The EICMA is in full swing and to no one's surprise, we’ve seen some cracking motorcycles on the opening day itself. Two headline-makers were the Honda Transalp XL750 and the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, both built to take the middleweight adventure segment by storm. Though both manufacturers want to take on European rivals first, the two motorcycles will unquestionably lock horns with each other, too. And in case you want to know which of these is more capable, here’s a paper-based comparison between the Transalp and the V-Strom.
2023 Honda Transalp XL750 vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE - Performance
| Specification | Honda Transalp XL750 | Suzuki V-Strom 800DE |
| Engine | 755cc, parallel-twin engine | 776cc, twin-cylinder engine |
| Power | 90.5 horsepower @ 9,500rpm | 83.1 horsepower @ 8,500rpm |
| Torque | 55.3 pound-feet @ 7,250rpm | 57.5 pound-feet @ 6,800rpm |
| Gearbox | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Curb weight | 208kg (458 pounds) | 230kg (507 pounds) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16.9-liter | 20-liter |
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. That said, the V-Strom 800DE has a higher torque output between the two, plus both its torque and power kick in earlier than the Honda. It also has a bigger fuel tank capacity that somewhat justifies its higher curb weight. Solely from a performance standpoint, the Transalp takes the win here.
2023 Honda Transalp XL750 vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE - Underpinnings & Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Transalp XL750 | Suzuki V-Strom 800DE |
| Front suspension | Showa 43mm USD fork (200mm travel) | Showa USD forks (220mm travel) |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock (190mm travel) | Monoshock (220mm travel) |
| Front brake | 2x 310mm discs | Twin discs (Size U/A) |
| Rear brake | 256mm disc | Single disc (Size U/A) |
| Wheel size (F/R) | 21/18-inch (spoke wheels) | 21/17-inch (spoke wheels) |
| Seat height | 850mm | 855mm |
| Ground clearance | 210mm | 220mm |
Like the previous aspect, both motorcycles are neck-and-neck here, but it’s the fine margins that make all the difference. For instance, 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. The Honda does claw back some points thanks to its marginally shorter seat height, but the win is clearly V-Strom’s.
2023 Honda Transalp XL750 vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE - Features & Design
| Features | Honda Transalp XL750 | Suzuki V-Strom 800DE |
| All-LED lights | Yes | Yes |
| TFT instrumentation | Yes (5-inch) | Yes (5-inch) |
| Ride modes | Five | Three |
| Traction control | Yes (Five settings) | Yes (Four settings) |
| Switchable ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Quickshifter | No | Bi-directional |
| USB port | Yes (underseat) | Yes (near the TFT) |
| Adjustable windscreen | No | Yes |
| Smartphone connectivity | Yes | No |
Both the XL750 and V-Strom 800DE are the cream of the crop feature-wise. They have no shortage of modern tech, but both excel at separate aspects. While the Transalp’s forte is its extensive rider aids, the V-Strom 800DE boasts a crucial bi-directional quickshifter. The Suzuki also misses out on smartphone connectivity, but sort of makes up for it via its better-positioned USB port. As for the design, the V-Strom 800DE is, without a doubt, the winner here. Don’t get us wrong, the Transalp is a good-looking motorcycle, but it looks identical to the smaller CB500X, which is a red flag for us. However, had Honda based the looks on the Africa Twin, it’d been a different outcome.
2023 Honda Transalp XL750 vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE - Verdict
Neither Honda nor Suzuki have revealed the prices of their products, so we can’t compare the value for money factor just yet. For what it’s worth, though, the V-Strom 800DE comes across as the more capable off-roader between the two, and if Suzuki prices it right, it’ll be a winner. However, Honda has nailed the Hornet’s pricing in the market which should also be the Transalp’s fate. So for the time being, which one do you think deserves your money? Let us know in the comments.