The Yamaha Ténéré 700 and the Honda XL750 Transalp are two middleweight adventure bikes that riders often compare. Both use parallel twins and a 21-inch front wheel, both cost around $10,000 to $11,000, but they take different approaches. This Ténéré 700 vs Transalp 750 comparison uses the manufacturers' published 2026 US specifications.
Quick Answer
- The Ténéré 700 has more suspension travel, more ground clearance and a simpler, off-road-first design.
- The Transalp is lighter, has a lower seat, more riding modes and Honda's E-Clutch, and costs a little less.
Specs Compared (2026 US models)
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Honda Transalp E-Clutch | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 689cc parallel twin (CP2) | 755cc parallel twin |
| Weight | 459 lb wet | 468 lb curb |
| Seat height | 34.4 in | 33.7 in (32.6 in optional seat) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 gal | 4.4 gal |
| Front / rear tire | 90/90R21 / 150/70R18 | 90/90-21 / 150/70-18 |
| Suspension travel | 8.3 in front / 7.9 in rear | 7.9 in front / 7.5 in rear |
| Ground clearance | 9.4 in (Yamaha) | 7.7 in (Cycle News; not listed by Honda) |
| MSRP (2026) | $10,999 | $10,199 |
Sources: Yamaha Motor USA and American Honda 2026 specifications; Cycle News for the Transalp's ground clearance. Neither manufacturer publishes US horsepower figures.
Engines
The Ténéré 700 uses Yamaha's 689cc CP2 twin, shared with the MT-07. Cycle World's dyno test of a 2023 Ténéré 700 measured 61.7 hp and 42.5 lb-ft at the rear wheel. For 2025, Yamaha added ride-by-wire with two throttle maps and a shorter intake duct aimed at low- and mid-range torque.
The Transalp's 755cc twin uses a 270-degree crank. Cycle World's dyno test of a 2024 Transalp measured 70.58 hp and 47.01 lb-ft at the rear wheel. On those two dyno tests, the Honda made more peak power and torque, but note that the Ténéré 700 tested was a pre-2025 model.
Weight, Seat and Off-Road
The two are close in weight on paper: 459 lb wet for the Yamaha and 468 lb curb for the Honda. The bigger differences are elsewhere:
- Seat height: the Transalp's seat is 0.7 in lower, with an optional 32.6-inch seat.
- Suspension and clearance: the Ténéré 700 has more travel (8.3 in vs 7.9 in front) and Yamaha lists 9.4 inches of ground clearance.
For technical off-road riding, the Ténéré 700's extra travel and clearance are real advantages. For riders who want a lower seat, the Transalp is easier to live with.
Electronics and Features
Ténéré 700 (2025 onward)
Ride-by-wire with two throttle maps, switchable traction control, three-mode ABS (both wheels, front only, or off) and a 6.3-inch color TFT.
Transalp (2026)
Five riding modes including a Gravel mode, Honda Selectable Torque Control, ABS with a switchable rear, a 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync and the Honda E-Clutch.
Protection and Accessories
Both bikes need radiator, headlight and engine protection before serious off-road riding.
Ténéré 700
Full plan: Ténéré 700 protection guide.
Transalp
- Crash bar engine guard
- Radiator guard
- Headlight protector
- Horn cover, a press-fit ABS cover for the exposed factory horn
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is lighter, the Ténéré 700 or the Transalp?
They're very close: 459 lb wet for the Ténéré 700 and 468 lb curb for the Transalp, according to the 2026 US specs.
Which has the lower seat?
The Transalp, at 33.7 inches (32.6 inches with Honda's optional seat), versus 34.4 inches for the Ténéré 700.
Which one is cheaper?
For 2026, the Transalp E-Clutch lists at $10,199 and the Ténéré 700 at $10,999 (MSRP, before destination charges).
Shop Ténéré 700 accessories and Transalp accessories.