Honda now offers two very different adventure bikes: the middleweight XL750 Transalp and the bigger CRF1100L Africa Twin. Both use parallel-twin engines and 21-inch front wheels, but they differ a lot in size, price and equipment. Here's how the Transalp vs Africa Twin compare, using Honda's published 2026 US specifications.
Quick Answer
- Choose the Transalp if you want a lighter, less expensive adventure bike that is easier to handle off-road.
- Choose the Africa Twin if you want more engine, more fuel range, more electronics and the option of Honda's DCT automatic gearbox.
Specs Compared (2026 US models)
| Transalp E-Clutch | Africa Twin (standard, manual) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 755cc parallel twin | 1,084cc parallel twin |
| Curb weight | 468 lb | 510 lb |
| Seat height | 33.7 in (32.6 in optional seat) | 34.3 / 33.5 in (two positions) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.4 gal | 5.0 gal |
| Tires | 90/90-21 front, 150/70-18 rear | 90/90-21 front, 150/70R-18 rear |
| Suspension travel | 7.9 in front / 7.5 in rear | 9.1 in front / 8.7 in rear |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with Honda E-Clutch | 6-speed manual (DCT available) |
| MSRP (2026) | $10,199 | $15,199 |
Source: American Honda 2026 specifications. Honda US does not publish horsepower figures.
Engine
The Transalp's 755cc twin is about 70% of the Africa Twin's 1,084cc displacement. Honda doesn't publish US power figures, but Cycle World's dyno test of a 2024 Transalp measured 70.58 hp and 47.01 lb-ft at the rear wheel. The Africa Twin's larger engine gives it the advantage for two-up riding, heavy luggage and long highway stretches.
Weight and Off-Road Handling
At 468 lb curb, the Transalp is 42 lb lighter than the manual Africa Twin (510 lb). Off-road, less weight means an easier bike to pick up and to control at low speed. The Africa Twin counters with more suspension travel: 9.1 inches up front versus 7.9 inches on the Transalp.
Gearbox Options
For 2026, the Transalp is sold in the US with Honda's E-Clutch, which lets you ride a manual gearbox without using the clutch lever when you don't want to. The Africa Twin is offered with a conventional manual gearbox or with Honda's DCT automatic transmission.
Electronics
Transalp
Five riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel and a custom mode), Honda Selectable Torque Control, ABS with a switchable rear, and a 5-inch color TFT with Honda RoadSync.
Africa Twin
A six-axis IMU with cornering ABS and three ABS modes, seven-level Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, six riding modes, standard cruise control and a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Price
The difference is significant: $10,199 for the 2026 Transalp E-Clutch and $15,199 for the standard manual Africa Twin. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, with a 6.6-gallon tank and electronic suspension, starts at $17,799.
Protection and Accessories
Transalp
- Crash bar engine guard in aluminum alloy tubing
- Headlight protector, a CNC-machined aluminum grille
- Radiator guard
- Side fairing protectors and frame protectors to prevent scuffs from boots and luggage
Africa Twin CRF1100L
More ideas in our Africa Twin upgrades guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Transalp arrive in the US?
The XL750 Transalp arrived in the US as a 2024 model, announced in September 2023.
Is the Africa Twin available with an automatic gearbox?
Yes. Both the standard Africa Twin and the Adventure Sports ES are offered with Honda's DCT.
Which one is better off-road?
The Transalp is lighter, which helps in technical terrain. The Africa Twin has more suspension travel and more electronics. Rider skill and tires matter as much as the bike.
Shop Transalp accessories and Africa Twin CRF1100L accessories.