Two of Honda’s Adventure Motorcycles Are Getting Mild Upgrades But Don’t Need Them

Two of the most versatile bikes in their respective segments just got a bit better.

Photo by: Honda

By: Enrico Punsalang

May 27, 2025 at 9:26am ET

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When Honda rolled out the XL750 Transalp a couple of years ago, it pretty much instantly shot up my list of favorite modern Hondas the moment I got the chance to ride it. It’s that perfect middle ground between capability and approachability, with a good dash of fun thrown in. From carving up a mountain road or blasting through dirt trails, it just felt right. It wasn’t trying to be the biggest or baddest ADV out there, as it’s just solid, well-balanced, and easy to ride.

And honestly, what more do you need?

So I wasn’t surprised to hear that the 2025 update doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Honda’s always been smart like that. Instead of doing a full overhaul, they made targeted improvements to make the Transalp even better at what it already does well. For starters, there’s a new central duct that improves aerodynamics and adds a touch of agility to the handling. They’ve also added a redesigned screen and mid-cowl that better manage airflow.

Photos by: Honda

A new dual-projector headlight keeps visibility sharp, and there’s now a crisp 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity via Honda RoadSync. Handy if you’re relying on navigation or want your tunes on the go. The front and rear suspension settings also get an update, making it feel a touch more refined over mixed terrain.

It’s available in White or Deep Pearl Gray, priced at $9,999, and hits US dealerships in June. All in all, this year’s changes just make a great bike even better. No drama, no fluff—just function-first refinement, and I’m all for it.

Now let’s talk about an old favorite of mine: the NC750X DCT. I’ve talked about this one plenty in the past, and I still stand by what I’ve said—it’s one of the most versatile motorcycles you can buy. The “Swiss Army knife” label gets thrown around a lot in this industry, but the NC earns it. Automatic transmission? Check. Comfy ergonomics? Check. Enough grunt for daily duty or weekend fun? Yep.

And of course, that wonderfully weird frunk where the gas tank usually goes. You can toss a helmet in there, or groceries, or even your camera gear. It’s a quirk that becomes super useful once you live with it.

And speaking of quirks, Honda hides the actual fuel tank down low under the seat, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity and gives it surprising stability. That’s one of those little engineering touches you don’t really think about until you realize how planted the bike feels at speed or in tight turns.

Photos by: Honda

For 2025, Honda gave the NC750X a nice little glow-up. There’s refreshed styling that brings it more in line with Honda’s modern aesthetic, improved brakes for more confident stopping power, lighter wheels that help shave off a bit of unsprung weight, and an evolved DCT that shifts smoother and smarter than ever. They’ve also upgraded the TFT display, which now feels more premium and easier to read at a glance.

What do you think?

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It’s coming in Matte Pearl White, carries an MSRP of $9,499, and lands in dealerships this May, so you won’t have to wait long if it’s on your shortlist.

So yeah, while neither of these bikes got a total reinvention, that’s kind of the beauty of it. Honda didn’t need to go back to the drawing board because they already nailed the fundamentals. These 2025 updates just bring a bit more refinement, more comfort, and a little extra tech to the table.