Honda Transalp XL750 vs Kawasaki Versys 650
Honda Transalp XL750 is more powerful than Kawasaki Versys 650, while the Kawasaki has a lower seat. The Honda produces 90 hp (67 kW), giving it a clear power advantage for highway riding with a passenger. The Kawasaki’s longer theoretical range between refuelling stops adds a practical counterpoint, while the Honda’s lower wet weight does not meet the comparison’s threshold for a meaningful mass advantage. Overall, the choice turns on power reserve versus range.
Honda Transalp XL750 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Honda Transalp XL750Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 755 cm³ | 649 cm³ |
| Power | 90 hp (67 kW) — Favorable value | 66 hp (49 kW) |
| Wet weight | 210 kg — Favorable value | 219 kg |
| Seat height | 850 mm | 846 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16.9 L | 20.8 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Honda Transalp XL750Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 755 cm³ | 649 cm³ |
| Power | 90 hp (67 kW) — Favorable value | 66 hp (49 kW) |
| Torque | 75 Nm — Favorable value | 61 Nm |
| Engine type | V-Twin, four-stroke | Parallel Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 x 63.5 mm | 83.0 x 60.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Honda Transalp XL750Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multiplate, assist & slipper | Wet multi-disc |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Honda Transalp XL750Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 210 kg — Favorable value | 219 kg |
| Seat height | 850 mm | 846 mm |
| Length | 2,250 mm | 2,164 mm |
| Width | 905 mm | 841 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm | 1,359 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,560 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Ground clearance | 177 mm | 170 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16.9 L | 20.8 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Honda Transalp XL750Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Steel diamond | Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel |
| Front suspension | 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted telescopic fork | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in. |
| Rear suspension | Pro-Link® single Showa shock | Single offset laydown shock with remote adjustable spring preload |
| Front wheel travel | 200 mm | 150 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 190 mm | 145 mm |
| Rake | 27.0° | 25.0° |
| Trail | 111 mm | 109 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Honda Transalp XL750Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. 2-channel ABS"¯ | Double disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Petal-style discs. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 2-channel ABS"¯ | Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper. Petal-style disc. |
| Front brake diameter | 310 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 256 mm | 250 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21M/C 54H | 120/70 ZR-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/70R18M/C 70H | 160/60 ZR-17 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Honda Transalp XL750 from 2026 and Kawasaki Versys 650 from 2026.
Power
Honda Transalp XL750
90 hp (67 kW)
Highlighted valueKawasaki Versys 650
66 hp (49 kW)
Wet weight
Honda Transalp XL750
210 kg
Highlighted valueKawasaki Versys 650
219 kg
Engine capacity
Honda Transalp XL750
755 cm³
Highlighted valueKawasaki Versys 650
649 cm³
Torque
Honda Transalp XL750
75 Nm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Versys 650
61 Nm
Seat height
Honda Transalp XL750
850 mm
Kawasaki Versys 650
846 mm
Highlighted valueHonda Transalp XL750 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: which one to choose?
- Choose Honda Transalp XL750 if you want more acceleration reserve for highway riding with a passenger; the difference is 37.1 %.
- Choose Kawasaki Versys 650 if you want longer theoretical range and fewer refuelling stops, supported by 20.1 %.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- Honda Transalp XL750 has more power, at 90 hp (67 kW) versus 66 hp (49 kW) for Kawasaki Versys 650.
- Which motorcycle has the longer estimated range?
- Kawasaki Versys 650 has the longer estimated range: 462 km compared with 385 km for Honda Transalp XL750.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- Kawasaki Versys 650 has the lower seat at 846 mm, compared with 850 mm for Honda Transalp XL750.