2026-on Honda XL750 Transalp E-Clutch

Honda Transalp E-Clutch expert review

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Honda’s reborn Transalp was an instant hit back in 2023, its pokey parallel-twin and lightweight, easy-going chassis giving it the performance and handling to both please and entertain.

Scooping up the MCN award for best sub-1000cc adventure bike, it went on to be honed for 2025 with uprated suspension and electronics, and for 2026 it has been treated to a ride-by-wire throttle and the Japanese firm’s E-Clutch system. But just how has that extra tech enhanced the riding experience?

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Is the Honda Transalp E-Clutch right for you?

Reasons to buy:
+ Seamless integration of the intuitive E-Clutch system.
+ Engaging parallel-twin performance
+ Great value with high-spec components and rider aids

Reasons to avoid:
– Manual clutch can feel redundant
– Extra tech does add a layer of complexity
– While capable, it’s not a hardcore off-roader

The first thing to note is that Honda haven’t taken anything away. Like the standard Transalp, there’s a clutch lever and cable on hand should you wish to use it, and if a manual clutch is ingrained in your muscle memory, you probably will every now and again – we certainly did.

It’s completely unnecessary though, as the electronic systems that govern the automatic clutch actuation have been tuned to perfection.

Previous E-Clutch models like Honda’s CB650R were somewhat limited by a cable-operated throttle, especially on downshifts, but by integrating ride-by-wire with the Transalp’s traction control (or Honda Torque Control, to be precise), there wasn’t a section of the launch route in Portugal, which included both tarmac and dirt, where the Honda would have benefited from manual intervention.

Technically speaking, your left hand doesn’t even need to be on the bars to engage first gear at a standstill – there’s no clunk or judder; the Transalp just snicks into gear with the surgical precision of a quickshifter.

Throttle response is gentle and progressive for pulling away, and so smoothly does the E-Clutch react that even upshifts below 2000rpm don’t send any undue shock through engine internals.

There’s still a mechanical feel to the E-Clutch, and that’s because it uses a pair of motors and a series of reduction gears to accurately slip and engage the clutch plates – exactly as you would with the lever.

Balance twistgrip inputs with a dab of rear brake to creep along slowly (which is best practice anyway), and U-turns or technical manoeuvres on loose surfaces quickly become intuitive.  

Perhaps its best trick, though, is how the E-Clutch manages rapid downshifts during more spirited riding. Hammer down through the gears while barrelling towards a bend, and the system acts like a slipper clutch, keeping the rear wheel rolling and under active engine braking without any locking up or hopping whatsoever.

It’s so good in practice that it’s easy to forget how hard the electronics are working to keep the Transalp in check.        

MCN Verdict

The marriage of E-clutch, electronic throttle and an already sweet-handling chassis (which now has fully adjustable Showa suspension) elevates the Transalp to a whole new standing.

It’s still plush and pleasant enough for long days in the saddle, but the added tech makes it both easier and more involving to ride, releasing an extra bit of brain bandwidth to focus on, and enjoy, the job in hand. The sub-£10k list price is far from salty for the premium product you get, and as with any new Honda, it comes with the peace of mind of a six-year warranty too.