If you are looking for a mid-size adventure bike, two names are on almost every list: the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and the Honda XL750 Transalp. Both are parallel twins, both require an A class licence and both are designed to be used on tarmac and dirt roads alike. But their approaches differ: the Ténéré is more off-road-oriented and simple, the Transalp is more powerful and more comfortable on the tarmac side. In this guide we compare the two models using data from the Pusulamoto catalogue. Prices are October 2026 list prices.
Technical data side by side
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | Consumption (L/100 km) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | 689 | 72.4 | 68 | 205 | 875 | 16 | 4.3 | 966,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda XL750 Transalp | 755 | 90.5 | 75 | 208 | 850 | 16.9 | 4.3 | 881,250 TL (Oct 2026) |
The first thing that stands out: the Transalp is both more powerful and cheaper. Despite an 18 hp power advantage, its list price is about 85,000 TL lower than the Ténéré's. Consumption is the same on both in the catalogue, 4.3 L/100 km. In that case you need a reason beyond the numbers to choose the Ténéré; that reason is usually off-road riding.
Power and engine character
The Honda XL750 Transalp produces 90.5 hp and 75 Nm from its 755 cc engine. On the motorway with loaded bags, with a passenger, or on mountain roads with climbs, this extra power gives comfort; you downshift less when overtaking.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 gives 72.4 hp and 68 Nm from its 689 cc engine. This engine is a derivative of the well-known twin Yamaha also uses in the MT-07; it is known for its useful torque at low and medium revs. On dirt and stony roads, too much power is often not an advantage; a controllable engine is more useful. The Ténéré's more modest numbers are not regarded as a shortcoming off-road.
Seat height and off-road ability
The Ténéré's seat is 875 mm, the Transalp's 850 mm. The 25 mm difference is important especially for riders of average height. The Ténéré's higher seat is largely to do with longer suspension travel and ground clearance; this gives an advantage when clearing obstacles off-road but makes putting your foot down harder in traffic.
If your height does not reach 875 mm, look at Yamaha's Ténéré 700 Lowered version: the seat is 860 mm in the catalogue, priced at 905,000 TL. If you want long range, the Ténéré 700 World Raid, with its 23 L tank and 890 mm seat, is aimed at more serious travel and rally use; the list price is 1,140,500 TL.
The difference in weight is very small: Ténéré 205 kg, Transalp 208 kg. The catalogue does not state the weight type (dry/wet) for these two base models; we give the manufacturer's value. Keep this note in mind when making the comparison.
Range and long distance
Since consumption is the same, the tank determines the range. With a 16 L tank the Ténéré has a theoretical range of about 370 km, and with a 16.9 L tank the Transalp about 390 km. The real value falls with load, speed and road; make your fuel plan accordingly, especially on routes where stations get sparse in the east. We explain fuel and time calculation for a route in the long trip fuel guide.
If most of a long trip will be on tarmac, the Transalp's lower seat and extra power make the day less tiring. If your plans are mostly gravel roads, highland roads and forest tracks, the Ténéré's off-road-oriented build comes to the fore. We also covered the general form of this dilemma in the touring or adventure guide.
Price and fixed costs
October 2026 list prices: Honda XL750 Transalp 881,250 TL, Yamaha Ténéré 700 966,500 TL. Because both are in the 651–1200 cc band, the annual MTV in 2026 for bikes aged 1–3 years is 5,719 TL, paid in two instalments (MTV table). In this class, accessories such as bags, crash bars and a bash plate are also added to the budget; factor these in on top of the purchase price. To see the total annual cost you can use the cost calculator.
What else is there in this class?
- Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: 776 cc, 81.8 hp, 20 L tank, 789,000 TL. A big tank and a good price.
- Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally: 659 cc, 80 hp, 199 kg, 969,000 TL. The Ténéré's direct off-road rival.
- CFMoto 800MT Sport: 799 cc, 89.8 hp, 19 L tank, 676,825 TL. Power close to the Transalp, at a lower price.
- Honda NC750X: 745 cc, 800 mm seat, 761,000 TL. Little off-road pretension, but low and economical.
To filter all adventure options, use the bike finder.
What should you look for on a test ride?
- Reaching the ground: sit on the bike and try putting both feet on the ground. If you can reach comfortably with one foot, that is enough in most cases; but remember you will be doing this for minutes at a time in stop-start traffic.
- Balance at low speed: do turns at walking pace in the dealer's car park. This is the speed at which you struggle most off-road and in narrow streets.
- Riding standing up: if you are thinking of off-road, stand up on the footpegs; check whether the handlebar height and knee contact suit you.
- Loaded: if you will ride with a passenger or bags, do the test ride that way if possible. The difference between a bike unloaded and loaded is big.
- Wind and seat: on a short stretch of motorway, test the wind protection and the comfort of the seat after half an hour.
Which for whom?
- Choose the Yamaha Ténéré 700: if you will spend serious time on dirt and stony roads, if you want a simple, off-road-oriented bike, if your height copes with the high seat.
- Choose the Honda XL750 Transalp: if most of your time will be spent on tarmac, if you will travel with a passenger and load, if you want more power and a lower price.
For all the data on the two models, see the comparison page.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful?
According to the catalogue data, the Transalp has 90.5 hp and 75 Nm, the Ténéré 72.4 hp and 68 Nm.
Which is cheaper?
According to October 2026 list prices, the Transalp is 881,250 TL and the Ténéré 700 966,500 TL.
Can it be ridden on an A2 licence?
No, both are in the A class in the catalogue. If you are looking for an A2-friendly adventure bike, look at models such as the Honda NX500 or Royal Enfield Himalayan 450; for the process, see the licence page.
Conclusion
The numbers favour the Transalp: more powerful, lower and cheaper. The Ténéré 700's real strength is its off-road ability and simple build. Ask yourself this question: how much of my journeys will be on dirt? If the answer is "little", the Transalp; if "a lot", the Ténéré is the better choice.