The end of left-hand fatigue in heavy Bengaluru traffic

The Essentials

• Honda has updated its middleweight adventure touring motorcycle with a new electronic clutch system.
• The bike costs ₹13.20 lakh ex-showroom in Gurugram, which is a ₹1.40 lakh increase over the standard manual model.
• You can ride through heavy city traffic or tackle off-road trails without ever pulling the clutch lever or stalling.

The Pulse

The updated Honda XL750 Transalp brings an automated clutch to the middleweight adventure segment. Priced at ₹13.20 lakh, the motorcycle uses electronic actuators to handle engaging and disengaging the clutch on your behalf.

If you are wondering how the E-Clutch actually feels on the road, it essentially turns the six-speed gearbox into a semi-automatic system where you just use your foot to shift. You can come to a complete halt and pull away again without touching the left lever.

Traditional riders who want absolute mechanical control can physically override the electronic system at any moment by pulling the standard clutch lever. This setup specifically targets left-hand fatigue during long highway rides or heavy traffic.

Underneath the new technology, the motorcycle retains its 755cc parallel-twin engine producing roughly 91.8 brake horsepower. It keeps its off-road focus intact with a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel Showa suspension, and a dedicated gravel riding mode to manage traction on loose surfaces.

The Snapshot

The Big Picture

The middleweight adventure touring market in India is increasingly crowded, with buyers demanding genuine off-road capability alongside highway comfort. While the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE currently dominates conversations around value for money, Honda is leaning into technological convenience to justify its completely built-up import status. The inclusion of an electronic clutch represents a shift in how manufacturers view touring fatigue, prioritising rider endurance over mechanical purity. This move aims to attract riders who want the stance and capability of a big adventure motorcycle without the heavy urban riding penalties.

The India Prospective

At ₹13.20 lakh, this is an expensive proposition for the Indian market, largely due to its status as a direct import rather than a locally assembled product. However, it is sold exclusively through Honda BigWing dealerships, ensuring buyers get access to the brand’s premium service network across major cities. The dedicated gravel mode and 21-inch front spoke wheel make it specifically suited for deteriorating Indian monsoon roads and rural highway detours.

The Inside Intel

You might assume that adding two electric motors and an independent control unit for the clutch would make an already heavy adventure motorcycle noticeably harder to pick up on a trail. However, the entire E-Clutch hardware assembly adds only three kilogrammes to the motorcycle. It brings the total kerb weight to 216 kg, keeping it entirely manageable for off-road riding.

The UDHQ. Take

Unbox Daily HQ. views this as a niche but highly practical upgrade for riders who genuinely rack up touring mileage. If you commute through heavy traffic before hitting the highway, the ₹1.40 lakh premium over the standard model pays for itself in reduced physical fatigue. Traditionalists might complain about the automation, but having the physical lever there as a backup makes this a zero-compromise addition. Buy it if you want long-distance comfort without upgrading to a heavy litre-class touring machine.

Best for: touring enthusiasts who mix long weekend highway rides with daily city commuting and want to eliminate hand cramps in traffic.

Who Is This For: Perfect for 30 to 50 year old seasoned riders in metropolitan cities who frequently ride out to the hills but hate the urban exit.

The Checkout

Honda XL750 Transalp

The Source

Honda India