The Moto Ref

BMW F 450 GS vs Honda XL750 Transalp

Two adventure bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

BMW

F 450 GS

63.4

/ 100

Winner

vs

Honda

XL750 Transalp

60.3

/ 100

0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

0.00 s

BMW F 450 GS0 km/h- s
F 450 GS
Honda XL750 Transalp0 km/h- s
XL750 Transalp

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
F 450 GS
20.0
XL750 Transalp
12.9

Handling and chassis

out of 20
F 450 GS
11.9
XL750 Transalp
10.7

Value

out of 20
F 450 GS
11.3
XL750 Transalp
13.5

Practicality

out of 15
F 450 GS
6.0
XL750 Transalp
9.5

Technology

out of 10
F 450 GS
7.7
XL750 Transalp
7.7

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
F 450 GS
6.5
XL750 Transalp
6.0

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: BMW F 450 GS versus Honda XL750 Transalp
SpecBMWF 450 GSHondaXL750 Transalp
Engine
EngineParallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHCParallel twin, liquid cooled, Unicam
Displacement420 cc755 cc
Power48 hp at 8,750 rpm91.8 hp at 9,500 rpm
Torque43 Nm at 6,750 rpm75 Nm at 7,250 rpm
Power to weight0.27 hp/kg0.44 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight178 kg208 kg
Front suspension43 mm inverted fork, 180 mmShowa 43 mm SFF-CA inverted, 200 mm
Front adjustabilityNon-adjustableNon-adjustable
Rear suspensionMonoshock, 180 mmShowa Pro-Link monoshock, 190 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload onlyPreload only
Front brake310 mm, radial 4-piston310 mm, axial 2-piston
ABSSwitchable ABSSwitchable ABS
Dimensions
Seat height845 mm850 mm
Wheelbase1465 mm1560 mm
Fuel capacity14 L16.9 L
Claimed consumption3.8 L/100 km4.4 L/100 km
Fuel range368 km384 km
Ownership
Price€7,220€11,040
Service interval10,000 km12,000 km
Valve check20,000 km24,000 km
Warranty3 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityYesYes

Verdict

The BMW F 450 GS wins this comparison clearly, 63.4 points to 60.3.

The gap of 3.1 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the F 450 GS takes 7.1 points out of the XL750 Transalp. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the XL750 Transalp is the quicker machine: 91.8 hp and 75 Nm moving 208 kg, against 48 hp and 43 Nm moving 178 kg for the F 450 GS. That is 0.44 hp per kilo playing 0.27.

The F 450 GS costs €7,220, which leaves €3,820 in your pocket against the XL750 Transalp at €11,040. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the F 450 GS and 12,000 km on the XL750 Transalp.

Better for city and commuting

Honda XL750 Transalp

A 850 mm seat, 384 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

BMW F 450 GS

48 hp pushing 178 kg with 43 mm inverted fork up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

Honda XL750 Transalp

384 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the BMW F 450 GS or the Honda XL750 Transalp?
The Honda XL750 Transalp. It carries 0.44 hp per kilo (91.8 hp, 208 kg wet) against 0.27 hp per kilo for the BMW F 450 GS (48 hp, 178 kg).
Is the BMW F 450 GS cheaper than the Honda XL750 Transalp?
The BMW F 450 GS is cheaper at €7,220 list, €3,820 less than the Honda XL750 Transalp at €11,040.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The BMW F 450 GS. Its 845 mm seat is 5 mm lower than the Honda XL750 Transalp, and at 178 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the F 450 GS or the XL750 Transalp?
The BMW F 450 GS, which scores 7.7 of 10 tech points with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Honda XL750 Transalp counters with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The Honda XL750 Transalp: 384 km from its 16.9 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 368 km for the BMW F 450 GS.
Which bike wins overall?
The BMW F 450 GS, scoring 63.4 of 100 against 60.3 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

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