Did Honda SCREW UP The TRANSALP 750 Already? | In-Depth Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Lots of opinions surrounding the ever-so-anticipated Honda Transalp. After taking a deep look at this bike, I uncovered a few things that may have been overlooked. Some are good and some are not so good. So lets take a deep look at this bike.
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People totally forget what the original Transalp was all about...at no point of time it has ever been an hardcore offroad machine but a very good all-around bike. From that perspective one can only say that the new Transalp is a winner.
you make some good points
@@BornAGoon cheers, mate. I think that many people will be very happy with the Transalp...for a long time.
most youtubers are ignorant of what they're taking about
So Honda is living in nostalgia, and not what the market wants. Why did they not target the T7!?? This is a mystery to me.
@@davidmallia628 no, they will sell loads because there is also a very big group of people that mainly buy these kinds of bikes because they are versatile, fast and comfortable. Not everybody wants a T7. Don't get me wrong, I really go offroad with my 1100 Africa Twin and love every bit of it. The T7 is a bike that I really like, especially the World Raid. It is emotional and very capable offroad, which I like. It pulls me...However, I understand where Honda is coming from. They don't want to copy Yamaha but stick to the formula which made them the most successful bike producer worldwide. On top nostalgia or rather cult sells bikes sometimes. Transalp and Africa Twins are close to brands. The same goes for GS by BMW.
I think Honda made this bike for the normal rider who isn’t a grease monkey. Just a simple jump on and ride type of rider, who wants to go adventure riding and exploring but won’t do anything too technical. The only 2 things they didn’t really made available with their targeted intentions were tubeless tyres and cruise control. Which I think was a big mistake for their targeted riders
As I've written above...both these things are available(or will be post launch)...you get nothing for nothing, splash the cash...Only non thinkers,those without the ability to think where to look, worry about such things!
Yes they did normal bike, but they lost a huge chance. As we've seen there is already T7, Tuareg, ktm, desertX, suzuki,.. Huge competition. Instead of fighting all of them Honda could do 600 with 60hp with order of 170kg and they would hit empty area of the market and sell tons w/o any competition. Sorry Honda, but you've lost your chance here.
They probably did
Cruise control is an add on for the next year or two, tubeless wheels would be just awesome and better suiting the target audience of this all-round ADV.
If Suzuki could do it with their vstrom 650 XT they should have too.
yes, not a crazy sense numbed monkey
@@west_adv a solution to adventurize a KTM 690 is already on the market but hey so few buy it. With a Rade tank and Rade tower you got it. Its less than 170kg nice fuel capacity, you get 70hp and awesome suspension if you go offroad. Its not expensive to do so either.
So why dont a lot of people do this one wonder, the unicorn is actually there, the amazing light weight powerful bike with great suspension out if the box?
Because its too light for slab work, hence most buyers go for a heavier bike which is far more stable on the road. Because people want multi cylinder (weights more) because most buyers want a comfortable allroad travel bike, which is exactly what Honda made here. This is what people actually buy.
A good rider can take big behemoths offroad, people who love heavy offroad buy dual sports not adventure bikes. This new honda is most likely a weapon with the right rider. Its probably very comfortable for everyone, its probably not the right tool if one do not have adequate skills on the dirt. That rider would benefit greatly from buying a light dual sport like a crf300l get the required skills to handle on dirt then move on to an adventuized 690 if really actually really they want to go bad shit full on offroad on the worst of the worst. Or get a 7-800 adventure bike and enjoy all roads and dirt 99,99% ever encounter or actually do ride.
Have a look at Helge Pedersen crossed the Darian gap on an old bmw gs80, look at what real adventurers have ridden places, Ted Simmons for example. From riding bikes for a very long time i have discovered its not the bike, its the rider which is the limiting factor.
I meet many who is critical, if only the bike was this or that, its too this or too that. They wait for something that will never come.
Then you have the pleasure of meeting an Italian couple on a eide in Singapore who ridden two up on a 125cc vespa from Italy to Singapore, last time i heard they crossed Patagonia on it and has done a full RTW with it.
There is no reason to wait for the perfect tool, because humans have an ability to learn to master by time whatever tool they have available and make their dreams come true.
They hit their mark. They weren’t aiming for our mark. It’s a transalp not a Dakar bike. But the lack of cruise control is a bit odd. No word on when/if it’s coming to the US. It’s been reported to list for €10,400. If it makes it to us showrooms under $11K, it will sell just fine.
I think 11k or less would make it perfect
Honda will never swing for the fences and make the all out wildest bike in the class. Look at their Powersports line, nothing is best in class when it comes to specs, but they sell all they can make and usually at fair price and they will run forever. This looks like a bike for someone to step up from a CB500x and do a little more adventuring on. They won’t build something that would be superior to the Africa Twin. It’s not who Honda is. The after-market will make this bike into a true Adventure model.
What I wanted for the TransAlp was a 450-500 cc bike with a 5 gallon fuel tank, tubeless tires, rear rack, switchable ABS, a comfortable seat, aluminum bash plate, engine guards, 10+ inches of ground clearance, 8+ inches of suspension travel, and less than 420 pounds, but I knew Honda wasn't going to do that. Too many "adventure" bikes are touring bikes with ADV styling. Highways are not my idea of adventure. An ADV bike should be capable of comfortable highway cruising but more at home on dirt roads and mild single track.
The Transalp was never a top bike for it's performance. But it's reliability and forgiveness made it for me the best bike ever for long adventures on any terrain.
So yes, I'm very curious about the new Transalp. Hopefully also with a DCT. I'm kind a hooked on the DCT on my NC750X
Yea I am waiting to hear about the Transalp Adventure sports release soon lol
The transalp's engine (as the Hornet's) isn't built around the DCT thus they'll never be equipped.
That's what the Honda folks told the journalists during the press release.
Looks like a nice mid tourer. It will hit the mark for most people. I wonder why Honda changed the exhaust from the original model?- it was a dual exhaust under the seat- it looked great. I’m waiting for the actual ride reviews before I even think about ordering one.
My thoughts exactly
I agree about your exhaust position commend. I did sell my old Transalp because it was my 3e motorcycle, and I regret this every week since . It was a great bike and a great design.
It isn't a touring bike, it's an adventure bike not the same thing. You could certainly use it as a touring bike but you'd probably be better off with something else.
It’s a miss for me. The Tuareg will eat up miles on and off road for same or less money. Sure a longer wait if you have to get parts, but as you said, in over a year, we only continue to hear nothing but positive stuff. The T7 isn’t for me. I thought it would be, but I’ve moved on and wouldn’t give it the time of day at this point. Lack of availability, the pretentious attitudes Yamaha and their dealer network have had in the N. American market… we’ll, they can all just shove it. The Vstrom is more of a contender here than you’re giving credit to. Short comings similar to the Honda, but more fuel range, better suspension and HP delivery lower down in the revs. The TA weight is provided as a dry weight and the Suzuki is a wet weight. Meaning, these are almost the same weight when you consider the bigger fuel capacity of the Vstrom. I think for the truly average rider’s touring purposes with hwys, gravel and no more aggressive riding than forest roads as the goal here, the Suzuki may actually be a better choice than the Honda. Just another goon’s opinion I suppose…
my sentiments exactly
Hahaha I wish I would have read this comment first because I basically just typed out the same argument. I had no idea Honda was giving dry weight specs. That kinda solidifies that the VSTROM is a better choice (for me at least)
Fully agree. As much as I want to picture myself riding across the desert recreating a multiweek offroad Dakar run, realistically 99.9% of the time I'll be commuting with longer runs on the weekend and with luck some of those will be down slightly rough gravel roads. It needs to be comfortable, look like and give the impression that I could go anywhere even if it's not really great at it needs to be reasonably inexpensive. Lack of tubeless and Cruise control is a big miss on the AT which is a shame because I like the look especially when I go all poser on it with some extra armour...
where will you get parts for the Aprilia when it breaks down?
which will be often.
@@roadwarrior8560 the Aprilia dealer is just a few miles from home for me, so while it’s a concern for many as I stated in my comment, and as Ana aside, I’m certainly not blind to the likely extended wait for parts, it’s a risk I think I may be willing to take at this point?
I waited for Honda’s announcement because I wanted to be wowed by the TA. Instead I’m just still feeling a bit disappointed.
The Vstrom could still honestly be in the discussion for me, but unfortunately, the Transalp and the T7 no longer inspire. To be fair, the causes of disappointing feelings is are for completely different reasons. Cheers for fine weekend and I hope we can all get hands on some of these more scarce bikes soon regardless of how they do or don’t inspire anyone located in N. America!
I think they were very wise not to aim for the T7 and the Tuareg. It's a true Transalp, a swiss army knife: does nohing best but does it all and forever... That's what that model has always been about. 90% of the riders buying the T7 will never use it's potential, will never see dirt. If it's as good as the new Hornet seems to be, it's going to be a huge success. The Africa Twin 1000 was hugely critized as well and what a success it was!
Even for riders going on an adventure: most won't tackle true offroad, so the Transalp will offer enough...
Everyone is talking about the lack of cruise control, and it does suck, but mostly I’m just confused by it. Like it was TBW and ride modes, so it’s totally doable right? Like I don’t even understand as a cost saving measure, will it be possible with a firmware upgrade, or CC requires special parts?
Yep. It’s just software and controls. I use my CC all the time. It keeps me from getting tickets!
You definitely changed my perspective. I was looking at it like a baby AT and your right it is just a beefed up 500. No cruise is definitely a bad thing but I think they are trying to keep prices down so low to get people on bikes. I wouldn't be surprised to see a adventure model with cruise on the 2024 model.
Thats what I was thinking a Transalp adventure sports Thanks for watching
On the styling, when you look at previous Trans Alps they were never aggressive looking, so I can see why they went this way(and I assume using the CB500X headlight saved money too)
I have owned the ORIGINAL Honda Trans Alp from 89. It has been brought up to date with the Honda Hawk cylinders and heads and a few other mods that brings it up to about 70 hp and weighs about 425. The original motor had 550 cc and about half the horsepower. By now I am over 70 but still do dirt but not single track on this bike anyway. This new Trans Alp 750 is interesting and I would like a bike that is not over 30 years old but really not that much different. I never was interested in the African Twin because it is too heavy. I think 450 pounds is a nice weight that I could still lift if I have to in the dirt. I really like the way my bike’s suspension is set up but it is probably not very adjustable. I have never considered cruz control. For single track I have the Suzuki DRZ 400 which is an entirely different bike.
Its a good all arounder. It will accommodate more adventure riders. Most people don't need all that high sprung suspension and making it lower fills a bigger demand. It is a little disappointing to not have adjustable suspension, but I also feel like if a rider fits in the weight requirements for stock it will be good enough for most riders. I want one, its ideal for my riding and crushing miles, I'm willing to give up some performance for reliability and less maintenance.
It is a good all arounder The weight requirements for the suspension are probably good for Europeans but most North Americans will be too heavy lol You rode a Tuareg what's wrong with those
@@BornAGoon its a great package that feels good and the suspension is awesome, but.......its an Aprilia. I want reliability after having ktm last two years. lol
the whole dealer thing stops me from spending over 12k.
the ktm exc don't even come with dual chambers but its "fully" adjustable. That suspension cost almost $2k more to get it dual chambered. So full adjustability doesn't mean everything in my book. Aggressive riders find the exc limitations real quick off road even on the new 2022 models.
You could have a dual chamber suspension, that's fully adjustable like on our 450rls, or a non dual chamber suspension thats fully adjustable, or a dual chamber suspension that is non adjustable and people will always think that the worse suspension is the non adjustable one.
Dual chambers is more important than adjustability, and it cost more to build a dual chamber suspension. When you ride them back to back its very noticeable when a suspension is not dual-chambered.
We are gonna have to wait to see how the suspension feels and what its going to take to make better. I don't think it will cost an extra $2k like ktm does.
I also trust honda engineers made a suspension that will accommodate a lot of riders. The T7 suspension is not that great but most people wouldn't know that because theyre not maxing it out.
And when its priced at under $11k you have to give up something. People know they can buy a klr for $6k so why would they pay $12k for an adv bike. Most people are not that aggressive and not willing to pay for more performance.
we wont know till we see how it feels, but the T7 suspension travel is only slightly more than the TA.
The Transalp 750 is clearly not a direct competitor to the Tenere 700. The Yamaha is much more hardcore offroad, the Honda seems like their "answer" to a V-Strom XT, which is not a true off roader either. There again, the original Transalp was not a real offroader, but a "softroader" mid weight early-adventure/touring machine.
Yea I think the consensus was a T7 competitor, but it looks like a Vstrom competitor
The Tuareg 660 is still the best overall package for an offroad/onroad ADV bike. Tubeless wheels, cruise control, electronics, 240mm suspension travel and clearance, a range of rider aids - this is still unmatched in the midsize category. The Vstrom 800 looks more interesting than this Transalp...but the weight, gosh, I can't swallow those 230Kg!
They could have done both with an on/offroad aggressive Transalp; to challenge the overweight ADV market, based on CRF 650L Africa Twin 2022 concept design by Rubberdust + the design of Honda concept bike CB125X. This is a CB500x!
a cb500x with 42 more hp, a 21" wheel and the same weight. As a cbo500x owner, i think this is the perfect bike for me, it fill every spot i'm missing with the cb500x.
It's a smart bike.
@@EasyEastHIPHOP Good for you 👍
But there is still a huge gap and great purchasing power from many riders after offroad capable `n` feather light 500-600cc singles based on long intervals e.g CB500X Rally based on Honda's concept bike CB125X is spot on!
But a KLR650 !
@@robertmarsh3588 Interesting, what are your thoughts on specs and mods you want from a future KLR650 or KLX650?
I have an 2002 Transalp. I like it, but it is not a hardcore offroad machine (in a KTM or Tenere way). While the front wheel is 21, the read is 17. To replace the air filter you need to remove the tank... Only the rear suspension preload can be adjusted. The last model in 2008 had 19 front wheel.
Also I don't understand that if the throttle is by wire why don't they add cruise control?
it will kill the africa twin in terms of sales...
@@arcsolomon6360 If the lack or presence of cruise control stops you or makes you buy a bike you shouldn't be riding at all.
@@arcsolomon6360 I think Honda very carefully designed it not to... The headlight is from the CB500X (not as good looking as the Africa Twin), no cruise control, etc.
It seems like Honda stuck to the original transalp roots but improved on everything which is fine with me. Would it be unreasonable of us to expect a baby Africa twin out of the transalp line? I don't know the answer to that. In any event I'm enjoying the Tuareg for now.
Thats my choice the Tuareg Why do people keep wanting to pay thousands more for a used T7 is beyond me
Thanks for another great video. The Transalp looks like a terrific “dirt road” bike to me. The T7 is not available, so I don’t know why everyone is still comparing to it. 😐 Anyway, I’m interested in a dirt road bike that can also munch highway miles and I think the Transalp is a set of tires away. No cruise control may be a deal breaker for me. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching Geezer We will get our hands on a Transalp and see
The Tenere 700 is built in France(EU models,at least), and due to lockdowns, etc, the factory is at full capacity catching up, so much so, I have the only Tracer7 in Scotland (production of them is near at a standstill due to T7 demand).
I'm still waiting for them to come out with a 450l rally with long maintenance intervals. That would be my unicorn. These midweight adventure bikes are good for mostly pavement and gravel and not a whole lot more than that without significant mods. Still good for what they are. I'm just not that interested in them.
Basically a Japanese 690 enduro. That's what we want.
they're not making that anytime soon, china already has one even a factory rally 450 for 1/10 the price of a ktm rally replica.
its the Zima of Adventure bikes
Best post of the month
I can't wait till I can pre-order a bike I will have to wait 9 months to a year for that I have never tested and will only see pictures of at the dealer. Kidding aside (kind of) this is a Swiss army knife in the best ways. We can pretend we are upset they didn't make some balls to the wall Dakar rep but in the real world I am not looking to take any "adventure" bike on a technical single track or a hair scramble. I am going to use it to go to the grocery store and ride mount Washington and maybe go though Vermont. Honda knows that is what most people are going to actually use an Adventure bike for and the fact they didn't pigeon hole this bike makes me happy. You can still wear your $800 Klim jacket that has never seen rain or dirt with this and people at Starbucks would still think you are going to ride across south America (we all know the people I'm talking about)
I think you’re pretty right in most counts (though personally I like the VStrom styling better than the Transalp). What will be telling is where the price lands compared to the competition. That 208kg wet weight Honda states in their press release is for the stock bike, so without a skid plate, hand guards or crash guards which are sold separately.
I think Honda has placed it stock as a more road oriented bike for travellers rather than an off road beast. Spring preload is about as most riders can wrap their heads around so I don’t think for the market Honda is targeting that non fully adjustable suspension is a big deal.
Neither the Transalp or DL800DE has factory cruise control annoyingly. Hopefully since both have RBW throttle it will be an option later down the line.
Again, price will be the key thing.
yes, cruise control is an absolute must for every motorcycle, that is even slightly capable of touring!
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
The Honda Transalp XL750 is much unlike most recent Honda single/twin cylinder bikes. Sharing the 270* parallel twin with the Hornet. This engine is tuned to have a very decent 120hp/litre or 91hp from a 750cc. And it's still has very decent low and mid-range torque with a high end HP Hit ! The worst of Honda's recent offerings is the NC750 that has a measly 55hp. Even the CRF1100 AT has only 100hp. What I find amusing is that unlike the Orange bikes that have a 13:1 compression to achieve that level of tune, Honda engineers were able to do it with only 11:1 compression which means it can tolerate low octane gas! That's essential on "real" adventure rides!. The only real crap-outs that Honda did was making the skidplate optional and most of all the no-SHOWa suspension components. Further more, Honda's attention to weight on the Transalp is commendable as it is actually wet-weight lighter than the Orange 790/890 competition! Honda just has to put on some real(adjustable) suspension components (not the pathetic noSHOWa) and a standard skid-plate and voila! The XL750 Transalp trumps the mid-weight ADV segment, at an unprecedented price!
Isnt a trans alp made for transitioning through the alps, instead of climbing the apls?
lol probably
looks like every other 3rd world S.E Asian Adv bike that swarm the streets of Saigon...big pass
Same. I’m surprised at how it’s been received. It’s extremely bland like tan pint. Specs are decent enough to make it a great all around adventure tourer with a lil off road chops. Just bland. Why not give it africa twin ness?
Maybe they do a Rally edition … or R edition … like they do with their dirt bikes.
@@johnpark6138 hope so…. If so updated and suspension could push the price to close to higher spec bikes ei Touareg and 890 r
The navigation feature Is awesome, looks to be a winner 😎
Good video Goonman....After owning 2 ATs and doing BDRS on them it was too big of a bike. I'm 5'8 190 lbs. The AT where awesome everywhere but some of the tech stuff. I really miss that motor. Well I bought a T7 and did some of the Wyoming BDR on it and it was just ok. It did fit and easier to get around enough power but not if you know what I mean. I also bought a 450RL to make an ADV bike and really like riding that more then the T7. Kind of disappointed with the New Honda at least till I get to ride one. I'll just get a used AT and keep my 450 for the hard BDRs.
Spot on. A tool for every job.
The Perfect Mid range,
ADV'ish bike' Just needs ➡️ Fuel injection, 6'Speeds, Adjustable suspension, More ground clearance, and Cruise control, 😶👍 Maybe next year!?🏁
Maybe dont know why these bikes keep holding cruise control hostage lol
I think *YSS* Suspension will do fabulous business selling *suspension upgrade kits* for this bike.
probably
NO GOOD DESIGN, not Sporty.
Let ASIAN designers to do a design.
I ride my 2000 TransAlp 650 and for me there is no motivation about this new release. Many riders are coffee riders, riding to some meet-up to walk round each other bikes with ooh and ahhs. It can be very much likened to today’s photography, everybody asking ‘what camera did you use?’ and not asking the exposure settings. My Transalp has many, many miles and adventures left in her. Its not about ‘what you are riding’ its about the adventure. Ride safe my fellow two-wheelers.
I would seriously consider this bike if it had Cruise control
And...again, fit it, it will be available next year...McCruise (Australia). FFS people, research!!!
Shut up
@@williamrae9954 Absolutely, I have no use for cruise control and you cannot use it when its wet. I am seriously considering the bike, but would not pay more if it had cruise control.
The Tenere 700 doesn't have cruise control and neither does the V-strom 650. The decider will probably be the price.
@@blackskunk54 I'm all for having it as an option, as an international truck driver, you miss C/C when it's not working! I agree,keep things simple(reliable),just have an extra plug or two on the loom,just in case!
Seeing your video on the Transalp for the first time after spending many 10’s of hours to get to a buying decision on the 2022 Honda CB500x and I’m going to stick to it. Honda will continue to innovate. If I’m going to restart riding it’s priced right and has tons of positive video reviews. Last motorcycle I rode for 5 years was a 1985 Kawasaki Vulcan 700 cc.
For me to restart riding after not for 10 plus years, it’s going to be the 2022 Honda CB500x Green Color - matches Honda Ridgeline 😂 I got
If you look at the lineage from the first Transalp, this is a great successor. I feel like Honda was not trying to reinvent the wheel, but more showing advancement from the first generation Transalp. Either way, I think it’s a great bike!
Yea hope to ride one soon
Even the Styling of the 500x looks more agro. Would like to see it more agresive. For me it looks like the KTM 890basic version, which will get a pimped version.
I dont understand why they made this We could just by the nx750 or whatever it is
The transalp actually looks like a pretty good bike, kinda like a T7 that is more comfort focused. With all that being said I disagree with you on the new VSTROM. The 507lbs weight at first glance is a deal breaker but if you dissect it further that weight can be explained and accounted for;
1: The VSTROM has 0.8 gallons more fuel.
2: Beefier Showa fully adjustable suspension (front and rear)
3: Heavy duty cradle frame with detachable subframe.
These are all things you would want or would eventually add to the transalp to make it more capable. The VSTROM looks like it’s built like a tank, ready for abuse. As far as the styling, at first I didn’t like the Suzuki but it’s starting to grow on me and I actually prefer it over the transalp. Also the HP and torque of the VSTROM are useable at a lower rpm range than the transalp. The seat height is lower (and looks more comfortable) the ground clearance is higher and more suspension travel than the transalp. And who knows? Maybe the Suzukis weight is low slung and well hidden 🤷🏼♂️The bikes obviously still need to be tested out and compared like you said but on paper, if I was going to choose between the two for a adventure tourer/RTW bike (because that’s what the transalps were used for) I would pick the VSTROM.
I’m in full agreement with your take. I found others that also said some of the same things before I posted too evidently. I think many will have a similar take at least until there is something to actually see in person and perhaps ride and assess for ourselves. It’s fun to speculate and dream about the unicorns either way. Cheers man!!!
@@mototurkey5289 🍻
Will be like 3-4 grand below the aprilia, and for that you will get a quite good suspension on a bulletprove bike.
The first transalp had a great v2 engine and back in those days you could only have tubed tyres with spoked rims.
They didn't even put a high level exhaust on it.
If they kept the original engine, put electronic gizmos, high level exhaust and tubeless spoked wheels I'd probably seriously consider one.
Had a 2008 model and was just right for my style not to extreme did everything with it always a smile on my face
Let me know if you buy the new one
It's a miss for me. All Honda had to do was make a 750cc Africa Twin. How difficult could that have been?
Exactly thats what the majority wanted
I think it will be a great bike for commuting and hitting fire roads on weekends. I plan on getting one when they come to the US. I already have a CRF300L Rally that can do hardcore single track. This bike is more for mountain touring and washboard roads, as its predecessor was. Would be perfect for my commute where 80mph is necessary without spending big money on an Africa Twin that probably won't be on the trails as much as my Rally.
I literally thought it looked like my CB500X. I might just buy a Transalp badging kit and fool people 😉👍The heritage and vintage of Transalp seems cool. But your points are very spot on.
Thank you very much for the kind words
Just a bigger Versys X300...even the front mudguard is the same shape...Honda doing what Honda does, ripping off other people's designs...famous for it!
@@williamrae9954Have you seen the new CL500 Scrambler? They ripped off their own Rebel design totally 😐
It’s a no from me. Not having tubeless and no cruise control is something I can’t afford. For now I am looking at the Norden 901
Honda has a great 755 cc engine. Honda starting to use this engine in Hornet a low budget but mean naked bike.
Honda continues with Transalp, a 2000 until 2010 hit in sales.
I own a 2003 Transalp for 20 years it has 148000 kilometers and it's my only vehicle.
Transalp has a consumer base already. Sales will confirm that Transalp was a clever move.
And Honda will use the 755 cc engine again and may create their version of a 750 adventure bike, who knows?
I hit Dislike simply based on the lie at @12 seconds. This video, in fact, was NOT titled "Has Honda Missed the Mark, or have they hit it out of the park". Please don't set expectations you do not deliver on! (btw - /sarcasm)
Every bike is not for everyone. My take is, it's a continuation of what the OG Transalp was. Sure, I kinda expected it to compete better offroad against my T-7 but that's alright. It wins on the road for sure in comparison. Also, people mad at it for not being more dirt capable, is the 300/450L a joke to you?? I think the TA can get dirty, but not too dirty lol..
Good point I have the 450RL I love it
I swear I think the cb500x has more potential to becoming an off-road machine! First off they both will need a huge suspension upgrade, both will need a ecu flash and both will need tons of aftermarket farkle to make the bike good!
Totally agree The 500 just needs spoked wheels
full rally raid package on the cb500x makes for a pretty enticing bike. Only real reason I don't want to go that route is 500x + the rally raid skids, suspension, tubeless spoke rims,... is approaching decently priced used Africa twin costs.
@@jamieforrester7108 I agree it needs every aftermarket accessory added and still not really there! Hopefully the industry starts coming up with cool upgrades!
Should bring down the price of equivalent secondhand models as some riders decide to offload in favour of this new Transalp.
I hope so
I've posted this on other channels because it changed the way I looked at the bike. I bought a Gen 3 KLR650 because it was an affordable, do everything bike. Per Ryan F9, "It will do 95% of what the T7 will do, for half the price". The new Transalp has the same weight, ground clearance, and suspension travel as the KLR650 but with double the torque, more than double the horsepower, and a smoother ride. It's everything a modern KLR should be, and the bike Kawasaki could have rereleased in 2022 if they had any balls.
When the TransAlp first came out a long time ago I thought it was cool and I wanted one. Now I look at it and think it is just another Honda. I have owned lots of Hondas and Yamahas and Kawasaki's and they were fine when that is all you could get but frankly I am tired of them. I really don't want another Japanese bike, not because there is anything wrong with them but because they have lost that wow factor that had in the 80's. Perhaps I am just old, but when I look at a KTM or Ducati I just say wow. I have owned my KTM for about a year now and I have not had any problems with it. Plus it is easy to work on and parts seem to be easy enough to get. The only upgrades I have needed to make are in the protection area like skid plates, hand protection, radiator protection, headlight protection, and well, I added a Magura hydraulic clutch lever cause I thought they skimped on that. I have to say that I am happy with my purchase and it makes me wonder why people say they are unreliable. Maybe they are jealous, maybe they are fans of another brand or just think differently. I guess when I see a Honda or some other Japanese bike I just feel like "been there, done that" type of thing. Sometimes I think it would be fun to get a Kove 450 Rally because it seems like they are pushing the mainstream. Isn't that what motorcycles are about though, being radical and pushing the mainstream? I guess that is why I don't like Harley very much either, seems like people buy them as a status symbol or a way to say "I am cool". Same with BMW. I guess I like the underdog that has to push the envelope or die in financial ruin. While Honda was like that back in the 70's, now I just see cooperate old guys all about business.
The weight is good, power good but non-adjustable suspension? 8.25" of ground clearance? Whats the point of 21" front wheel if you're going to make it a pavement princess? Come on Honda. And the headlight style looks like a design from 2012. How can the AT look so good and the Transalp look outdated before a single one is sold? You have bikes for the masses with the CB500X and NC750. How about making an aggressive middle-weight ADV bike?
Many excellent points made here. Thank you. 100% agree on cruise control. There seems to be Japanese industry agreement that mid-size bikes can't have it. The T7 and the new Suzuki lack it. Wow, I just don't get that omission. I think you're being too tough on the new Suzuki. It's a bit heavy but geared to those who want to ride with a pillion and carry lots of stuff. For these folks, the extra weight is no biggee. In any event, it's clearly a mid-size adventure bike.
Yea Im a bit tough on Suzuki because I rode for them 20 years back I remember the good old days of the brand and pre Tenere I felt Suzuki could have made the ADV we wanted Maybe I will buy one and make it for them
I totally agree about cruise control (even here in Europe).
I currently own an RT 1250... but I am (or was) interested in a Transalp, maybe because I owned two yeaaaars ago.
I will test it soon anyway, in case of.
Would get easier to take with my van-home anywhere in europe (rt is very large and heavy + the Transalp can be used on unpaved roads with a bit of fun).
Will see.
Can't believe you totally dismissed the new 800 Suzuki V strom on the basis of your own personal style taste! Look at the spec: fully adjustable suspension front and rear, remote preload, more gound clearance, better torque at lower rpm, bolt-on subframe, bigger fuel capacity. By the time you've thrown on some barkbusters, engine bars, a bash plate and bits and pieces, the Transalp will be pretty close to the wet weight of the V strom with almost a gallon less fuel...I'm not a huge fan of the Strom's styling but it's definitely a more capable gravel bike, out of the box. As for styling....I think the KTM looks terrible, but I'd have one based on the features and ride quality if that's the type of riding intended...all the bikes you've mentioned are far more capable than I am :)
You could be right I imagine other vloggers will buy the Transalp but I think Im going with the Vstrom
@@BornAGoon Strom is 50lbs heavier.........
for the 514 pounds, I have my Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel with 6 gallons of fuel , cruise control and adjustable suspension and bags. At MSRP without any set up fees.
the center stand was about 165 dollars. It has engine guards available also if you fall in the boonies on occasion as I do.
A feeble attempt at a proper adv/Swiss army knife ride. It may be a workable platform with a sizable $ expenditure. As with the Suzuki I expected a true competitor to KTM 890, BMW,Triumph etc… but at a slightly better price point. An ADV build may exceed the competitions price. These two machines may slot into the same category as a “sporty”scrambler.
Still an over 450lb pig. A few lbs less than my Tiger RP. Nobody will ever make a 450, 275lb rally bike with a less than 6 ft seat height, that has 3,000 oil intervals and 10,000 valve intervals with cruise and tubeless for under 12k...because making a unicorn cuts into their other platforms bottom lines.
I try to withhold judgement until I ride it but I will say that, being a fairly aggressive rider, I have been thoroughly and completely underwhelmed with the Transalp 1000, the NT700 & 750, and the CB500x. They are bland boring bikes that don't like to be flogged. At all. My Wee Strom runs circles around all of them on road and off, and the harder I ride it, the better it seems to get. I also rode the 890R, and, once my friend got it dialed in, it was a hoot. I hope Honda nailed it, but, deep down, I have my doubts. They seem to be more aiming towards non performance riders of late.
Very, very disappointed. I was hoping for a mid-sized Africa Twin and what I got was another CB500X. They missed the mark, in the Honda line up they have no mid-sized adventure bike.
Hi there in Italy who has seen the bike at iecma does not like the front light they would have liked a rettangolare or a round light. The points you have made are right it all dipends on the price. For the Yamaha t7 they have come out with a model year 2023 that has a colore screen and not black and white.
Yes thought they missed the mark with front light as looks same as cb 500 x
Nice I bet it looks better up close Anything else you like from Eicma
I think Honda got confused in an attempt to give something to everyone. The styling is soft and the colours are totally uninspiring. The wheels are 21 and 18 inch which is aggressive off-road. The engine sounds to be good enough to work for road and off-road use, but the standard equipment/setup does not provide enough focus for either an on-road tourer with off-road ability or an off-road bike with good on-road touring ability, nor does it seem to be designed to be a good balance between the two. I am trying to like the bike, but it just doesn't work for me.
Don't hold your breath, America, because these videos are as close as we'll get.
I hope not lol
Exactly right. I’ve yet to see a T7 on the showroom floor. I did see one in a parking lot with a “sold” tag on it.
I think you are a little too generous with the kudos to the manufacturers for generously giving us a broad selection of adventure bikes. While selection wise true, one also needs to look at pay to unlock installed features and holding back on production (both in numbers and in US releases) to artificially jack up prices. There is a dark, slimy underbelly to the whole adventure bike genre.
I don’t think they screwed up the Translap…. Suzuki just blew it out of the water with the Vstrom 800! They didn’t see that coming!!!
Well Goonologists Honda made a turd and my Tenere 700 is still on top of the middle weight bikes. I love my 450rl and my T7. They are both awesome. The new Honda is a turd plain and simple.
I don't agree with the cruise control. In my part of the world, I'd be able to use it for maybe a few minutes... If I had it, I'd never use it. I also don't understand why "off road oriented" bikes need cruise control. You won't ever use cruise control off road.. Now, since it's got electronic throttle.. i do agree that it's an oversight to not add. I just don't see it as a deal breaker
For me tehy screwed up: the front light... Looks like the one from the 500x. Not enough ground clearance. Exhaust way too deep.
Great review, Sir! I think it suits me perfectly…looking for a middle weight town bike besides my 06 Goldwing, that can give some adventure fun. I think I can do light tours as well.
Thank you and thanks for watching
Yes yes they did screw it up, if you compare it to the previous models released outside of the US. They would of been better off re-devloping the XR650-R into a 700 for the transalp/ small AT to complete with the T7 .
No, they know what they’re doing. They wouldn’t make a bike similar/better than the tenere 700 that would kill the africa twin and the 500
It's "electronic", not "electronical". Electronical is a portmanteau of electronic and electrical, and is an adjective. Electronics is a plural noun
I love Honda and I appreciate the new Sizing but that boring headlight/ „Face“ is really ugly 🥶
Yeah ..... i m going on the New v strom 800....much better looking and reliable bike
*_NO CRUISE CONTROL!!! Ah, Man. I almost hung up the phone. It would be best if you had waited until the end to tell us that. I'm sure it will make an excellent bike for someone. I'm sticking with the big GSA. Thanks for the in-depth review._*
If you want cruise control on your bike, better drive a car. If you are riding YOU ARE RIDING.
@@wton Hahaha, I probably would, but I don't even own a car.
Buy an AT if CC is important
@@Alexanderpaal67 I like my GSA
@@Alexanderpaal67 I’ve mostly been watching the Transalp News for my buddy, that is on the shorter side. I'm hoping he gets one ordered.
At $20,000 in Australia, there are far better bikes to buy, so thanks Honda but it's no thanks from me
Weak suspension and what will the maintenance be on the uni cam engine? The CRF is very high maintenance.
I would love to get a Tenere 700 and it will most likely be my next bike..but very hard to find...the Honda maybe a somewhat close alternative.. IDK
Yea I wish this Transalp had a fully adjustable suspension
Get an Aprilia Tuareg 660!
One day when you own one, send a review. Thanks . You are gargling speculation.
This bike will be more capable than 99% of the riders that straddle it! BET!!!
It is very much unlike Honda to come up with a 90hp 750cc(120HP/litre) compared to yamaha's 72hp 700cc. Also, un Honda to come up with a 750 that is actually lighter in wet weight than the 890 pumpkin! Those two major items is probably why it's not a beefed up CB-X nor a baby CRF-L AT. Awakening the XL600 TransAlp legacy was a clever marketing slotting-in. But nobody's perfect and suspension weakness should be blamed to Honda's suspension partner-SHOWA. Why can KYB almost always offer better than no-Showa, be it in Yamaha(T7) or Kawasaki(KLX300). Showa can do it like in the CRF450WRE and the CRF1100L AT electronic-showa. But on the CRF300L and now that XL750 Transalp it's a dumb no-Showa. Showa shame on you!
Dont know why Honda went this way
And...for the price of an Aprilia or less than a KTM, you'll be able to buy a Transalp WITH cruise control, tubeless tyres, and a decent skidplate, heck, there's even cruise control available for the 2023 CL500, and the bike even isn't available yet, as with the T7 Tenere...buy the bike, spend your cash on the things YOU want, keep the price cheap for the masses(McCruise and Bart Factory tubeless, for those interested)!
P.S; Apart from the stepped seat, the new 800 DE V-Strom is beautiful... eye of the beholder stuff!(and it's targeted at the heavy BMW 850GS, coming in 20kg lighter).
Thanks for watching and commenting
I bet very soon Honda will lunch a CBR750R 😁
Yes that's true, this model it's already screwed up !
The expectations war that this incoming Transalp would be with same geometry, same 'aggressivity' and same purpose has the Honda A.T is !
But unfortunately it is what it is.
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
You have to much confidence in Honda. They really have lost the plot in regards to dirt bikes for many years. The crf450l really disappointed owners with the incredibly poor throttle to the point owners had to fork out big time to fix something that should be right in the first place. Not sure I can trust them again…no, lets not applaud any of them.
You make good points I have the 450RL and I had to spend 2k minimum to get it to run right
Tubed tires sounds like a problem, not as easy to fix as just putting a plug in the tire so you could get home.
Tube tires are not ideal
I don’t want electronics everywhere, I can’t stand that stuff, less is better for me.
..and suspension is price relative.
Looks good for my riding.👍
I am mixed on the electronics too
How can you evaluate a bike having never even seen it let alone ridden it. It's not MEANT to be a mini AT. It's a road bike that can do a bit of gravel in a push. Commuter. Ect.
Than it should have DCT as in the XADV.
Most new Honda looks like nice but 10 year old Honda 😅
All bikes need cruise control. The Honda 750 looks nice. But my BMW 750gs is plenty of bike and has all the comfort Features
I agree
Has electronic throttle with ride modes but no cruise? This is not an oversight but rather a marketing ploy to force some riders to the larger and more expensive Africa Twin.
It so dumb
For the most part, fully adjustable suspension, bolt-on subframe, etc. is a gimmick. The vast majority of "Adventure Bikers" never make it further than Starbucks. They will never explore the full travel of their suspension, nor use the traction control or cruise control. If you want to take a bike to that level, this one isn't for you.
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
Its an evolution/development of where the old Transalps finished up. It's pretty much what I would have expected. Honda could build a more hard core dirt adventure bike but it wouldnt be a Transalp.
I can only hope Honda fixed the rectifier, powerregulator problems.
It exists since 1986.....
I don't know if I got it wrong due to the timing of the video, but the slide at around 5:36 is not about rider modes, but the different versions that Transalp will come in. So, maybe in the Rally pack the exhaust might be different and higher? (although it is not stated I'm just speculating)
it might offer a better exhaust but the aftermarket will take care of that
The original transalp was intended to be a capable all rounder, which proved itself to be more capable than it was ever given credit for!
Though comparing it to my 700, theres a few things I wouldnt want to upgrade to...
I would appear that Honda built this to be the big brother to the CB500X rather then the baby brother to the AT. However, if that's the case then it is even more important to have .....CRUISE CONTROL.
Deal breaker for me.
I agree with you Joe never had it till I purchased a 1050xt v strom ,now will not buy a adventure bike without it fatigue saver for those big days.
I wanted a baby Africa Twin. Something that would be lighter and a little more capable in the dirt.
It appears the TA doesn't use the same case mounting system as the AT. I have a set of Hepco and Becker racks that use the same mounting points as the Honda cases. It's really slick.
No fully adjustable suspension? How difficult would it have been to just use the AT suspension?
Other than the weight, the ATAS is so good. I have a feeling I'm going to stick with the ATAS.
I have almost no use for cruise control. I use a Cramp Buster and have no problem doing hundreds of miles with full control of my throttle.
That suspension thing bothers me
Looks soft. Suzuki 800DE beats it on most counts apart from HP and weight...but these won't part me from my T7 👍