Honda Transalp 750 vs Yamaha Tenere 700: Initial Thoughts (First Time Back on the T7)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ย. 2023
- I'm extremely lucky to have both a Honda Transalp 750 and a Yamaha Tenere 700 in my garage right now and to be able to ride them back to back. I'm working on a more detailed full Honda Transalp 750 vs Yamaha Tenere 700 video, but thought it might be interesting to share my thought process at the moment and current feelings about how the Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Honda Transalp 750 competition is stacking up at the moment. There is a ton of stuff to consider when comparing T7 vs Transalp and I'm trying to take my time to carefully think about the pros and cons of both of these very good midsize adventure motorcycles.
Not surprisingly, the Transalp is a far superior adventure bike when you're talking about on road comfort and handling. It has more horsepower and more creature comforts and road-friendly features than the Tenere.
The Tenere 700 is the obvious choice for serious off roading...but is it really THAT much better than the XL750 Transalp?
That's the mystery I'll keep trying to solve with my testing. For now, though, enjoy the current state of my Transalp vs Tenere thought process and research.
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I'm trying to piece together my comparison thoughts for a future video... on a 1-10 scale, I'd probably give the T7 a 6/10 for road riding, and 8/10 for off road riding. For the TA, I'd give it a 9/10 for road riding, and a 7/10 for off road riding. Oops... TA gets more total points. I'll get my flame suit on.
I've been thinking along the same lines. At least we'll have each other for moral support lol
style and sound puts tenere ahead. transalp induction sounds good but tenere sounds better and theres no comparison on style. that new honda engine is amazing and on paper is the better powerplant.
I was afraid you guys were just 2 Honda fanboys in disguise…😂😂
If I didn't own either, I would probably go with the TA, but since I already own a T7, I won't be switching. However, if Honda gave the TA cruise control and tubeless, that would probably be enough to pry me away from my T7. By the way, how does the TA compare to the AT off road?
@@2.wheels.are.better.than.4 Same here 🍻🍻
I think "enough" is about the perfect description for the Transalp. It's not going to be as good off road, it'll be better on road for sure, but it'll almost certainly be enough for most people.
It's just at a different spot on the road/off road scale. Each has advantages over the other, but I do think most people won't need the full capability of the Tenere.
I honestly think it could be better off-road
Best part of this video: "What am I doing?? And why is my visor open?????" We've all been there 🤣
Did you see I managed to cut myself and was bleeding for the rest of the video?
@@DorkintheRoad I literally saw that right after I commented. How long did it take you to notice? 😅
I enjoy listening to your thoughts as you ride, thank you! Honda deserve to sell lots of Transalps as it does a hell of a lot of things very well indeed. I rode the T7 and Transalp back to back, and for me, the Transalp was infinitely better feeling before the ignition was turned on. It only got better. Sure it is higher geared, but the motor is soft down low and gets great traction on loose single track and slippery hills. Because it feels so easy to manage and turn around, I have taken it places I wouldn''t have dreamed of taking other 200 kg motorcycles, including the T7. Probably get into trouble one day! Gravel roads are a blast with the traction control off. Bumpy and pot-holed sealed back roads can be tackled in a relaxed or manic mode, whatever your mood. It will run with the sports bikes in the twisties, but in far more comfort, and cope better with rough sections of road that may appear around the next corner. It would be fun at a track day. Get the revs up, and it's not slow. Long distance touring? No problem at all with great comfort, relaxed gearing and incredible fuel economy. I know this sounds like a Honda ad, but I paid for it with my own money and couldn't be happier.
I appreciated reading your thoughts!. I’m looking hard at this bike.
Any chance you've done an air filter service yet? Itching to know if the whole tank has to come off ... or if it just be tilted without removing the lines .... 🤔🤔🤔
Sorry, no I haven't been anywhere near the air filter yet. I tend to ride alone and avoid dust as much as possible! I have been riding an XL650 Transalp for the last 23 years and it's air filter is right under the middle of the tank. I have installed a K&N filter and it has required very little servicing thankfully. The fairing panels and tank are much easier to remove on the 750 than the 650, so it won't be an issue for me.@@pigmeal2224
Yeah I love my 2024 Transalp
I’ve had my Transalp for a month now and I love it. It does exactly what I need it to do.
Another great video, looking forward to your full comparison.
My biggest complaint about the Transalp is the same as the Suzuki V-Strom 800. No cruise control available. Being more road friendly these bikes should have cruise especially since they have throttle by wire. Great comparison between the Tenere and the Transalp.
Excellent point re: KTM 890. The other reason for Honda to shy away from the highest possible performance is to more easily maintain their renown level of reliability. That is always part of the conversation with nearly any Honda.
Reliability, parts availability and dealership distribution give big points for Honda.
Good comparison/analysis Ben.
Thanks! Very useful for me, as an experienced on-road rider just getting into off-tarmac riding. Already decided on the Transalp, but you confirmed my thinking.
Going from a big sports tourer I knew immediately the T7 was not for me. I bought a cheap klr in addition. I rode the 800de and immediately knew it was for me.
The Transalp might be, but the dealers don't even have them to test. I like the perfect torque curve of the de, plus it has the same power as the North America version.
For me, I just want to cruise fire roads and answer the question, what's up there? Sometimes I do long road miles and commute. Honda and Suzuki are geniuses. Most people won't go the long way round, they will never have the skills for technical offroad on a big adv, and these two bikes sell just enough capability to make adventure reachable.
Thanks for the review.
Would u take the vstrom on a bdr? I’m thinking about buying one I currently have a Ktm 790
Perfectly on point! i am owning a transalp 750 and drove alreay over 9k kms and just tried the tenere. I am 1.75 meters tall and i totally agree with what you are describing. The transalp is sooo easy to ride even off-road. With the tenere i was affraid about where to put my feet on in the worste case. On the transalp i did not care at all and drove kinda rough rocky off-road. That thing do the job. On road i drove with a friend in german mountains of "bayerischer Wald" and he was with a monster 821, even though he was quite agressive driving, i could manage to hold on. So thank you for that ;)
Great riding area today, pretty jealous actually..😜😁
I appreciate the way you have described the riding impressions for each bike!
There's a lot to be said for having two ADV bikes at the same time, because back to back comparisons are an important aspect for buyers that are trying to decide which one to get.
There’s only one thing better than owning 2 adv’s at the same time, it’s owning 3 adv’s. :)
@@clayfarnet970 YEP!! I guess all three of my bikes could be classfied as ADV bikes, if they were outfitted as such.
2002 DRZ 400S
2022 T7
2019 KTM 450 EXC-F
I enjoy your videos, thanks for making good relatable content.
My first and only bike is the Tenere. I learned really fast not to drop it. It is awkwardly heavy, but at speed its so nimble and easy to control. Great comparison.
Thanks for the comparison review Ben.
Fellow Oregonian here- I make sure to catch all of your videos. Love the ADV content, you shred on those bikes. As a dirt bike and dual sport rider, would love to see you do more on OHV beginner and moderate single/double track with dirt bikes and dual sports.
I like the sitting in the Transalp vs. sitting on the T7 comparison. I feel just by looking at them side by side you can tell it is going to feel that way for sure !
Wicked cool comparison brother 👊 always enjoy your content and looking forward to the transalp stuff to come
Thank you
Another great video. I came off a Harley and wanted a bulletproof ADV bike, so I went with a T7. Armored it up, changed to a more dirt oriented tires, re-spring, and dropped a tooth on the front sprocket. Perfection!!! Absolutely love it!!
The T7 can be a beast on single track, which is why I dropped a tooth; slower is easier off road and it don't ride interstate highways, so the change was positive.
Great video, thanks for making. Some content I'd be interested in - comparing how difficult/expensive it is to fix the shortfalls of each bike. You can't really make the T7 less top heavy, but it can be lowered a bit, what about making it better on the street? As for the TA, could suspension upgrades put it on par with the T7 when riding offroad?
That's a beautiful route through the woods you have there. Those slippery patches of wet leaves had me grasping the sides of my armchair!
Great comparison and contrast about two great bikes! As a T7 owner, I have to admit that it has made me a better rider. My traction control and everything else is completely my own wrist. It’s so utilitarian that I’m not afraid to take to Baja and any other place. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on both bikes.
I think people underestimate the importance of being able to put your feet down flat. If your feet go down flat to the ground, you can just power walk the bike out of trouble if needed. I would rather have that than the extra performance of the Tenure.
I've had to do that on my very not-off-road bike on a muddy gravel driveway. If I couldn't get both feet flat, I would have needed help getting unstuck.
I really like this guy. The channel is great and I hope to get out there on an ADV bike someday
Thank You for your thoughts. I think I'm still leaning towards the Tenere 👍
It's an amazing machine.
Dude, I give you credit for using these bikes the right way! Well done.
You are spot on Ben about the T7 top heavy weight. I spent a few months far too deep in my own head about the weight. Freaked out any time I was on uneven ground, positive that the dropping leaf headed for me was going to make me drop the bike. I to have a 30" inseam - I get it. Tip toes, uneven ground, slippy-slip, tilt, oh shit - there's the tipping / no return point. Then Giant Loop happened this year on my CRF250. Going up Steen Mountain dramatically changed things. Like you described, I still ride very mindful of road slope, width, road surface, short stubby legs, and a bike that is prone to trail naps with shorter riders. LOVE my T7, not getting rid of it. Just requires being aware. Nice video. Looking forward to the true comparison video.
As a 6'2 Tenere enjoyer I can definitely see where this dork is coming from, if I was any shorter I would have dropped my bike a few times, I can barely get both heels down on it and it's really intimidating if you don't have strong legs or aren't tall and you get into the hairy stuff. Haven't tried the transalp but I also feel like the Tenere is great on road and I actually enjoy the slide happiness of the stock pirelli tires off road which do better than most "50/50" adv tires on road admittedly.
I concur with all you’re saying. I’m 5’11 and get both feet down flat but if I couldn’t do that, this bike would need to be lowered a bit for me to feel confident. Then you may as well get a Transalp and heavily protect that exhaust and oil sump.
I lowered my T7 20mm front and back and it made a huge difference to maneuverability. The small loss in ground clearance was completely worth it and the lower stance made the low speed handling better and easier. Bike also felt more stable at higher speeds which it shouldn't have due to reduced wheelbase but that was a nice bonus.
In Europe, Yamaha are releasing the Tenere Explorer which could possibly be the best compromise for a 70/30 adv tourer th-cam.com/video/5c3GAxRfVjQ/w-d-xo.html
Ben you nailed it again! I just ordered TracTive suspension for my Transalp 750 which will bring it up around 20mm and also ordered a skid plate to go along with the Barkbusters for protection to kinda get a little closer to the T-7 off road specs without sacrificing on road performance. I figured due to my weight being around 270lbs and 6'1" with 32" inseam, I have to re-spring either one of the bikes if I had both. I was able to check out both the T-7 and the Transalp side by side and it just made more sense to me and also riding from one off road location to another off road location which was a good amount of asphalt millage involved, the Transalp made more sense and the dealer that sold both bikes said when going any distance on the pavement that the Transalp was way above the league of the T-7.
Very cool, man. Glad you're enjoying it.
Love these videos, I would love to get into trail riding, looks fun. Need to pay off my big tourer first lol
I recently bought my second T700, I wasn't ready for my first T7 and yes your correct about it being a more specialised bike for an experienced rider. I've sold my KLR650 2022 and replaced it with my new T700, I know it sounds odd but, I live in Australia were reliability is a premium feature for me, I adore Yamaha's CP2 engine it's power and it's cable throttle im 59 and old school. My T700 wears Anakee Adventure tires, I'm more a road rider, but I appreciate the T7 for its ease of use and rugged simplicity.
Gen 3 KLR for the win… half price, you’d be holding it up on those roads… ”waiting on you T7!” Thumbs up and subscribed ;)
I'm a brand new rider with a T-7. I haven't had a 'this is too much for me' moment yet but I'm sure that's due to my height of 6'3". Offroad is a different beast. It's heavy, and alien to me. I manage in the little bit I've done, but I'd be lying if i said I didn't want a lighter bike lol.. Still, I'll manage it. I intend to buy a cheap beater for practice in the dirt but i wouldnt change a thing with my Purchase. The TA was my second choice to wait and buy actually, but a T-7 fell in my lap a few months before the TA's first release. On the road I love the T-7. And in time, I will learn to control it better offroad. I've got 1 drop so far and alot of saves. For a greenbean I'd say that ain't too bad lol..😅😅
Ben: Great video. I also have a T7 (with about 27K miles) and I've got maybe an inch in inseam length on you. I've lowered mine with 20mm links and have the seat concepts low seat; it is a lot more manageable in rough stuff and for general use. If there is one thing I'd change would be the weight distribution and I think most agree that it is top heavy.
If you want a bike that will take you anywhere and do so confidently, that's the Transalp. If you want to do single track on an Adventure bike, you get a Tenere. Not sure why you'd want an adventure bike that does single track but hey, it's there.
Hi Dork, thank you for this video. Where did you ride this time? I hope the TA will win this race…! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
saving this vid so I can reference it when it's time to buy a new bike soon!
oooooo....that's exciting! PM me if I can help at all.
Thanks for the compassion, still leaning towards the Tenere personally. Now is the 2024 that much more of an upgrade or just go with a 1sdt gen 🤔
Ben I really appreciate your reviews. To me they are the most honest out there. I consider myself slighlty above average rider. I think this Transalp is going to check all my boxes since I am looking for a lighter bike. I dont ride the AT on much more than a gravel roads any more mostly highway. I just bought a used DR 650 for anything more challenging like the AZ BDR. I guess I need to see if the dealer will give me a reasonable price for my AT . Thanks and keep the content coming
Good luck with your bike hunt and thanks for your kind words.
Did you try the Tenere World Raid yet? Absolutely fantastic bike. Would be great if you could review one.
Well done. I agree with you. Though there are creative ways to address the seat height. I also have a 30” inseam. The low seat with G fastback boots and a thick pair of insoles provide enough height for a 3 year rider to manage.
This is a FREAKIN awesome Video!!!! Thank you Sir!
Are you more like Pol Taris or more like Swen from Frozen?! T7 or TransAlp ;)
12:12 is AMAZING!!!!!
13:57 … Riding in the weeds!
2009 KTM 950 Super Enduro…. 420 lbs and 100 hp… with 13” suspension travel… if made today???? Fuel injected of course…
Nice to see the suzuki vstrom come out on top of yet another comparison.
Listening to your comments about both of these great bikes, I believe you will choose the Transalp over the Tenere just because it corresponds more for your realistic needs and your style of riding. I ride a 2022 CRF 300L Rally and I would also choose the Transalp, if I had to upgrade. In a couple of years, I will consider changing for the Transalp, unless a better bike comes out. Right now, I'm just having to much fun on the Rally. A go anywhere bike for all level of riders, short and long distance, at least for me. And that's what it's all about, having a good time while riding. 'Cause it's all about the ride. Good job Mr Dork!
That's exactly it . People who are complaining about its lack of capability are generally being unrealistic about the types of riding they do or they don't understand that the vast majority of people on these bikes are not doing super difficult stuff.
Didn't realize you were so local, I'm 2 turns from Brush creek. Heard you refer to it in a couple videos. There used to be a track under the power lines when I was a kid. Currently shopping for a used Dual sport...
Thank you for your view. Now for the Desert X comparison. 🙂
Currently looking at buying either a Transalp or Tenere at the moment. I am coming from a WR250r, leaning towards the Tenere at the moment, but glad I came acorss your videos. Also wondering if all I plan on doing in my older years is pavement to fire roads that are dirt with some washboards and holes, if the Transalp is the bike to get? I'm no longer a serious off-roader and not trail riding anymore. The most I would be doing is the 2 track you are on 8:30 and 10:49 in the video.
Talking about more ease to move around the garage and more confidence off road I went from a 2018 KTM 1290 SAR to a 2023 Husky 701 Enduro. I know those are not the bikes your talking about here but the garage comment made me think of it.
You can turn the TC completely off even as you ride. Keep pressing mode button for more than 3 seconds when you have the user mode on. Then hold UP button for 3 seconds (TC off indicator will turn on). Then press mode again for 3 seconds. You always have to close the throttle to apply any mode. If you are stopped, it gives you more options to choose without going in to the menu screen, like turning the rear wheel abs off.
Nailed it 👍
I would love to see you ride the new vstrom 800de for a couple hours on mixed surfaces and get your thoughts. I know you poopoo'd it on that stream with Spite but with your experience on the t7 and the transalp I'd be interested how you find it.
I just said I didn't get it. Not that it was bad. People raking me over the coals for that one, lol. I'd like to ride one for sure.
@DorkintheRoad haha, fair enough. Been a minute since I saw that video. I appreciate your perspective on motorcycles and after Ian's unexpectedly positive thoughts I'd love to see yours someday. Ride safe, have fun. =]
ANTI SQUAT! :) Great comparison, I was hoping you would post this. TransAlp is a good looking bike with some nice features for sure, but that whole giant oil sump/underprotected bottom is a hard no for me on the TA. Just saw that CF Moto released the 450 MT at EICMA. Could be a Unicorn ADV bike? Keep it on the Dork Radar...
As a solo rider 90% of the time, the TA seems like a really interesting bike to me. Easy to maneuver and pick up, which is so important when you're by yourself. I use a KTM 390 now and it's good enough offroad but a bit more onroad comfort would be nice.
Hey Dork do you by any chance have a build price for the T7 meaning crash protection skid plate yada yada?? Much appreciated thanks I wanna pull the trigger on either the T7 or the TA thanks
Hanging out for the added accessories off road review of the Transalp, I want the Tenere offroad ability but like the Transalp looks, lower seat and the price difference is too high for the Yamaha in Australia
Nice to see you back on the T7. You have said the 800DE "doesn't make sense on paper." This video proves that statement to be incorrect. The 800DE has a better stock suspension than both, far more comfortable on road than the T7 and more capable off road than the Transalp. Even though the 800DE is heavier than both, it is easier to pick up than the T7 and almost as easy as the Transalp. The three of them are an exact old school comparison of the XL650 vs DR650 vs KLR. Wich makes for fun debates and shit talking. I chose the middle for both. I am torque biased, so the DR650 and the 800DE come out on top in comparison. Nice video Ben. Maybe you can get your hands on an 800DE to see what I mean. Plus it has fully adjustable suspension.
Holy crap you make one offhand comment while drinking beer during a livestream and people never let you live it down.
@@DorkintheRoad I wasn't giving you a hard time about the comment, just using it as a reference. The comparison of the three will be debated for for years to come, and that's a good thing. I did complement you about the video. And having multiple people call you out on that comment means you have been successful at reaching lots of motorcycle riders. You should be proud of that.
@@DorkintheRoad at least you know they're listening! LMFAO! 🍻
What are your thoughts, I have a 2021 cb500x. It is a good bike, easy to ride, looks great. Is the transalp 750 worth the upgrade. Lookin for increase in power for hiway speed. Thanks for answer.
Which Hippo Hands are those? Can you ride standing up with them? Thoughts on those vs their off-road versions?
i wanna hear your opinion on the suzuki 800de
Hey! What audio setup do you use for that osmo, please? I can't figure it out and I tried a lot of combinations. Thank you!
I need to ride more middleweight ADV bikes but I really think the T7 will be my next bike. That bike just speaks to my soul in a way that the others don't. That engine sound is a big part of it.
It has the best stock exhaust note of any bike I've ever ridden.
T7 felt tall and intimidating to me at first. I’ve taken my time getting to know its characteristics and after a few months it feels smaller and much easier to navigate. I can just touch comfortably flat footed with both feet while utilizing Badass Moto seat cover. Torque and gearing of T7, along with simple navigation of screen would make it hard for me to part with this bike. I don’t doubt Transalp much more comfortable than the T7 on paved roads but then maybe look for a more road oriented bike than the Transalp.🤷♂️. Low clearance of Transalp would have kept me away from certain easy off-road areas where I don’t even think about it on the T7. And that T7 sound 👍
@SEll-lv5gr I've primarily ridden a crf250l rally and my lovely dr650. But I did rent a T7 for a day and it took some getting used to but ergonomically it felt perfect for me as a tall lanky person. I also hit some of the most difficult terrain I've been on that day on a new bike and it handled it well.
The only thing I worry about is picking it up in sticky situations as I ride solo pretty frequently but maybe that'll just motivate me to hit the gym
@@Michael_Shay Valid concern. I’m late 50’s and don’t ride hardcore off-road, so hopefully that’s on my side. I also don’t ride fast on paved roads and don’t ride interstate. T7 can do both but probably not comfortably. I believe riders of Transalp lean more into wanting a bike for higher speeds and potentially freeway or interstate…possibly.
I think that your review is legit and both good bikes. I am also intrigued by the 800DE which a lot of people believe it is very similar to the Transalp but maybe a bit better on and off road. Better suspension, adjustable but I think taller and it has a very small windscreen which is unfortunate but shouldn't cost very much.
No one wants to talk about the Suzuki because it's literally the elephant in the room. 😅
Suzuki needs to put it on a diet its borderline overweight in the category. It's a nice bike but I passed because just pushing it around in the dealer lot you tell how heavy it is plus it feels like a very big bike.
60lb heavier... 😮
What do you think about fueling on the transalp? Does is jerk a lot from off/on throttle?
You talk about the gearing being hogher on the TA, if you would drop one tooth on the front sproket would it be a detriment on the road for top end? If not, it would make a significant difference at shower speeds offroad.
If you were going to do the WABDR, which bike would you take?
I haven't ridden the Transalp yet but I rode the Tenere and V-Strom 800 relatively close to one another, only on tbe road. For my purposes where I may occasionally wander onto some dirt roads but that's about it the V-Strom just felt significantly better all round. I'm intrigued to see how the Transalp feels bg comparison - on paper at least it's lighter and more powerful so what's not to like?
After owning a 14 CB500X, 16 KLR, 17 CRF 250 rally, 18 300X, I bought a 21 T7. The engine is a masterpiece and very confidence inspiring. The bike was so mellow in challenging situations it made me a better rider. But everything has a trade off. Top heavy was always on my mind off road, and on the highway the seat and straight handlebars had me squirming in pain. I modified the seat (foam) and bar back risers etc and just could not make it comfortable. I'm 6' 1'' 200 lbs. So I bought a 22 CB500X and never looked back. Next will be the NX500.
I'm pretty excited to check out the NX500 when it arrives.
This is an epic era for those who want a dual sport / adv / scrambler. So many choices, it is insane. Silly me, chose one in high demand and short supply, I waited 5 months for my dealer to get my choice of bike. Totally worth the wait. EXCELLENT (bedeliddle bedeliddle guitar sounds). I need to find such delicious back roads like you have there.
Agreed. So many middleweight options already and more just announced at EICMA. It's the golden age.
The only bikes I could afford brand new are the 7k range which with tax and dealer fees is pushing it a bit cuz they're not actually 7k. But if ever can afford nicer bikes I'll have these videos for reference so thanks for the content.
Agree with your assessment. If I were Honda during the design phase, and maybe they did, I would have bought the competition’s motorcycles for inspiration. I think Honda could have done more with the Transalp’s exhaust note. Anyone who doesn’t think the T7 sound is awesome needs their ears checked. As well I think Honda could have changed the Camshaft specs and intake runner length to shift the power and torque band a little lower. The biggest miss in my mind was the lack of cruise control, especially since it has been decidedly geared more on than off road. As an aging rider, my 600lb Tiger 1200 Explorer is to heavy for the riding I want to do, and need something lighter.
What would you recommend between the Transalp or cb500x? I like off-roading on 8 hour rides
It seems a large part of the adventure bike experience is to tour and possibly put on hundreds of miles in a day. It's a simple choice. If your more interested in busting through brush then the Tenere is the bike to go with. While the Transalp will calmly slide down the interstate drawing little attention to itself. If only it had cruise control one could then sit back and put on a happy tune. But, as fortune has it the front tire decides to blow-out because the tube malfunctioned. I've heard this and it makes me concerned about tubed tires on freeways.
From what I've seen, the transalp seems very much like a big Versys x 300. Good, yet unadjustable not so tall suspension. Exhaust routed under the bike for comfort. Pretty revvy. As someone with an x-300, I'm pretty interested in one of these.
Yeah I don't have a ton of time on the X-300 but I think the Transalp is much more capable. It's got a lot to offer. That X-300 is underrated but has limitations, for sure.
I much prefer the looks of the T7 over any other bike. However, it absolutely intimidates me. I tried make-do with an, IMO, very comparable bike regarding weight-distribution: a Yamaha XT 600 E. Was my first bike, bought it purely based on its looks. Did not enjoy too much how it rode. Found it rather fiddly to maneouver, never understand what was so great about twisties. Finally, after 20 years, my husband and I treated ourselves to the next gen Yamahas. He (had also a XT 600 and absolutely loved it) got a T7, myself I now ride a Tracer 700 (the road version of the T7, so to speak). A difference like night and day. I love this thing, feels like a part of me. I tried to get on the T7 (I am 1.76 m), but no. Even lifiting off the kickstand felt like too much of a hassle.
As we do not do a whole lot of offroading, these two bikes are perfect for each of us. But we do not want to hop on each other's bikes. Conclusion: the perfect bike does not exist. You really have to think hard what you want out of a bike.
You don't lift off a kickstand , you just have to push dow on the opposite peg to make it incredibly easier. Try it and thanks me later 😎
Nothing to do with the two bikes here. Just want to let you know I super enjoyed what you do. And the more I watch you the more I appreciate it.
Thank you!
@@DorkintheRoad I was hoping to meet you at RevZilla fest in South dakota. I was in touch with Ian before the event in we rode together all day on saturday. I love both your channels.
I'm in Omaha nebraska. If you ever come through here you got a place to stay.
I love my T7, it compliments my S1000R perfectly
I've lusted after the T7 for a while now and they're always out of stock around here but I'm thinking for myself the Transalp will be better so I put a deposit in almost a month ago as there were none in stock
Take my words for what they are worth, because I don't have experience with bigger bikes (i have a 150 cc city bike and had a 150 cc entry level dirt bike in the past, riding on easy dirt roads). My take is that the transalp has a clear focus (honda doesn't include the skid plate, first clue). It CAN do tecnical hard terrain stuff with LOTS of mods. It doesn't come from the factory for that. It comes perfect to be a confortable all arounder, city, city with bad roads and potroles, and very easy dirt/grass roads, etc. If the person wants to tackle moderate terrain, the 'must have' mods are off road tires and the skid plate. If the rider is heavy, maybe the suspension too. I don't want to go on the middle of the glassy fields with no roads, certenly not on a expensive heavy bike. And if I do, i probably wouldn't want a tenere also, would rather have a light 150~250cc proper off road bike for that. Imagine yourself fallen down with a heavy Tenere above your leg, what an injury. The Transalp has nailed it's proposition and people are complaning because it's not suited for off road. If "off road" is moderate dirt/grass, the transalp CAN be perfectly modded to do that. But it shines on the road and on the confort, and that's why I love it's implementation. You could say "if you want a road bike, then get a road bike". If your city has good roads, perfectly reasonable argument. But here in Brazil, roads are terrible. The transalp suspension is needed for a "road bike" here. To conclude, the transalp is a great platform for everyday confortable ride, including easy dirt/grass roads, that can $$$ be made quite capable offroad too if the person wishes to do that, which seems quite fair for me. I wouldn't wanna make everyone pay for expensive off road stuff if they are not gonna use them.
I'm really curious to see what the honda does once it's all wrapped up for safety . It seems the Honda does really have a broader appeal.
Another consideration is fuel range. The T7 can go about 160 miles where I believe the TransAlp can go close to or over 200 miles per tank
I feel like the clear cut deciding factor question for ADV folks is BDR-worthiness. How comfortable/capable is the Transalp, with the skid plate, for a BDR vs. the Tenere? Would you be perfectly ok tackling the ORBDR on the Transalp?
Well the ORBDR is a special case because it's pretty difficult, but I'd consider it. There are sections of the ORBDR I'd rather not take a big bike on at all. Washington I'd do no problem.
Living literally 1 block away from the OBDR, this is exactly my question. I have an EXC 500 for super technical or lightweight fun, but I am over 60, former roadracer and lifelong street rider. i'd like to get something that going forward will serve for fireroads, street, and BDR. Wavering on both, but increasingly thinking the TransAlp is probably "good enough" and more easily manageable for my more sedate riding these days.
@@robRobblah Big Rock just posted on IG about his weekend at the Julian Rally on the Transalp. It's a very capable bike. Dork and Big Rock are going to sell a lot of Transalps.
Funny, in the garage my Africa Twin felt 100lbs heavier than my 1250GS. Proper weight distribution is a thing.
Therefore, when I tested the T7 and the Suzuki 800DE, the Vstrom was much more agile and easier in off-road driving. I chose Suzuki (I also tested 890 adventure s, Desertx, Africa)
The DE is likely my next bike to bring my two bike garage down to 1. That perfect torque curve is wonderful.
Does the Susuki have a vibration issue over 120km/h as some suggested ?
@@TheZakkmylde yes, over 130. I didn't feel it on my legs, but on the steering wheel there was a tingling sensation. But I noticed that after 3k km they decreased significantly.
Sir Dork,
How would you compare the TransAlp to a KLR. As far as where you would take it or what you’d use it for?
I know there is weight and size/ body shape and all that. Just as far as what how they would compare to how you would use it.
I said on a ride the other day that the transalp is like what would happen if they tried to make the KLR fun. 🤣
@@DorkintheRoad lol, awesome. Thanks for getting back to me man. I love your videos. Enjoy your new ride brother.
Thanks. I just wish they would have made the TransAlp look more like an Africa Twin!
I agree. The front of this bike is probably my least favorite thing.
I personally don't care about top heavy things I'm 6.3 and ride a lot off road could say 40% off road and 60% on road, there is no bike on the market which fit me like a socks and that bike is a Tenere T7 ouuuuuuu yes.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Different strokes for different folks. I'm sure if I was your height the seat height issues I have wouldn't be as big a concern ;)
Ben how tall are you? Do you think a 5'8 (5'9 with boots) rider can handle the seat height?
I have an Africa Twin ADV Sport 1100, just picked up a Tenere 700. CRF1100 on the heavy side for off road, which was the intent of use for the Twin. Going to keep the Twin, more for road use. T7 is great little bike - but damn, you have to sink the money into it in modifications - suspension, protections, etc etc etc.
high mount exhaust, skid, and handguards are a must. your risk tolerance determines the rest. my t7 has been a very enjoyable money pit lol
Why not just get a dual sport or dirt bike for real off road riding ?
You had an Africa Twin, right? Do you miss the ABS button and the T/C switch on the handle bar?
My AT was a '16 so they were on the dash. It's on the handlebar on the Transalp, though.
I really miss seeing you on single track with ryan. Oh, the old days...... love the new stuff too, it's just not the same.
Well tell Ryan to get off his ass and go riding with me then. ;)
@@DorkintheRoad he is so deep into cars right now that I'm afraid it's not going to happen. The only thing that might get him motivated is if the nuggets get super interested, but without some nudging, I don't see that happening. 😭
I too have both bikes right now. I don’t disagree with anything that you said. The Transalp is almost boring at how easy it is to ride. Especially compared to the Tenere. The Transalp just does things so seamlessly while the T7 requires you to be 100% present the entire time. Both great bikes, but the Transalp is just a really fun, comfortable, and smooth bike. Not sure what the heck I’m going to do with all of the money I’m going to lose when I sell my heavily modified T7! 😬
I love watching your videos and I definitely value you our opinion, but I definitely think our riding styles are very different. I love sliding my Tenere all over the place. Bit me once when i was first getting used to her. But I put 7,000 mi on my 2023 this year. I will probably always have this bike. Ill have others as well, but god damn i love the Tenere. I'll be changing the suspension out eventually, but it's my daily rider as well as my off-road machine. She's never let me down yet
Yeah for sure. It's important to recognize that. I make content for beginner/intermediate rider so my thoughts are not going to be as relevant to someone with more experience.
@@DorkintheRoad i still manage to find plenty of value in your videos. Love the channel!!
That's impressive. I thought the 3500mi I've put on my '23 t7 was a lot, haha.
@@pressley10r i put 10k on my 22 KLR last season too!! The only reason I put less miles on the Tenere is it was in the shop for a factory defect for a while. I'm always noticeably depressed when I have to put the bike up for the year because I live where it snows lol
Be nice to hear your thoughts after you put 5 or 6k miles on the honda. I wonder how much of your thoughts are based on its a new bike and everyone likes their new bike the best. Until they have ridden it awhile and then its just a bike. I like the honda. I want the power. Where i live gravel roads is about all we got.
To me a bike like either of the 2 is useless here in Alabama. Because so much land is private. What little national forest land there is you ride a little ways in and turn around. To get the good from one of those you would have to hit the Transamerica Trail or 1400 miles to pick up the N.E. BDR or 1500 miles to Colorado. Over 2000 to Oregon. Enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE! I just can't ride down the Interstate highway looking like a modern day HERNANDO DESOTO.
Because of the fact that I am 73 and out of shape I'm going to go with the Transalp.
All I want to do is highway, to dirt road and off to the side where I can stay out of site and camp. 1/4/2024 🇺🇸
I own a T7 and test road the Honda in the dirt on some sandy loose two track. This is just me personally but I like the way I sit on top of my T7 and not a fan of sitting in the Honda. I understand people feeling uncomfortable touching the ground on the balls of there feet on the T7 instead of flat footed on the Honda but you cannot ride either of these big adventure bikes like a dual sport.
You must stay centered, Balanced with your feet on the pegs otherwise paddling along or dabbing your foot could cause knee problems. Also when you ride the Honda off road the sitting to standing position is in my view to extreme and after a long day will be very fatiguing. This could be fixed somewhat with a taller seat. Both bikes are very capable and both bikes will require mods to fit your needs.
Anybody thinking about either of these should wait to see the new Kove 800. They have a dirt oriented model and a more street model. Definitely interesting looking.
😂 no thanks . I'm all set with a crate bike from China. The kove 450 doesn't even have an oil level check on it ,no sight window no measurement stick nothing zero. Wtf is that about ?