Let me offer a different perspective to yours. Think of TA as a street bike with reasonable off-road capabilities. A bike that takes you to work, but can also take you effortlessly to a sandy beach or a rocky mountain path. Because this is exactly what the TA ever was. A swiss knife of a bike. I ride my 650cc 55HP Ta for 16 years, every single day, rain or shine, 65,000+ miles so far. She takes me to work every day and she takes me to my summer vacation in remote islands with little or no tarmac roads. And, she is absolutely bulletproof to any kind of failures. So, assuming Honda's specs sheets and nice little teasers are proved right, you got exactly what the best part of the market needs and can afford. A utility bike that turns adventure whenever this is called for. Also, the extra HP will be a super bonus.
Big difference is nowadays you can have a phenomenal bike on and off road without major compromises (T7, desert x) it’s just hard to make a bike like that for shorter people.
@@talltale9760 T7 is a huge compromise. The finish is poor. It's not Japanese quality we're used to. The rear exhaust mount is welded to the frame. The exhaust is low level. It doesn't have traction control. And it has tubed tyres. The new Tft screen is an improvement. And it's very expensive now. The 700 tracer is better if you can stay on road. The price and maintenance of the ducati is just a joke.
@@chrishart8548 Tenere 700 has same quality as Tracer 700 and I don't see how the quality or performance of a bike is improved with a fucking TFT display or stupid Smartphone Connectivity. TC for 75ish HP? The two color display on the older Tracer and up to 22 Tenere models look way better and are more fitting to the bike style. I wish they would have kept the Super Tenere display for the Tracer 900 models too because they looked right for the bike design. All the idiots screaming for TFT bullshit is what I can't understand. Give us better Suspension or better brakes or something that will actually improve the performance and not that designer two part TFT display shit on the new Tracer 900 models. And I hate to break it for you but neither the Tracer nor the Tenere are Japanese bikes. They are all made by MBK in France. I own a Tracer 700 and a Tenere 700 and both are great bikes. Never had the need for TFT or TC but better suspension... And I would really like to know for how many buyers the welded exhaust attachment, two color display, lack of TC and tubed tyres is ACTUALLY a problem and not some made up BS in their minds to convince themselves to get something "better" that costs more money obviously. How many owners of these bikes actually ride like Pol Tarres? But even he seems to have no problem with that two color display, the low hanging exhaust, the subframe that is welded to the frame, no TC and everything else that is badmouthed on the Tenere which actually are just problems in most people heads. A lot of people like to discuss bikes on the internet more than acutally riding them to gain the skill to even get to a point where limitations become obvious and even then they can be remedied with the skill the rider gained. As for the OP, the old TA with its V-Twin is a great bike with a great engine! I owned a NTV with this engine and it just keeps going. The new TA will be nothing more than the old TA with a bit more power. A solid bike with some offroad capabilities. More than enough for 99% of riders who don't need "reasons" switching for a "better" bike. If I had the money I would have the newest BMW GS1200 and a Multistrada 4V Pikes Peak in my garage but I settled for the Tracer and Tenere models which I love to bits.
@@majormassenspektrometer I just didn't like that lcd dash I would hand preferred old fashioned clocks with needles. Tft dash is actually really cheap for the manufacturer. Look how cheap a smartphone is now. I personally like TC I can ride over manhole covers with confidence.
It's not flawed, it is what the first transalp was, with 100cc more. The Transalp was always (except for the first 500cc) a more road oriented bike. The (slightly) more off road oriented Honda of the day was the NX650 "Dominator". And if you wanted to go off road for real you bought the XR600r, the Baja winner, put a "Power up" kit on it and turned it in to what Honda used in the Baja races. So what you really want is an updated XR, not a Transalp. An XR700r is something to desire and hope for, but it won't happen, for reasons stated in this video.
Yes, but it isn't what everyone expected or thought Honda was hoping to achieve. The author of this video makes good points. Surely Honda's goal wasn't to replicate a motorcycle they presented to the public more than 35 years ago. Or was it? Is this 'new' Transalp made for those 60 years old? Sorry, but for many the 'new' Transalp is a disappointment. There are much better road orientated adv touring motos out there and more capable than the Transalp. The author's comments also implicate Yamaha and KTM.
Looks like i was hoping for a new nx650. However, the original Transalp was built for offroad more than the new one. 191kg, wire wheels, plate under motor by default. 54hp, 55Nm. The frame on old transalp is self supporting, which is a big deal for offroad IMO.
@@bcinspectorman the Transalp was made for regular people, that only have money to have one motorcycle to do it all. That’s what you and the maker of this video don’t seem to understand. To some motorcycles are a hobby, and they will buy a motorcycle that will fit them the best, to others, motorcycles are their main/only mode of transportation and what they are looking for is a reliable, do it all machine. And that is not a KTM, that is not a Ducati and that is not a T7. The Transalp isn’t out yet and I can already guarantee you that it will outlast both the KTM and the Ducati, and it will appeal to a broader public than the T7. If you can’t see that that bike came to fill a big hole in the market you are truly blind. Honda has picked up the Tracer 7 and the T7(probably the best selling middleweight Touring/ADV bikes) and made one bike that that will do 80% of what those two bikes do. And you k ow what? That’s what a lot of people want! Cause most people don’t want to climb trees or large rocks with their T7, they just wanna go on sightseeing adventures with some lightweight off road , while also be able to roll comfortably on the road. 99% of bike owners don’t explore the limits of theirs bikes. So why build bikes for them, when you can build a bike that will please a broader audience. It’s probably going to cost 11k, with a 5 yo warranty, with all the Honda reliability and dealer availability that we are used to. How can you beat that?
@bcinspectorman _"Replicate a motorcycle they presented to the public more than 35 years ago?"_ Looks like you aren't aware that Honda Transalp has been built *continuously since 1987.* The Transalp is now in its 4th generation _(XL600V 1987-1999, XL650V 2000-2007, XL700V 2008-2017 & XL750 2023)_ and its main market is Europe. It's very popular here. It's even used by many governments as a police bike (Ireland, UK, Italy, Greece etc.). All 4 generations are built on the same principle.
You have to keep in mind that the Honda Transalp is a 'XL750' Honda's 'XL' models have always been designed to be more road focused. Honda's 'XR' models have always been designed to be more dirt focused. The Africa Twin is a 'CRF1100' implying that it is also more dirt focused.
Not exactly. Honda’s XR650L (Cush Drive missing as it has always been) when compared with the Suzuki DR650 and Kawasaki 650 thumper has usually been tagged as more dirt than either of these, hasn’t it. I certainly hope so because I have a(n) XR650L on my bucket list to add to my existing stable of 2019 Road King Special and 2018 CRF250L Rally.
@@quidestnunc9238 What do you mean "Not exactly?" I am not comparing the Honda XR650 to a Suzuki DR650 or a Kawasaki KLX650. I am explaining the difference between the Honda XL and XR models.
@@quidestnunc9238 "Honda's 'XR' models have always been designed to be more dirt focused." What is your problem with that statement? It's clear as day to me at least.
In my opinion, this is a perfect move. My problem was CRF is really unconfortable for long travels because of lack of power and seat. And Africa Twin is too heavy, too pricey, expensive maintainance etc. Tenere has a very bad seat, top heavy; too empty in terms of features. New Transalp is between all of them. It nearly meets all of needs. It is comfortable, has enough power for me, capable of doing light off road which is my preference, cheaper, reliable... Also bikes that have 21/18 wheels are too tall for average men or women. Seat height of Transalp will fit more users who is shorter than 5'8 - 173 cm.
Um, ... the Africa Twin IS a CRF- it's proper name is CRF1000L or CRF1100L. And the 3 that i've had haven't cost too much in maintenance. In 40k miles my current Africa Twin cost me $1800 in maintenance. Maybe an additional $200 in tires. $1800 over 3 years is $600 a year which is $50 a month. Tires I get for free or cheap since many Africa Twin buyers immediately put more dirt orientated rubber on their bikes. I look around and get cheap/ free tires that are perfect for my use case; commuting and touring. In nearly 100k miles of riding it since the introduction of the Africa Twin, I might've spent $600 on tires. My first one got one set of tires before being written off. The second got two sets before I was rear ended while riding it, and my current one just got a third set installed about a month ago. Fantastic do everything bike. Unless you're trying to go offroad, in which case there are better tools for that (CRF450.)
@@monunyabidness5949 You're right, my bad; I was referring CRF 300 Rally with CRF. Actually, CRF Rally great bike but uncomfortable for long rides and lack of power makes more difficult. Also, I don't live in the US; fuel became extremly expensive in my country lately. So, fuel consumption is very important for me. Transalp's price still unclear right now. If they sell it for more than 11,000 $, I'll go for CB500x and I will make upgrades on the bike. But if lived in the US, I would buy definetely buy a Suzuki DR650 and modify. Unfortunatelly, it is not sold here :(
"Perfect move" Except that the position its put itself in is that Aprilia equals the transalp in every category and beats it off-road. Maybe only thing you can say you'd prefer the transalp for is the dealer network. But id take the Tuareg over Transalp every day.
@@krulidn Not just dealer network. Reliability... I don't want to generalize, I haven't ridden Tuareg maybe it's different than others but many Aprilia owners mentioned many reliability issues before. Unfortunately, European brands need a lot of attention and maintenance except Triumph; this a fact. I had zero problems with Suzuki and Honda and I know they are not gonna let me down. My buddy got a brand new KTM. Screen broke down after a rain. The bike stalls on the move. Engine gets heated easly. These are not big problems but it's enough to irritate you after buying a brand new bike and paying way more money than its Japanese equivalents.
I keep hearing everyone hating on this bike. It's a transalp true to it's core, having a gravel mode not a off road mode should tell you what this bike is all about. I have a crf 450L rally (I built) and would love a bike like this to accompany my 450 to carry a pillion and travel those gravel roads round Norway and the likes. It's wieght, comfort and power really make it a nice bike to have alongside an enduro imo
The Transalp is a real world motorcycle. Even those people who use their adventure bike off-road a lot are surprised that their on-road to off-road ratio is well over 9:1. The market for bikes that are competent on road that can also perform well off road as well is huge and Honda have placed the Transalp right into that market. A great bike for a huge number of customers. Well done Honda. It’s biggest in house competitor isn’t 5he Africa Twin, it’s the 500X.
Those old promo videos show exactly what the original TA was all about, and it was never off-roading. They’ve just rereleased the original. So you are correct, Honda have done what they want and not what the market had demanded. Honda never said they were making a T7 competitor, that was just what the media and public said they hoped was coming. Still a lot depends on pricing of course, and frankly how that engine is set up.
I had the XL650V 2002 transalp and i think Honda read my mind when they made the new one. This exactly what a wanted a comfy road tourer, with off the road capability and soft sprung suspension. Spoke wheels, 21" inch front, decent torque, fuel economy and reliability. Also steel chassis. Thanks Honda. Only think missing is the iconic dual end pipe.
Yup I also had a 650 for years, I always wanted a bit more power and a 6th gear, new bike will suit me perfect and now 90hp!!!🤪 Looks a great bike, waiting to see the price.
I still own a 89 xl600v and I still love it. Even if it’s not some lightweight power machine like the Ktm or other newer bikes. I love it because it’s still just a old jalopy of a bike and won’t take me every where up a mountain or a trail but make it harder and more technical. And it just keep chugging along like it’s not the 30 year old bike that it is.
As a current '89 Transalp owner, this new Transalp is exactly what I was hoping for. (Minus the exhaust.) I drive mine on the paved and dirt roads of Vermont, USA. Then up a mountain road. If I'm going on a serious trail, I don't bring my Transalp.
Why is it that every review I see of this bike has completely missed what the transalp was and instead wee expecting a T700 killer? The Transalp was not an extreme anything. But it was the perfect "everything" bike. And that includes comfortable touring. Not dirtbiking. it's a "Can go there" bike. not a "Will race there and be first."
I can see Honda not wanting to play too close to competing with the Africa Twin, but I think the CB500X and Transalp have different buyers. CB500X is a good stepping stone to then upgrade to some of the other bikes mentioned in the video. When we're talking ~45hp compared to 90+ that's a big difference for a first bike. CB500X is my first bike and Transalp would be a nice upgrade now that I've got a few seasons riding. I don't think I would have gone with a Transalp if it was available at the same time even if it was just a bit different pricing wise. Agree with the overall video though that they couldn't push it too far against its own flagship ADV.
They could make something lighter with 70hp. Would you consider it for a first bike? Also you can have it tonned down to 35kW to meet A2 license, as is done in Europe. So you can unlock it few years later without the hassle of buying new or used bike and selling the old. I agree with the video, sadly they were not building great middleweight adventure bike. They were primarily building something that is not like existing bikes (cb500x or Africa twin) and will be cheap to manufacture (same 750 platform and engine was Hornet and others)
"Cannibalization" of their own Honda model (Africa Twin) by a new Transalp or Dominator is indeed the best explanation... from an Honda perspective. However, I wonder if it is an assumption Honda is making or if it is based on actual surveying of their customers. When I look at Honda customers in Europe or in most part of the World, they are not the 20-40 yo bracket, they are more the 45-60 yo. The reason is obvious Honda makes quality bikes no arguing there but it comes at a price. For all the nice Dakar-like commercials, I don't think the majority of people who bought an Africa Twin goes off road with it. I do think they are the same part of the market than bikers who buy a BMW GS1250. In fact, I would go as far as suspecting these clients have 3 usage for the Africa Twin: 1/ city commuting (Paris and London are full of big trails) 2/ long distance on tar seal (to spend your weekend in Normandy or in Provence) 3/ nostalgy (they owned one before or dreamt they could own one in the distant future). Sure some of these most experienced owners will ride their AT to Finland and Morocco but most won't. So where am I going with this one: in my view Honda is yet again missing the target they should have been aiming at with this new Transalp: the 30-40 yo bracket that is. And for that, they should have precisely made this bike more off-road oriented to a point where it no longer competes with the AT. At 206kgs the Yamaha Ténéré 7 is not light, but at 230kgs the Africa Twin is in a different category. The AT is in the large cases category. Bring your pj and your electric toothbrush category. Whether it is deliberate or not, it would appear Honda suffers from the same dilemma as BMW before: their clientele is aging. While BMW has made clear late attempts at reaching a younger audience with the (discontinued) and nevertheless excellent HP2 Enduro bike, G450X or the fantastic RNineT, Honda has made no attempt whatsoever. If you were a massive Honda fan like I was in the 80s following every Dakar and Le Touquet enduro, you would have been less impressed by Honda in the last 20 years whether it is in MotoGP, enduro, motorcross or world rallying (granted they are making a strong come back in the Dakar). They are still the same old reliable bikes but even when it is old outdated technology it still sells for more bucks than a Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha. There is a parallel to draw with German cars in the 80-90s: Opel and VW were the cheap people brands, Audi the mid range boring family brand, BMW the young sport aficionado to midlife crisis brand who could not afford a Porsche (drug dealers and yuppies), Mercedes the older guy's brand (notary, lawyer, doctors... it seemed that for a long time only people who played golf were invited to buy a Mercedes). Honda is where Mercedes were and still are to some extent. And Mercedes got eaten alive by Audi/VW with younger people who soon became rich 40-50yo men who would not buy a Mercedes because their parents had one and their parents were boring people. Mercedes went as far as recreating Maybach, a super tanker made for the super riches. It failed miserably. The consequence was: people who drive an Audi today look at Mercedes with disdain. BMW (cars that is) on the other hand had the opposite problem, their cars were being bought more and more by drifters and young people who do stupid things on the road and who are generally speaking looked at as assholes. Every time you see an asshole cutting you off, it is almost guaranteed he drives a BMW, so was the brand image of BMW. Assholes you don't want to associate with drive M3s. Such was BMW's brand image. Now what did BMW do to address it? They took advantage of the electric cars entry to propose more mature and upmarket models while remaining young and fresh, less sport oriented range. Of course they will not get in the 20-25yo range but they might get into the 35-50yo, Audi's territory that is. Honda should know 40yo is the new 20yo. I am 46yo, would I ever consider buying an Africa Twin or GS? Not in a billion year, too big, too heavy, too expensive, too much electronic, not enough fun off road. Did I buy a DR650? Yes it was my first bike. Did I bought an RNineT? Yes I did, in spite of the fact I never liked BMW (only old arrogant aholes who never salute other bikers buy them I thought - and they are fugly as) but when BMW came out with the concept of the R9T, I thought that's bloody Steve McQueen's bike (I know it was a Triumph but ze Germans did not ride Triumph) and it reminded me of the plastic models I was gluing my fingers to as a kid, you know the BMW sidecar with mounted machine gun from WW2 among others. For some reasons, I found these bikes looked awesome. BMW made the unthinkable at the time, make the R9T affordable, not even with a Rotax engine but with a proper BMW GS twin engine at the price of a Japanese bike if you care to look around. Now that was a strategy aiming directly at a younger age range. BMW had to and they succeeded. People like me who never ever thought of buying one of these ugly cop bikes were actually seduced by the R9T. Why? Because it is reliable, simple, customizable, bringing the modern and the nostalgic altogether. What a smart move it was from BMW. Have they managed to do so on the ADV market? Not quite but there is great potential to do so with their aging 650 and 800GS and why is that? Because Honda was too stupid to reach a younger target. I also suspect that cannibalization of their Africa Twin is actually more likely to happen because people who bought the AT as a commuter (reliable, low maintenance, seating high in the traffic) might be tempted to get a cheaper more maneuverable Transalp. It is not the first time Honda failed to reach a younger market, they could have made a Transalp with no electronic whatsoever, a proper off road adventurer. Put it simply, the people who bought a T7 are not the same bikers who bought an Africa Twin. Honda in my view missed an opportunity to compete with Yamaha without affecting their older clientele. You know what they say: luck favours the brave. At this game Honda fell far behind its competitors. Could Suzuki bring back a DR Djebel with no electronics? Do they have the money and balls to do it? None of their "ADV" are proper off-road... so I fear Suzuki sport the same tiny balls as Honda. No one like tiny balls, except people with no balls.
@@RoeyHaviv - There will be dozens of companies making no-cat and no-baffle exhaust systems for that bike, from Red Rooster to Akrapovic - the same companies who will make after-market exhausts for RE's new Super Meteor and the upcoming 450cc liquid cooled Himalayan.
As a young Goonalogist you are on the money Professor Goon. Well done. Bravo. My 450rl was a money pit. The AIM made it so nice, I am really enjoying the bike now. I just got a Betta Extrainer 300 to go with it. They’ll are both very happy together.
Professor Bornus Goonstien lol BTW how you like that XTrainer I want a beta so bad right now but cant figure out which one Im only 5'7 so the seat hight is important
@@BornAGoon Mr. Goon, I love the Extrainer I am 5’10” and it is amazing. The power is great and you can put a 300rr pipe on for more. I should have bought a Beta along time ago. If your on the fence find a dealer and go look at it.maybe ask if you can test ride theirs. If yer in Wa you can try mine. I love my 450rl now, I can’t say enough good things about the beta.
My thoughts (I own a 2003 Transalp 650 for 20 years): Honda Transalp (all versions) was designed for European market. The 2023 Transalp will sure sell a lot, the customers have already placed their orders. There was a customer base for about 10 years now, Honda was waiting for the right engine? maybe A middle range adventurer like Tenere 700 is another bike, that will (or not) be in Honda 's future plans. Honda Transalp is an all arounder, It's the only vehicle that I drive, every day for 20 years now. My beauty has travel me and has fulfill my needs, so the bottom line is what are your needs?
The perfect bike doesn't exist and you can only compromise. An enduro bike will always be lighter than an ADV, this is a fact of life. As such, if you really to go in gnarly ground, you don't go with an ADV bike which is far too heavy to do the job well. After that, you can argue about percentages offroad/onroad but there is not one answer which fits all. If you really want to go in Himalaya, you need something sturdy and simple to maintain not a superbike full of electronics. If you go camping in the Maine, a comfortable ADV with little trail ability will be your choice. I doubt there will ever be a motorbike able to do everything perfectly,
Let's drive it extensively first. I myself have an Africa Twin 1100 and my son has a 1995 Transalp. I must say it is a lovely bike. Good handling and I dare more offroad with it than with the AfricaTwin. Of course this is between my ears but it is a fact. I look forward to the new TransAlp and judge then.
@@BornAGoon It depends. If I enjoy riding the Transalp more, yes. It's about the riding and not all the ego. Many riders have an expensive all road but are afraid of getting a bit of muck on it. I don't and accept challenges. Even at my 71 years of age. See my channel. But test ride first and then move on, mate.
I honestly thought they were going to just make a more off-road version of the NC750X and maybe increase the redline a bit, it’s a very low center of gravity bike. Could have made this current bike a serious competitor to the T7 and then only continued the AT with DCT. But hardcore ADV people really want a T7 style bike under 400 lbs and that means a high performance smaller cc twin with just enough power to do 80 all day comfortably.
Stripping the NC down you realise it looks like (and handles quite like) a trials bike. If Honda had stuck a 19" on the front, increased the size of the fuel tank, uprated the suspension/clearance and cut weight on some of the obvious parts of the NC they'd cater to a huge part of the market. FranksWay (YT Channel) moded an NC with the front of a TransAlp and it's awesome.
I think these will sell out - but agree there should be a light Twin around 400 pounds. If a 1,000cc Sportbike with 4 cylinders can weigh only 400, they can make a 650 Twin ADV that weight.
I bought a 24 Transalp and I love it I think it’s exactly what it’s supposed to be it wasn’t made to comparison to the T7. It’s really good on the road I absolutely love the engine and standard quick shifter and I haven’t had any problems off road or gravel roads. It’s really balanced well and not top heavy at all. Of course it’s not perfect but it’s the best daily I’ve ever had
Adding cruise control would have cost nothing but a software update (throttle is Electronic). They also didnt offer DCT option when their nc750x has it, to not compete against the Africa Twin... No tubeless as well, so sad as they got closer but gimped themselves on purpose.
Encroaching on Africa Twin sales might be a valid point but I think it's far more likely that most "Adventure" riders just want a comfotable, practical and cheap roadbike that can handle dirt roads rather than an expensive of road weapon that can tour the world. I bet they'll sell like hot cakes.
If the transalp was better off road and is a good on road bike then I would give up my dl650xt and stop thinking about getting a drz400 and just get the transalp.
A friend of mine bought a CRF300RL he raves about how cheap the OEM spares are for his ride. I still think doesn't that tell you something about the build quality of the bike yes it comes in at a reasonable price point but man he's throwing some serious cash at this thing and it still works out to be an average build and then there's the fact that can Honda's budget motorcycle keep up with the upgrades short answer is a resounding NO in my opinion
True story! The Africa Twin is their flagship adventure bike, their not gonna take sales away from that! I agree Yamaha doesn't have a dualsport and they discontinued the super tenere so it didn't hurt them too bad building the T7 the way they did. Good stuff bro!
The Africa twin is the Africa twin they never did a smaller Africa twin. If they did it would probably be like the suzuki v-strom 800 de . Not any lighter not much cheaper much less powerful.
Excellent points! The 690 is a almost almost there but it's still an expensive vibrating thumper! Where is the Kawi Versys 400X or the promise KTM 490 twins?
Very, very disappointed with Honda. I was hoping for a smaller version of the Africa Twin. Honda had the chance to seize the mid-range adventure motorcycle sales, they failed at doing this.
Regardless of the salt from haters, the TransAlp was NEEDED in the market and will sell very well. lets face it, 99% + of the people who would buy this bike will never take it off road.....ever. but it will be great for the 1% of us who enjoy riding dirt mountain roads on a bike that can reliably handle it, as well as still get us on our daily commute far cheaper than a car(both fuel use and cost).
I actually wish Honda put 19/17" cast wheels on this bike and leaned into it being an "all road" rather than off road bike. The rest of the design bike really favours having cast wheels so you can go tubeless and make puncture repairs easier, bizarre that they went with spokes and tubes.
Well, My first street bike was a Honda 750 - 1971 vintage. My "Last" street bike maybe a "Honda 750". I just saw this review - "Honda’s affordable new XL750 Transalp impresses both on- and off-road | MCN Review", and this gentleman gave it a very positive review. Cheers!
Whoever thinκs that they're going on an adventure trip lets say 10.000kms long and they're gonna venture into deep technical single track stuff, they are delusional. Honda built the bike you need. Not the one you want or you think you need.
The new TA is the fourth generation. From paper the best one yet but not perfect. XL was never Honda’s dirt focused bikes. XR/CRF are Honda’s dirt focused models. One can probably build the new TA to be the perfect bike to suit ones needs just a matter of cash… The new TA will appeal to the masses as a: uncomplicated, reliable, comfortable & resonable allrounder. The Power Of Dreams ❤
You make many good points, no doubt. Your spot on with the middle weight discussion. But what about the lightweights? We are still left with a CB500X and CRF450 that could have a much wider appeal had they been slightly modified to look more like one another. One additional point, it seems crazy to me to get folks to buy an Africa Twin because it has cruise control and the Transalp doesn't. Wow. That is a high level of gamesmanship -- and very off-putting -- at least to me. All the best and keep the vids coming!
A good dirtbike is never going to be a good streetbike and vice versa. I like that Honda seems to have made it more a streetbike with some offroad capability. If I owned it, it would nearly always be ridden on the street. Nice that they gave it a little clearance to explore around on when the opportunity presents itself. I mainly like it because it seems to have a lot of leg room and I've got a leg that requires that. Also, in a world full of ADVs with ladders bolted all over them, the Honda's aesthetics please my eye.
Everything that makes a good dirtbike also makes the perfect street bike for a commuter excluding the limited top speed. That’s why something like the T7 is such a great choice. Transalp? Not so much.
@@talltale9760 I don't buy street bikes to commute and I could care less about top speed. I spend many long days in the saddle. What I was getting at with on/off road bikes is mostly the suspension. Road bikes tend to be more stiffly damped and sprung to keep the bike from wallowing around in corners. Dirt bikes tend to be setup softer to soak up large bumps. I'd prefer more street oriented settings. There are other things like wind protection that tend to be smaller if exist at all on dirt bikes so you aren't banging into the when you're standing up and bouncing around. I'd prefer the wind protection. A big one is the ability to add hard, locking luggage. The fact that it's mfg supplied and doesn't require a bunch of unsightly bracketry that hangs around when you don't need it is another plus for me.
@@chrishart8548 You're right, I've had my eyes on a 650 XT for a little while so I entirely forgot the base comes with cast wheels. I was thinking more so about how it has better road manners than off-road prowess. If anything, you could say the Transalp is a good middle ground between that and a Tenere, with good road manners but a bigger set of wheels to tackle terrain.
Basically the answer is "Africa Twin". They decided to make a Honda V-strom/GS700 instead of a T7. Probably not a bad idea, all great bikes, just different uses. I had an '89 TA as my first adv bike and I'm not sure it's inaccurate to say that's what they did the first time around. LOVED that bike though. Toured for weeks on end on it. Too top heavy and not geared low enough for my beginner skill level on trails though. Smooth enough to do 14 hour days and not feel crippled afterwards (in my early 30's). I would stare at that bike for minutes. My '13 GS700 does basically the exact some thing, at the same weight (but lower down), only a little better all around, and looks just as good after I painted it. I still pine for a Honda AJP PR7 though.
It is not just Honda. Why has no Japanese motorbike manufacturer built a bike to challenge the Yamaha T7. That is why the Aprilia, will win such a big bite of the market, with the Tuareg 660.
@@cheetah694 So then Honda is serving its clients well then?? The T7 was not even offered to US after a year it came to market in Europe. So, you think Yamaha treated its clients well?? Even now the T 7 is not readily available to all, not only because they are in demand, but primarily because Yamaha is limiting production on purpose to hike prices beyond what the bike is worth. If there are Tuaregs gathering dust in showrooms, people had better haste in purchasing one, getting a good deal, because ultimately it is the better bike. All the testers, and reviewers claim this fact.
@@davidmallia628 The main problem with Aprilia is that it's not known for being bulletproof. I myself have seen a Tuareg fail ending up in a truck bed. Same for the KTM 790 Adventure. Great engineering thought, poor reliability. And I don't buy bikes that I've seen make it home in a truck bed. Most people are okay with a bike made to a budget, like the T7 is, but that will bring them home every single day of the week.
@@cheetah694 I agree. Everyone would love a bike to be reliable. The European brands have improved a lot, like BMW, and Ducati. The world is not perfect, and sometimes you compromise some reliability for other virtues. A Ferrari is not as reliable as a Toyota, but some people just want the virtue of a Ferrari, knowing it is less reliable, but having a much greater driving experience. Everyone to his own. Cheers!
Wait so what’s the problem with the Transalp? It’s just a souped up CB500X? I have a CB500X that I put a modded suspension and rims on, and now I only wish it had more power, which is pretty much the Transalp.
I love the relatively low weight (cf the VStrom 800), but dislike the short suspension. In my city, we have potholes in the roads that are 30cm+ deep due to huge rainfall over the last 6 months. No need to go off road. Even the DR struggles on these.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it but china has built the bike honda should have its sold in spain As Rieju 500 ..its a cb500 471cc engine built into a africa twin frame with 21 front 18 rear sooked wheels comes with bash plate and crash bars and not the soft suspension the hondas have .. in the east its called the HJmoto 500 made by Hengjian check the you tube clips it looks really good well like the perfect adventure bike oh yes it has twin tanks total 40L giving a theoretical 1200km range OMG !!!! I am buying one for sure ...
I picked up a fully modded 2013 honda xr650L with 3000 miles for 4 grand, there's no where it can't go, very easy to work on, I recommend anyone looking for a middle weight to consider, no technology, air cooled, carburated, but still perfectly built. Mine came with full exhaust, rejetted carb, bigger tank, seat concepts carbon black seat, bark busters, Wolfman bag, goes 80 mph decently with aggressive off road tires that are a little worn now lol,
Honda fanboy here and after the Transalp announcement i decided to… get a base AT. Challenge is a manual standard AT isn’t as easy to find as you might think, and despite it being a bike that’s been around a while, US lags behind, 2022s are trickling in and it won’t be until mid next year until the 2023s come in (though only change MIGHT be different colors, it’s not even announced yet)
From a marketing standpoint, all Honda needed to do with the TransAlp is offer different trim levels. You could have trim levels that are more focused for road and trim levels more for dirt. I agree with you that they really dropped the ball with this bike. I was very disappointed when I saw it’s debut.
I saw the whole video. Only to make sure that the only thing that is flawed is the video maker's opinion of what a Transalp actually is. I'm sorry for your lack of context and your ignorance.
I would say it's too early to tell. Firstly because they haven't released the price yet, which could come has a huge surprise and a strong selling point, and secondly because nobody nows how it rides but the new 750cc 90+ CV motor is already promising to be a very good and powerful one and could result in being very enticing (look-up for the very positive on-road reviews of the Hornet (which the Transalp shares the engine with). Also don't forget that Honda 's Europe market is very important and that here we have the A2 license (limited to 35kw) which mades a natural choice for new riders towards the cb500X when they want something affordable to begin with.
What’s positive about those reviews? Wallowy suspension, the engine without bottom end and a jerky throttle is my takeaway. For the rest yeah, it will take you from A to B, just like any other motorcycle out there.
@@cheetah694 we didn't see the same reviews haha but hey! don't think I'm a Honda salesperson I will reserve my definitive judgment for when I able to test one .
I think you are right. For this reason manufacturers annoyingly don’t install cruise control on middleweight models. Transalp, vstrom 800, tiger 660 and 850 sport, multistrada V2 . In case of multi it would cost me £2K for the cruise as I’m not interested in other functions in that package 🤷♂️🤦🏻♂️
The Transalp makes a whole lot of sense since hardly any of the interested buyers is capable of riding it off-road anyways. So it is what it should be, namely a very decent travel enduro/tourer for not a lot of money. Bingo! For all you off-roaders and very experienced ADV junkies out there, get something else.
I can't wait to buy one.. looks comfy and for my type of riding it will suit me fine, plus Honda reliability I will add this to my collection of bike's.
LOL! You’re spot on! To bad for Honda.I put a lot of money into my RL because they didn’t have anything close to the T7.But I’m extremely happy with what I ended up with.I’ve been riding Hondas my whole life and still have them. 9/69 KO CT-70 1984 XL350R 2013 250L! 2021 RL with Every Thing I think LOL;) keep up the great content! Aaron
A valid point about model spacing, but I think the bigger problem is Honda intentionally making boring bikes so as not to cut into sales of their other boring bikes.
Honda hit the nail on it's Head. The Trans Alp is really capable enuf and I'd always chose it over my Tenere considering the 20 hp more top-end power and QUICKSHIFTER !! and lower center of gravity.
Interesting perspective! I had been waiting so long for the new Transalp to come out that I imported an old one from Holland (to the USA ) It felt old Now - I’m still stuck wondering what to do! I’ve had an nc700x from new that I’ve now ‘butched up’ to enable off-road riding and the new Transalp offers little more than ‘that new bike smell!’ Thanks for your great videos - Happy Christmas 🎄
what did you change on your NC? How does it handle? When I was living in the West part of the Neverlands I always thought the NC700/750x was the ultimate commuter with the trunk and low fuel consumption, but with the 700 I'd probably pick the DCT because of its limited rev-range.
@@NinkeWestra Hi Ninke: Nothing extreme. I put on a steel skid plate, risers, foot pegs, rear spring guard, front mudguard extension, TKC80s, engine guard bars, radiator protector, racks, soft luggage, tall screen, Centre stand. It only ‘enables’ it to go off-road and ADV riding, but the lack of clearance and total weight will always prevent it from extreme stuff.
@@garyhoward4064 I do! In October I was up in Shenandoah, VA and over in West VA riding & camping in the mountains with my son (Tiger 800) and taking the NC700 places where most havnt travelled! Don't get me wrong - I love the bike, but I'm looking to be better equipped offroad again
I dont think the TA750 deserves the hate. For many riders , perhaps even the majority of riders, It's exactly what they need/want. Look at the popularity of the 500x and realize the 750 is a big step up on that. I think our biggest problem is that guys like us who want the "everything bike" are a minority. But then KTM 390 Enduro and Rally (or perhaps ADV R) spy shots were just dropped and they look nearly production ready. So as far as I'm concerned the Unicorn is about to hit the market.
I do not think that we are a minority. I think that the main reason is that T7 found a new successful formula that can be sold, with its parallel twin. See, how all 'middleweight adventurers' are so much alike? And no one found a successful formula for a lighter 'everything bike' yet. Another reason is that a smaller displacement bike is expected to cost less, and therefore, the customer's expected to be... less rich.
In Europe the 500X is popular because it complies with the power limits (35 KW/47 bhp) imposed on A2 (restricted) licence holders. Without this licence category, it's doubtful the 500X and similar bikes would even be offered for sale in the European market. As for the Transalp, it seems to be designed, like the original TA, to appeal to the "middle ground" of riders who want a comfortable, good looking all rounder that can handle touring and rough roads with ease. Don't forget that off-road riding isn't even legal in many countries (Germany for example) but potholes can be found everywhere on Earth.
The Transalp was always the soft offroad option. It was aimed at the week get away with the missus on the back seat crowd and this new one looks no different. That's a huge market and Honda clearly knows that a clickbait title isn't going to put anyone off getting one
Even the first TransAlp coexisted with an Africa Twin. It was always intended to be very comfortable touring bike with off-road capability, not a true 50/50.
Royal Enfield and the Chinese manufacturers don't have the same problem of an existing model line that would be cannibalized, by a good performance middle weight adventure bike. Their entries in the game will be very interesting and enticing.
Honda does it's research. A small percentage of riders really push their bikes hard off road. A hard edged off road bike is miserable on the road. Everyone is whining that it is not a Tenere, or an Aprilia or a KTM. So go out and buy one of these bikes and leave the Transalp for the rest of us. We know what a bike like this can offer. We have been waiting, and it's finally here. I'll be first in line.
Spot on with that! If anyone had the cash for two bikes, id say KTM 790 2023 for a strong off-road bias, and BMW 1250 for touring. Only have cash for 1 bike, Triumph Tiger 900 - the perfect 50/50 in my opinion.
I remember seeing the transalp in a Craigslist ad for the first time last year i thought wow this is amazing I never knew this existed. It was advertised as rare and had every mod possible and it was cool looking. Of course I wanted to know what the lineage would be for the future of it maybe my dirtbiker friends didn’t need a alpine bike. My thoughts were similar that the africa twin was really the successor and the one with the bells and whistles you would put your money on unless you don’t have the money then its back to klr 650 with doohickey mod!
You just nailed it, the new Transalp is the successor. ( Alpine riding (Road focused and a bit offroad) . Tenere is more "desert" focused. I'm a big Honda Fan but for "Offroad/Trail" Riding I have choosen the Tenere, due to here simplicity. I own also a RE Himalayan for easy exploring and some other Honda's.
If you managed to make a sub- 150kg bike with an 80hp + engine , powered adventure bike , you wouldn't need a large 1200cc or small 400cc offering 😀 that's exactly the bike riders actually want
Seeing some nice buildouts with this bike that make it great off roader. Cruiser control kit for $300, reliable, better wind protection than the T7/KTM. Seriously considering this bike.
Simply Awesome! An extremely well put together summary of what all manufacturers do. All basically lead by Honda over 5 decades that others simply copy their business model. 👍😎
Nailed it. Too many people don't take the manufacturing companies point of view into perspective. Everyone has an agenda and most companies agendas are....(drum roll) How to make money and lower overhead.
First question: anybody here actually ridden the bike? Second question does anybody here have RELIABLE info on what the price point will be? I will reserve judgement until I hear more plus actually ride one.
Hello Many interesting topics you sharing regarding Honda 750 alp. The catch is the new Nx 500 does the same. Put your thoughts into this. Md 500 is the purposefully for bikes either cost and comfort ? it's shiny
I think you're spot on with regards to why Honda made a lackadaisical 750 TransAlp. Makes sense that a true T700 competitor would cannibalize Africa Twin Sales. I strongly disagree with your whole "perfect motorcycle" diatribe. There is no such unicorn that exists, or can be designed/built. By their very nature dual sport/ADV bikes compromise in various areas (depends on the model), and those compromises make them weaker on the street or trail vs bikes designed for more specific applications. It depends solely on the rider demands whether a given bike is suitable. No ADV bike is suitable for me on the street - to hi, to long, big front wheels, too much rake - because I like sporty bike handling. The big ADV's are just too much for average riders to do more than smooth gravel. I chose a DR650 for much better off pavement performance, and live with lowly street performance, because I don't try to find the unicorn that doesn't, and can't, exist. Some bikes do meet some riders definition of a "unicorn". What I have found is that these riders are not very demanding in both the street and trail arenas - the less demanding the rider is, the easier it is to meet the demands. The other responses herein make my point for me.
If I were looking at a VStrom 650XT vs the TA, I'd take the TA. If I had the VStrom with a lot of sweet mods, I'd likely keep the V, which is what I may do as one inch of suspension is not huge, although the 20 HP difference and 15# less is probably worth doing... hmmm Wish it had two inches of suspension gain.. and tubeless, but tubed might be fine, too. My V is better looking, all black on black with black mods..rims/crash bars/side of tank grips/Barkbuster Storms. The TA r/w/b look is sweet though, with the gold hoops. Hmmm. Probably going to try to get my hands on one. It will basically be the perfect ADV for me, taking Interstate for days to get to CO (two 650 mile days), and then the VStrom did fine on the passes, if a little low and not over powered, but definitely a lot of fun and no real complaints other than blasting off the center stand and cracking the front fender and shearing 1/2 R side peg lowering bolts all due to low clearance and a smidge of carelessness cruising down a 99% clear decent but hitting that one rock a little bit on one side.... ooooops. Fortunately there are lots of tool laden jeeps and in 10m I was rolling again.
Along this line of thought. I'm wondering if Suzuki have found itself in the perfect model lineup equation with the new 800 DE . I think it probably takes away sales mostly from the other manufacturers in the segment due to it being a very good 50/50 midsized ADV without cannibalizing so much from the rest of their more road biased ADV offerings. Those potential Transalp buyers should have to consider the 800 DE due to the price similarity between the two.
Sales figures say that Honda got it right. You have to get in line to get one, and it's been that way since they were released. And as for offroad, this is a $16000 Aus bike. Slap on better suspension, tyres and mods to fit you, and you have a great offroad bike, still under 20 grand, which will keep up to its closest rivals. I've had plenty of adv bikes, and i can only describe the transalp as smooth and versatile.
How lucky that China will fill the gap of the most requested bikes on the market aka reasonably priced 450-650cc on/offroad capable machines with long service intervals that will get better over the years. All manufacturers outsource everything anyway so it's just ridiculous. The conventional motorcycle manufacturers really need to be exposed to competition.
Travelled around European cities quite a bit in the 80s/90s and can confirm that the majority of Transalps were commuter steeds. Honda simply ant to recreate that.
I am surprised about the lack of knowledge of motorbike's history from most youtubers. A history that started in 1986. Join the dots...XL600V, XL650V, XL700V >> XL750 Not adventurous enough? Check the channel Ride Me Five
It remind me of what happen to our local situation in motorcycle. We all was like: "We want this suzuki bike!" (mostly) And Suzuki was like: "No, we cannot do that. Instead, how about this one?" (Which is bad). So if you said Honda is intentionally build a disappointment, then Suzuki is giving us an already produced motorcycle that we don't want it.
What i don't understand is why 21inch upfront then? It does not help in touring... So I am waiting for road tests and maybe we will get some good surprises on the off road capability.
Let me offer a different perspective to yours. Think of TA as a street bike with reasonable off-road capabilities. A bike that takes you to work, but can also take you effortlessly to a sandy beach or a rocky mountain path. Because this is exactly what the TA ever was. A swiss knife of a bike. I ride my 650cc 55HP Ta for 16 years, every single day, rain or shine, 65,000+ miles so far. She takes me to work every day and she takes me to my summer vacation in remote islands with little or no tarmac roads. And, she is absolutely bulletproof to any kind of failures. So, assuming Honda's specs sheets and nice little teasers are proved right, you got exactly what the best part of the market needs and can afford. A utility bike that turns adventure whenever this is called for. Also, the extra HP will be a super bonus.
Big difference is nowadays you can have a phenomenal bike on and off road without major compromises (T7, desert x) it’s just hard to make a bike like that for shorter people.
@@talltale9760 T7 is a huge compromise. The finish is poor. It's not Japanese quality we're used to. The rear exhaust mount is welded to the frame. The exhaust is low level. It doesn't have traction control. And it has tubed tyres. The new Tft screen is an improvement. And it's very expensive now. The 700 tracer is better if you can stay on road. The price and maintenance of the ducati is just a joke.
@@chrishart8548 Tenere 700 has same quality as Tracer 700 and I don't see how the quality or performance of a bike is improved with a fucking TFT display or stupid Smartphone Connectivity. TC for 75ish HP? The two color display on the older Tracer and up to 22 Tenere models look way better and are more fitting to the bike style. I wish they would have kept the Super Tenere display for the Tracer 900 models too because they looked right for the bike design. All the idiots screaming for TFT bullshit is what I can't understand. Give us better Suspension or better brakes or something that will actually improve the performance and not that designer two part TFT display shit on the new Tracer 900 models. And I hate to break it for you but neither the Tracer nor the Tenere are Japanese bikes. They are all made by MBK in France. I own a Tracer 700 and a Tenere 700 and both are great bikes. Never had the need for TFT or TC but better suspension... And I would really like to know for how many buyers the welded exhaust attachment, two color display, lack of TC and tubed tyres is ACTUALLY a problem and not some made up BS in their minds to convince themselves to get something "better" that costs more money obviously. How many owners of these bikes actually ride like Pol Tarres? But even he seems to have no problem with that two color display, the low hanging exhaust, the subframe that is welded to the frame, no TC and everything else that is badmouthed on the Tenere which actually are just problems in most people heads. A lot of people like to discuss bikes on the internet more than acutally riding them to gain the skill to even get to a point where limitations become obvious and even then they can be remedied with the skill the rider gained.
As for the OP, the old TA with its V-Twin is a great bike with a great engine! I owned a NTV with this engine and it just keeps going. The new TA will be nothing more than the old TA with a bit more power. A solid bike with some offroad capabilities. More than enough for 99% of riders who don't need "reasons" switching for a "better" bike.
If I had the money I would have the newest BMW GS1200 and a Multistrada 4V Pikes Peak in my garage but I settled for the Tracer and Tenere models which I love to bits.
@@majormassenspektrometer I just didn't like that lcd dash I would hand preferred old fashioned clocks with needles. Tft dash is actually really cheap for the manufacturer. Look how cheap a smartphone is now. I personally like TC I can ride over manhole covers with confidence.
You are right I just think rider assumed too much
It's not flawed, it is what the first transalp was, with 100cc more. The Transalp was always (except for the first 500cc) a more road oriented bike. The (slightly) more off road oriented Honda of the day was the NX650 "Dominator". And if you wanted to go off road for real you bought the XR600r, the Baja winner, put a "Power up" kit on it and turned it in to what Honda used in the Baja races. So what you really want is an updated XR, not a Transalp. An XR700r is something to desire and hope for, but it won't happen, for reasons stated in this video.
Yes, but it isn't what everyone expected or thought Honda was hoping to achieve. The author of this video makes good points. Surely Honda's goal wasn't to replicate a motorcycle they presented to the public more than 35 years ago. Or was it? Is this 'new' Transalp made for those 60 years old? Sorry, but for many the 'new' Transalp is a disappointment. There are much better road orientated adv touring motos out there and more capable than the Transalp. The author's comments also implicate Yamaha and KTM.
Looks like i was hoping for a new nx650. However, the original Transalp was built for offroad more than the new one. 191kg, wire wheels, plate under motor by default. 54hp, 55Nm. The frame on old transalp is self supporting, which is a big deal for offroad IMO.
@@bcinspectorman the Transalp was made for regular people, that only have money to have one motorcycle to do it all. That’s what you and the maker of this video don’t seem to understand. To some motorcycles are a hobby, and they will buy a motorcycle that will fit them the best, to others, motorcycles are their main/only mode of transportation and what they are looking for is a reliable, do it all machine. And that is not a KTM, that is not a Ducati and that is not a T7. The Transalp isn’t out yet and I can already guarantee you that it will outlast both the KTM and the Ducati, and it will appeal to a broader public than the T7. If you can’t see that that bike came to fill a big hole in the market you are truly blind. Honda has picked up the Tracer 7 and the T7(probably the best selling middleweight Touring/ADV bikes) and made one bike that that will do 80% of what those two bikes do. And you k ow what? That’s what a lot of people want! Cause most people don’t want to climb trees or large rocks with their T7, they just wanna go on sightseeing adventures with some lightweight off road , while also be able to roll comfortably on the road. 99% of bike owners don’t explore the limits of theirs bikes. So why build bikes for them, when you can build a bike that will please a broader audience.
It’s probably going to cost 11k, with a 5 yo warranty, with all the Honda reliability and dealer availability that we are used to. How can you beat that?
@@bcinspectorman Bullshit, everyone with common sense exected a true Transalp, not a dirtbike wannabe.
@bcinspectorman _"Replicate a motorcycle they presented to the public more than 35 years ago?"_
Looks like you aren't aware that Honda Transalp has been built *continuously since 1987.*
The Transalp is now in its 4th generation _(XL600V 1987-1999, XL650V 2000-2007, XL700V 2008-2017 & XL750 2023)_ and its main market is Europe. It's very popular here. It's even used by many governments as a police bike (Ireland, UK, Italy, Greece etc.). All 4 generations are built on the same principle.
You have to keep in mind that the Honda Transalp is a 'XL750'
Honda's 'XL' models have always been designed to be more road focused.
Honda's 'XR' models have always been designed to be more dirt focused.
The Africa Twin is a 'CRF1100' implying that it is also more dirt focused.
Not exactly. Honda’s XR650L (Cush Drive missing as it has always been) when compared with the Suzuki DR650 and Kawasaki 650 thumper has usually been tagged as more dirt than either of these, hasn’t it. I certainly hope so because I have a(n) XR650L on my bucket list to add to my existing stable of 2019 Road King Special and 2018 CRF250L Rally.
@@quidestnunc9238 What do you mean "Not exactly?" I am not comparing the Honda XR650 to a Suzuki DR650 or a Kawasaki KLX650. I am explaining the difference between the Honda XL and XR models.
@@quidestnunc9238 "Honda's 'XR' models have always been designed to be more dirt focused." What is your problem with that statement? It's clear as day to me at least.
Well said mate!
@@ozziejim8472 Cheers mate✌😎
In my opinion, this is a perfect move. My problem was CRF is really unconfortable for long travels because of lack of power and seat. And Africa Twin is too heavy, too pricey, expensive maintainance etc. Tenere has a very bad seat, top heavy; too empty in terms of features. New Transalp is between all of them. It nearly meets all of needs. It is comfortable, has enough power for me, capable of doing light off road which is my preference, cheaper, reliable... Also bikes that have 21/18 wheels are too tall for average men or women. Seat height of Transalp will fit more users who is shorter than 5'8 - 173 cm.
As long as you are happy that is all that matters
Um, ... the Africa Twin IS a CRF- it's proper name is CRF1000L or CRF1100L. And the 3 that i've had haven't cost too much in maintenance. In 40k miles my current Africa Twin cost me $1800 in maintenance. Maybe an additional $200 in tires.
$1800 over 3 years is $600 a year which is $50 a month. Tires I get for free or cheap since many Africa Twin buyers immediately put more dirt orientated rubber on their bikes. I look around and get cheap/ free tires that are perfect for my use case; commuting and touring.
In nearly 100k miles of riding it since the introduction of the Africa Twin, I might've spent $600 on tires. My first one got one set of tires before being written off. The second got two sets before I was rear ended while riding it, and my current one just got a third set installed about a month ago.
Fantastic do everything bike. Unless you're trying to go offroad, in which case there are better tools for that (CRF450.)
@@monunyabidness5949 You're right, my bad; I was referring CRF 300 Rally with CRF. Actually, CRF Rally great bike but uncomfortable for long rides and lack of power makes more difficult. Also, I don't live in the US; fuel became extremly expensive in my country lately. So, fuel consumption is very important for me. Transalp's price still unclear right now. If they sell it for more than 11,000 $, I'll go for CB500x and I will make upgrades on the bike. But if lived in the US, I would buy definetely buy a Suzuki DR650 and modify. Unfortunatelly, it is not sold here :(
"Perfect move" Except that the position its put itself in is that Aprilia equals the transalp in every category and beats it off-road. Maybe only thing you can say you'd prefer the transalp for is the dealer network. But id take the Tuareg over Transalp every day.
@@krulidn Not just dealer network. Reliability... I don't want to generalize, I haven't ridden Tuareg maybe it's different than others but many Aprilia owners mentioned many reliability issues before. Unfortunately, European brands need a lot of attention and maintenance except Triumph; this a fact. I had zero problems with Suzuki and Honda and I know they are not gonna let me down. My buddy got a brand new KTM. Screen broke down after a rain. The bike stalls on the move. Engine gets heated easly. These are not big problems but it's enough to irritate you after buying a brand new bike and paying way more money than its Japanese equivalents.
I keep hearing everyone hating on this bike. It's a transalp true to it's core, having a gravel mode not a off road mode should tell you what this bike is all about. I have a crf 450L rally (I built) and would love a bike like this to accompany my 450 to carry a pillion and travel those gravel roads round Norway and the likes. It's wieght, comfort and power really make it a nice bike to have alongside an enduro imo
Well its better suited for Norway than America I would love a ride around Norway
The Transalp is a real world motorcycle. Even those people who use their adventure bike off-road a lot are surprised that their on-road to off-road ratio is well over 9:1. The market for bikes that are competent on road that can also perform well off road as well is huge and Honda have placed the Transalp right into that market. A great bike for a huge number of customers. Well done Honda. It’s biggest in house competitor isn’t 5he Africa Twin, it’s the 500X.
Those old promo videos show exactly what the original TA was all about, and it was never off-roading. They’ve just rereleased the original. So you are correct, Honda have done what they want and not what the market had demanded. Honda never said they were making a T7 competitor, that was just what the media and public said they hoped was coming. Still a lot depends on pricing of course, and frankly how that engine is set up.
Thanks for watching
I had the XL650V 2002 transalp and i think Honda read my mind when they made the new one. This exactly what a wanted a comfy road tourer, with off the road capability and soft sprung suspension. Spoke wheels, 21" inch front, decent torque, fuel economy and reliability. Also steel chassis. Thanks Honda. Only think missing is the iconic dual end pipe.
Yup I also had a 650 for years, I always wanted a bit more power and a 6th gear, new bike will suit me perfect and now 90hp!!!🤪 Looks a great bike, waiting to see the price.
Good point but it really needs to be a 2 cylinder motor so they can balance rite to last. But I did love the big red thumper alot
I still own a 89 xl600v and I still love it. Even if it’s not some lightweight power machine like the Ktm or other newer bikes. I love it because it’s still just a old jalopy of a bike and won’t take me every where up a mountain or a trail but make it harder and more technical. And it just keep chugging along like it’s not the 30 year old bike that it is.
As a current '89 Transalp owner, this new Transalp is exactly what I was hoping for. (Minus the exhaust.) I drive mine on the paved and dirt roads of Vermont, USA. Then up a mountain road. If I'm going on a serious trail, I don't bring my Transalp.
Why is it that every review I see of this bike has completely missed what the transalp was and instead wee expecting a T700 killer?
The Transalp was not an extreme anything. But it was the perfect "everything" bike. And that includes comfortable touring. Not dirtbiking. it's a "Can go there" bike. not a "Will race there and be first."
I can see Honda not wanting to play too close to competing with the Africa Twin, but I think the CB500X and Transalp have different buyers. CB500X is a good stepping stone to then upgrade to some of the other bikes mentioned in the video. When we're talking ~45hp compared to 90+ that's a big difference for a first bike. CB500X is my first bike and Transalp would be a nice upgrade now that I've got a few seasons riding. I don't think I would have gone with a Transalp if it was available at the same time even if it was just a bit different pricing wise. Agree with the overall video though that they couldn't push it too far against its own flagship ADV.
Thanks for watching and commenting
They could make something lighter with 70hp. Would you consider it for a first bike? Also you can have it tonned down to 35kW to meet A2 license, as is done in Europe. So you can unlock it few years later without the hassle of buying new or used bike and selling the old.
I agree with the video, sadly they were not building great middleweight adventure bike. They were primarily building something that is not like existing bikes (cb500x or Africa twin) and will be cheap to manufacture (same 750 platform and engine was Hornet and others)
twice the horsepower and a lot more torque than the 500CBX
My 2014 cb400x has 194k Kms i only changed the timing chain/tensioner, radiator fan motor that's all lol pretty bulletproof I'd say!
"Cannibalization" of their own Honda model (Africa Twin) by a new Transalp or Dominator is indeed the best explanation... from an Honda perspective. However, I wonder if it is an assumption Honda is making or if it is based on actual surveying of their customers. When I look at Honda customers in Europe or in most part of the World, they are not the 20-40 yo bracket, they are more the 45-60 yo. The reason is obvious Honda makes quality bikes no arguing there but it comes at a price. For all the nice Dakar-like commercials, I don't think the majority of people who bought an Africa Twin goes off road with it. I do think they are the same part of the market than bikers who buy a BMW GS1250. In fact, I would go as far as suspecting these clients have 3 usage for the Africa Twin: 1/ city commuting (Paris and London are full of big trails) 2/ long distance on tar seal (to spend your weekend in Normandy or in Provence) 3/ nostalgy (they owned one before or dreamt they could own one in the distant future). Sure some of these most experienced owners will ride their AT to Finland and Morocco but most won't. So where am I going with this one: in my view Honda is yet again missing the target they should have been aiming at with this new Transalp: the 30-40 yo bracket that is. And for that, they should have precisely made this bike more off-road oriented to a point where it no longer competes with the AT. At 206kgs the Yamaha Ténéré 7 is not light, but at 230kgs the Africa Twin is in a different category. The AT is in the large cases category. Bring your pj and your electric toothbrush category. Whether it is deliberate or not, it would appear Honda suffers from the same dilemma as BMW before: their clientele is aging. While BMW has made clear late attempts at reaching a younger audience with the (discontinued) and nevertheless excellent HP2 Enduro bike, G450X or the fantastic RNineT, Honda has made no attempt whatsoever. If you were a massive Honda fan like I was in the 80s following every Dakar and Le Touquet enduro, you would have been less impressed by Honda in the last 20 years whether it is in MotoGP, enduro, motorcross or world rallying (granted they are making a strong come back in the Dakar). They are still the same old reliable bikes but even when it is old outdated technology it still sells for more bucks than a Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha. There is a parallel to draw with German cars in the 80-90s: Opel and VW were the cheap people brands, Audi the mid range boring family brand, BMW the young sport aficionado to midlife crisis brand who could not afford a Porsche (drug dealers and yuppies), Mercedes the older guy's brand (notary, lawyer, doctors... it seemed that for a long time only people who played golf were invited to buy a Mercedes). Honda is where Mercedes were and still are to some extent. And Mercedes got eaten alive by Audi/VW with younger people who soon became rich 40-50yo men who would not buy a Mercedes because their parents had one and their parents were boring people. Mercedes went as far as recreating Maybach, a super tanker made for the super riches. It failed miserably. The consequence was: people who drive an Audi today look at Mercedes with disdain. BMW (cars that is) on the other hand had the opposite problem, their cars were being bought more and more by drifters and young people who do stupid things on the road and who are generally speaking looked at as assholes. Every time you see an asshole cutting you off, it is almost guaranteed he drives a BMW, so was the brand image of BMW. Assholes you don't want to associate with drive M3s. Such was BMW's brand image. Now what did BMW do to address it? They took advantage of the electric cars entry to propose more mature and upmarket models while remaining young and fresh, less sport oriented range. Of course they will not get in the 20-25yo range but they might get into the 35-50yo, Audi's territory that is. Honda should know 40yo is the new 20yo. I am 46yo, would I ever consider buying an Africa Twin or GS? Not in a billion year, too big, too heavy, too expensive, too much electronic, not enough fun off road. Did I buy a DR650? Yes it was my first bike. Did I bought an RNineT? Yes I did, in spite of the fact I never liked BMW (only old arrogant aholes who never salute other bikers buy them I thought - and they are fugly as) but when BMW came out with the concept of the R9T, I thought that's bloody Steve McQueen's bike (I know it was a Triumph but ze Germans did not ride Triumph) and it reminded me of the plastic models I was gluing my fingers to as a kid, you know the BMW sidecar with mounted machine gun from WW2 among others. For some reasons, I found these bikes looked awesome. BMW made the unthinkable at the time, make the R9T affordable, not even with a Rotax engine but with a proper BMW GS twin engine at the price of a Japanese bike if you care to look around. Now that was a strategy aiming directly at a younger age range. BMW had to and they succeeded. People like me who never ever thought of buying one of these ugly cop bikes were actually seduced by the R9T. Why? Because it is reliable, simple, customizable, bringing the modern and the nostalgic altogether. What a smart move it was from BMW. Have they managed to do so on the ADV market? Not quite but there is great potential to do so with their aging 650 and 800GS and why is that? Because Honda was too stupid to reach a younger target. I also suspect that cannibalization of their Africa Twin is actually more likely to happen because people who bought the AT as a commuter (reliable, low maintenance, seating high in the traffic) might be tempted to get a cheaper more maneuverable Transalp. It is not the first time Honda failed to reach a younger market, they could have made a Transalp with no electronic whatsoever, a proper off road adventurer. Put it simply, the people who bought a T7 are not the same bikers who bought an Africa Twin. Honda in my view missed an opportunity to compete with Yamaha without affecting their older clientele. You know what they say: luck favours the brave. At this game Honda fell far behind its competitors. Could Suzuki bring back a DR Djebel with no electronics? Do they have the money and balls to do it? None of their "ADV" are proper off-road... so I fear Suzuki sport the same tiny balls as Honda. No one like tiny balls, except people with no balls.
The Transalp will be a gift to Rally Raid, YSS, Race Tech, etc.
Someone will also need to figure out a full system that picks up the pipes, they are SO low.
@@RoeyHaviv - There will be dozens of companies making no-cat and no-baffle exhaust systems for that bike, from Red Rooster to Akrapovic - the same companies who will make after-market exhausts for RE's new Super Meteor and the upcoming
450cc liquid cooled Himalayan.
As a young Goonalogist you are on the money Professor Goon. Well done. Bravo. My 450rl was a money pit. The AIM made it so nice, I am really enjoying the bike now. I just got a Betta Extrainer 300 to go with it. They’ll are both very happy together.
Bingo! Fellow Crf 450l rider here.
Please tell us that you have a “Beta” rather than a “Betta”.
Beta, thank you goonologist
Professor Bornus Goonstien lol BTW how you like that XTrainer I want a beta so bad right now but cant figure out which one Im only 5'7 so the seat hight is important
@@BornAGoon Mr. Goon, I love the Extrainer I am 5’10” and it is amazing. The power is great and you can put a 300rr pipe on for more. I should have bought a Beta along time ago. If your on the fence find a dealer and go look at it.maybe ask if you can test ride theirs. If yer in Wa you can try mine. I love my 450rl now, I can’t say enough good things about the beta.
My thoughts (I own a 2003 Transalp 650 for 20 years): Honda Transalp (all versions) was designed for European market.
The 2023 Transalp will sure sell a lot, the customers have already placed their orders.
There was a customer base for about 10 years now, Honda was waiting for the right engine? maybe
A middle range adventurer like Tenere 700 is another bike, that will (or not) be in Honda 's future plans.
Honda Transalp is an all arounder, It's the only vehicle that I drive, every day for 20 years now.
My beauty has travel me and has fulfill my needs, so the bottom line is
what are your needs?
The problem is... at the end most of that money goes to the inmoral State, plus all the regulations that make impossible to do almost anything
That is true
The perfect bike doesn't exist and you can only compromise. An enduro bike will always be lighter than an ADV, this is a fact of life. As such, if you really to go in gnarly ground, you don't go with an ADV bike which is far too heavy to do the job well. After that, you can argue about percentages offroad/onroad but there is not one answer which fits all. If you really want to go in Himalaya, you need something sturdy and simple to maintain not a superbike full of electronics. If you go camping in the Maine, a comfortable ADV with little trail ability will be your choice. I doubt there will ever be a motorbike able to do everything perfectly,
Let's drive it extensively first. I myself have an Africa Twin 1100 and my son has a 1995 Transalp. I must say it is a lovely bike. Good handling and I dare more offroad with it than with the AfricaTwin. Of course this is between my ears but it is a fact. I look forward to the new TransAlp and judge then.
Do you think you would give up your Africa Twin for the Transalp?
Fair enough!
@@BornAGoon It depends. If I enjoy riding the Transalp more, yes. It's about the riding and not all the ego. Many riders have an expensive all road but are afraid of getting a bit of muck on it. I don't and accept challenges. Even at my 71 years of age. See my channel. But test ride first and then move on, mate.
@@BornAGoon I want both but TA needs upgrades already.
@@BornAGoon I want both but TA needs upgrades already.
I honestly thought they were going to just make a more off-road version of the NC750X and maybe increase the redline a bit, it’s a very low center of gravity bike.
Could have made this current bike a serious competitor to the T7 and then only continued the AT with DCT. But hardcore ADV people really want a T7 style bike under 400 lbs and that means a high performance smaller cc twin with just enough power to do 80 all day comfortably.
Stripping the NC down you realise it looks like (and handles quite like) a trials bike. If Honda had stuck a 19" on the front, increased the size of the fuel tank, uprated the suspension/clearance and cut weight on some of the obvious parts of the NC they'd cater to a huge part of the market.
FranksWay (YT Channel) moded an NC with the front of a TransAlp and it's awesome.
I think these will sell out - but agree there should be a light Twin around 400 pounds. If a 1,000cc Sportbike with 4 cylinders can weigh only 400, they can make a 650 Twin ADV that weight.
I bought a 24 Transalp and I love it I think it’s exactly what it’s supposed to be it wasn’t made to comparison to the T7. It’s really good on the road I absolutely love the engine and standard quick shifter and I haven’t had any problems off road or gravel roads. It’s really balanced well and not top heavy at all. Of course it’s not perfect but it’s the best daily I’ve ever had
Adding cruise control would have cost nothing but a software update (throttle is Electronic). They also didnt offer DCT option when their nc750x has it, to not compete against the Africa Twin... No tubeless as well, so sad as they got closer but gimped themselves on purpose.
Encroaching on Africa Twin sales might be a valid point but I think it's far more likely that most "Adventure" riders just want a comfotable, practical and cheap roadbike that can handle dirt roads rather than an expensive of road weapon that can tour the world. I bet they'll sell like hot cakes.
If the transalp was better off road and is a good on road bike then I would give up my dl650xt and stop thinking about getting a drz400 and just get the transalp.
A friend of mine bought a CRF300RL he raves about how cheap the OEM spares are for his ride. I still think doesn't that tell you something about the build quality of the bike yes it comes in at a reasonable price point but man he's throwing some serious cash at this thing and it still works out to be an average build and then there's the fact that can Honda's budget motorcycle keep up with the upgrades short answer is a resounding NO in my opinion
wow I wouldnt expect that from a Honda
True story! The Africa Twin is their flagship adventure bike, their not gonna take sales away from that!
I agree Yamaha doesn't have a dualsport and they discontinued the super tenere so it didn't hurt them too bad building the T7 the way they did.
Good stuff bro!
The Africa twin is the Africa twin they never did a smaller Africa twin. If they did it would probably be like the suzuki v-strom 800 de . Not any lighter not much cheaper much less powerful.
Thanks friend I cant believe they sold 100K africa twins damn People forget its a business
Excellent points! The 690 is a almost almost there but it's still an expensive vibrating thumper! Where is the Kawi Versys 400X or the promise KTM 490 twins?
yeah kawi, wake the eff up.
Maybe we see these models soon
KTM had some spy shots of a what looks like a 390 rally and enduro model.
Very, very disappointed with Honda. I was hoping for a smaller version of the Africa Twin. Honda had the chance to seize the mid-range adventure motorcycle sales, they failed at doing this.
I agree
With my level of experience I will never buy an Africa Twin, however I fell in love with the Transalp and believe I can ride it.
Regardless of the salt from haters, the TransAlp was NEEDED in the market and will sell very well. lets face it, 99% + of the people who would buy this bike will never take it off road.....ever. but it will be great for the 1% of us who enjoy riding dirt mountain roads on a bike that can reliably handle it, as well as still get us on our daily commute far cheaper than a car(both fuel use and cost).
I actually wish Honda put 19/17" cast wheels on this bike and leaned into it being an "all road" rather than off road bike. The rest of the design bike really favours having cast wheels so you can go tubeless and make puncture repairs easier, bizarre that they went with spokes and tubes.
NC750X is You're talking about :)
@@j.r.arnolli9734 no that has 17s, is heavier and half the power!
They should probably offer that version. Then again Rally raid will probably offer 19/17 tubeless wheels for it. They do for the cb500x.
@@j.r.arnolli9734 a more dirt capable NC would be nice wouldn't it?
Spokes are superior on off-road application. That’s my guess on why they went with spokes
When I saw the 41mm forks, I knew I wouldn’t be selling my Africa Twin
Another major opinion video by someone who has never ridden it
Well, My first street bike was a Honda 750 - 1971 vintage. My "Last" street bike maybe a "Honda 750". I just saw this review - "Honda’s affordable new XL750 Transalp impresses both on- and off-road | MCN Review", and this gentleman gave it a very positive review. Cheers!
Whoever thinκs that they're going on an adventure trip lets say 10.000kms long and they're gonna venture into deep technical single track stuff, they are delusional. Honda built the bike you need. Not the one you want or you think you need.
Well there is truth to that
The new TA is the fourth generation.
From paper the best one yet but not perfect.
XL was never Honda’s dirt focused bikes. XR/CRF are Honda’s dirt focused models.
One can probably build the new TA to be the perfect bike to suit ones needs just a matter of cash…
The new TA will appeal to the masses as a: uncomplicated, reliable, comfortable & resonable allrounder.
The Power Of Dreams ❤
Good points and thanks for watching
You make many good points, no doubt. Your spot on with the middle weight discussion. But what about the lightweights? We are still left with a CB500X and CRF450 that could have a much wider appeal had they been slightly modified to look more like one another. One additional point, it seems crazy to me to get folks to buy an Africa Twin because it has cruise control and the Transalp doesn't. Wow. That is a high level of gamesmanship -- and very off-putting -- at least to me. All the best and keep the vids coming!
Thank you and thanks for watching
If I buy a TA I just add cruise control after market
@@merzto Yeah, but those aren't as good, imho. All the best.
A good dirtbike is never going to be a good streetbike and vice versa. I like that Honda seems to have made it more a streetbike with some offroad capability. If I owned it, it would nearly always be ridden on the street. Nice that they gave it a little clearance to explore around on when the opportunity presents itself. I mainly like it because it seems to have a lot of leg room and I've got a leg that requires that. Also, in a world full of ADVs with ladders bolted all over them, the Honda's aesthetics please my eye.
It's really more similar to the V-Strom than the Tenere.
Everything that makes a good dirtbike also makes the perfect street bike for a commuter excluding the limited top speed. That’s why something like the T7 is such a great choice. Transalp? Not so much.
@@talltale9760 I don't buy street bikes to commute and I could care less about top speed. I spend many long days in the saddle.
What I was getting at with on/off road bikes is mostly the suspension. Road bikes tend to be more stiffly damped and sprung to keep the bike from wallowing around in corners. Dirt bikes tend to be setup softer to soak up large bumps. I'd prefer more street oriented settings.
There are other things like wind protection that tend to be smaller if exist at all on dirt bikes so you aren't banging into the when you're standing up and bouncing around. I'd prefer the wind protection.
A big one is the ability to add hard, locking luggage. The fact that it's mfg supplied and doesn't require a bunch of unsightly bracketry that hangs around when you don't need it is another plus for me.
@@S50Sinner not really the v strom mostly has small cast wheels and is 217kg and looks like a 1000cc everytime I see one.
@@chrishart8548 You're right, I've had my eyes on a 650 XT for a little while so I entirely forgot the base comes with cast wheels. I was thinking more so about how it has better road manners than off-road prowess. If anything, you could say the Transalp is a good middle ground between that and a Tenere, with good road manners but a bigger set of wheels to tackle terrain.
Basically the answer is "Africa Twin". They decided to make a Honda V-strom/GS700 instead of a T7. Probably not a bad idea, all great bikes, just different uses.
I had an '89 TA as my first adv bike and I'm not sure it's inaccurate to say that's what they did the first time around. LOVED that bike though. Toured for weeks on end on it. Too top heavy and not geared low enough for my beginner skill level on trails though. Smooth enough to do 14 hour days and not feel crippled afterwards (in my early 30's). I would stare at that bike for minutes. My '13 GS700 does basically the exact some thing, at the same weight (but lower down), only a little better all around, and looks just as good after I painted it.
I still pine for a Honda AJP PR7 though.
It is not just Honda. Why has no Japanese motorbike manufacturer built a bike to challenge the Yamaha T7. That is why the Aprilia, will win such a big bite of the market, with the Tuareg 660.
T660 is the best overall ADV bike on the market
True, that’s why dealers can’t get rid of them. Aprilia’s are collecting dust in showrooms, while there is hardly any Honda available for a test ride.
@@cheetah694 So then Honda is serving its clients well then?? The T7 was not even offered to US after a year it came to market in Europe. So, you think Yamaha treated its clients well?? Even now the T 7 is not readily available to all, not only because they are in demand, but primarily because Yamaha is limiting production on purpose to hike prices beyond what the bike is worth. If there are Tuaregs gathering dust in showrooms, people had better haste in purchasing one, getting a good deal, because ultimately it is the better bike. All the testers, and reviewers claim this fact.
@@davidmallia628 The main problem with Aprilia is that it's not known for being bulletproof. I myself have seen a Tuareg fail ending up in a truck bed. Same for the KTM 790 Adventure. Great engineering thought, poor reliability. And I don't buy bikes that I've seen make it home in a truck bed. Most people are okay with a bike made to a budget, like the T7 is, but that will bring them home every single day of the week.
@@cheetah694 I agree. Everyone would love a bike to be reliable. The European brands have improved a lot, like BMW, and Ducati. The world is not perfect, and sometimes you compromise some reliability for other virtues. A Ferrari is not as reliable as a Toyota, but some people just want the virtue of a Ferrari, knowing it is less reliable, but having a much greater driving experience. Everyone to his own. Cheers!
Wait so what’s the problem with the Transalp? It’s just a souped up CB500X?
I have a CB500X that I put a modded suspension and rims on, and now I only wish it had more power, which is pretty much the Transalp.
Nothing is wrong with it Some people just wanted more
I love the relatively low weight (cf the VStrom 800), but dislike the short suspension. In my city, we have potholes in the roads that are 30cm+ deep due to huge rainfall over the last 6 months. No need to go off road. Even the DR struggles on these.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it but china has built the bike honda should have its sold in spain As Rieju 500 ..its a cb500 471cc engine built into a africa twin frame with 21 front 18 rear sooked wheels comes with bash plate and crash bars and not the soft suspension the hondas have .. in the east its called the HJmoto 500 made by Hengjian check the you tube clips it looks really good well like the perfect adventure bike oh yes it has twin tanks total 40L giving a theoretical 1200km range OMG !!!! I am buying one for sure ...
Yes but I wonder if people will buy them I think that is the beef with Aprilia its dealer network
I picked up a fully modded 2013 honda xr650L with 3000 miles for 4 grand, there's no where it can't go, very easy to work on, I recommend anyone looking for a middle weight to consider, no technology, air cooled, carburated, but still perfectly built. Mine came with full exhaust, rejetted carb, bigger tank, seat concepts carbon black seat, bark busters, Wolfman bag, goes 80 mph decently with aggressive off road tires that are a little worn now lol,
I'm a CB500X owner that's been waiting for the smaller Africa Twin. This video is absolutely spot on.
Thank you
Or if they would make a CB750//800X for us big-tall peeps.
Why does transalp as 21 inch wheel for OffRoad and the exaust to low like a road bike? Doesn't make sence. I think you are right on what you said. 👍🏻
I know pointed that out in my last Transalp video Why such a low exhaust
Honda fanboy here and after the Transalp announcement i decided to… get a base AT. Challenge is a manual standard AT isn’t as easy to find as you might think, and despite it being a bike that’s been around a while, US lags behind, 2022s are trickling in and it won’t be until mid next year until the 2023s come in (though only change MIGHT be different colors, it’s not even announced yet)
Thats what I would have done just bought the AT base
From a marketing standpoint, all Honda needed to do with the TransAlp is offer different trim levels. You could have trim levels that are more focused for road and trim levels more for dirt. I agree with you that they really dropped the ball with this bike. I was very disappointed when I saw it’s debut.
I like the Black one
I saw the whole video. Only to make sure that the only thing that is flawed is the video maker's opinion of what a Transalp actually is.
I'm sorry for your lack of context and your ignorance.
I would say it's too early to tell. Firstly because they haven't released the price yet, which could come has a huge surprise and a strong selling point, and secondly because nobody nows how it rides but the new 750cc 90+ CV motor is already promising to be a very good and powerful one and could result in being very enticing (look-up for the very positive on-road reviews of the Hornet (which the Transalp shares the engine with). Also don't forget that Honda 's Europe market is very important and that here we have the A2 license (limited to 35kw) which mades a natural choice for new riders towards the cb500X when they want something affordable to begin with.
What’s positive about those reviews? Wallowy suspension, the engine without bottom end and a jerky throttle is my takeaway. For the rest yeah, it will take you from A to B, just like any other motorcycle out there.
they did release price.
@@cheetah694 we didn't see the same reviews haha but hey! don't think I'm a Honda salesperson I will reserve my definitive judgment for when I able to test one .
@@robsonenduro3316 oh yes ?
@@cstbb568 yeah, they said it's gonna be all good ;)
I think you are right. For this reason manufacturers annoyingly don’t install cruise control on middleweight models. Transalp, vstrom 800, tiger 660 and 850 sport, multistrada V2 . In case of multi it would cost me £2K for the cruise as I’m not interested in other functions in that package 🤷♂️🤦🏻♂️
The Transalp makes a whole lot of sense since hardly any of the interested buyers is capable of riding it off-road anyways. So it is what it should be, namely a very decent travel enduro/tourer for not a lot of money. Bingo!
For all you off-roaders and very experienced ADV junkies out there, get something else.
I just want a CRF450L Rally with 5,000 mile oil change intervals. Is that too much to ask?
I only change my 450RL oil every 2500 miles Its fine
I can't wait to buy one.. looks comfy and for my type of riding it will suit me fine, plus Honda reliability I will add this to my collection of bike's.
You create fantastic content. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you Darren
LOL!
You’re spot on! To bad for Honda.I put a lot of money into my RL because they didn’t have anything close to the T7.But I’m extremely happy with what I ended up with.I’ve been riding Hondas my whole life and still have them.
9/69 KO CT-70 1984 XL350R 2013 250L!
2021 RL with Every Thing
I think
LOL;)
keep up the great content!
Aaron
Agreed. Fellow Crf 450l rider here.
Thank you
A valid point about model spacing, but I think the bigger problem is Honda intentionally making boring bikes so as not to cut into sales of their other boring bikes.
What a great dissection of Honda's value proposition.
It all made perfect sense to me.
Until I heard of the Rune.
Honda hit the nail on it's Head. The Trans Alp is really capable enuf and I'd always chose it over my Tenere considering the 20 hp more top-end power and QUICKSHIFTER !! and lower center of gravity.
Thanks for watching and commenting It is much appreciated
Interesting perspective! I had been waiting so long for the new Transalp to come out that I imported an old one from Holland (to the USA )
It felt old
Now - I’m still stuck wondering what to do!
I’ve had an nc700x from new that I’ve now ‘butched up’ to enable off-road riding and the new Transalp offers little more than ‘that new bike smell!’
Thanks for your great videos - Happy Christmas 🎄
what did you change on your NC? How does it handle? When I was living in the West part of the Neverlands I always thought the NC700/750x was the ultimate commuter with the trunk and low fuel consumption, but with the 700 I'd probably pick the DCT because of its limited rev-range.
@@NinkeWestra Hi Ninke: Nothing extreme. I put on a steel skid plate, risers, foot pegs, rear spring guard, front mudguard extension, TKC80s, engine guard bars, radiator protector, racks, soft luggage, tall screen, Centre stand.
It only ‘enables’ it to go off-road and ADV riding, but the lack of clearance and total weight will always prevent it from extreme stuff.
Just ride it. Fantastic bike.
@@garyhoward4064 I do! In October I was up in Shenandoah, VA and over in West VA riding & camping in the mountains with my son (Tiger 800) and taking the NC700 places where most havnt travelled! Don't get me wrong - I love the bike, but I'm looking to be better equipped offroad again
You've got a point. For the motorbike companies to do this is disgraceful.
I dont think the TA750 deserves the hate. For many riders , perhaps even the majority of riders, It's exactly what they need/want. Look at the popularity of the 500x and realize the 750 is a big step up on that.
I think our biggest problem is that guys like us who want the "everything bike" are a minority.
But then KTM 390 Enduro and Rally (or perhaps ADV R) spy shots were just dropped and they look nearly production ready. So as far as I'm concerned the Unicorn is about to hit the market.
I do not think that we are a minority. I think that the main reason is that T7 found a new successful formula that can be sold, with its parallel twin. See, how all 'middleweight adventurers' are so much alike? And no one found a successful formula for a lighter 'everything bike' yet. Another reason is that a smaller displacement bike is expected to cost less, and therefore, the customer's expected to be... less rich.
Media and customers fooled themselves into thinking Honda were going to make a Tenere type bike so they have no one but themselves to blame.
You're right, why sell one bike when you can sell the same customer two? Love the XR/XL footage.
Exactly! Thanks for watching
In Europe the 500X is popular because it complies with the power limits (35 KW/47 bhp) imposed on A2 (restricted) licence holders. Without this licence category, it's doubtful the 500X and similar bikes would even be offered for sale in the European market.
As for the Transalp, it seems to be designed, like the original TA, to appeal to the "middle ground" of riders who want a comfortable, good looking all rounder that can handle touring and rough roads with ease. Don't forget that off-road riding isn't even legal in many countries (Germany for example) but potholes can be found everywhere on Earth.
Yea you have different challenges in Europe
The Transalp was always the soft offroad option. It was aimed at the week get away with the missus on the back seat crowd and this new one looks no different. That's a huge market and Honda clearly knows that a clickbait title isn't going to put anyone off getting one
True Honda could care less about what I have to say
Even the first TransAlp coexisted with an Africa Twin. It was always intended to be very comfortable touring bike with off-road capability, not a true 50/50.
We ASSUMED it would be a "baby Africa Twin". I once owned the old transalp. It's way more offroad capable than one would assume
That is true
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your insights… agree with all.
Thank you
Pulled my deposit on the Transalp. I should have kept my Africa Twin. Also sold my 450L. Getting a 701 and am going to beat the crap out of it.
Royal Enfield and the Chinese manufacturers don't have the same problem of an existing model line that would be cannibalized,
by a good performance middle weight adventure bike. Their entries in the game will be very interesting and enticing.
Honda does it's research. A small percentage of riders really push their bikes hard off road. A hard edged off road bike is miserable on the road. Everyone is whining that it is not a Tenere, or an Aprilia or a KTM. So go out and buy one of these bikes and leave the Transalp for the rest of us. We know what a bike like this can offer. We have been waiting, and it's finally here. I'll be first in line.
Spot on with that! If anyone had the cash for two bikes, id say KTM 790 2023 for a strong off-road bias, and BMW 1250 for touring. Only have cash for 1 bike, Triumph Tiger 900 - the perfect 50/50 in my opinion.
Thank you
I remember seeing the transalp in a Craigslist ad for the first time last year i thought wow this is amazing I never knew this existed. It was advertised as rare and had every mod possible and it was cool looking. Of course I wanted to know what the lineage would be for the future of it maybe my dirtbiker friends didn’t need a alpine bike. My thoughts were similar that the africa twin was really the successor and the one with the bells and whistles you would put your money on unless you don’t have the money then its back to klr 650 with doohickey mod!
You just nailed it, the new Transalp is the successor. ( Alpine riding (Road focused and a bit offroad) . Tenere is more "desert" focused. I'm a big Honda Fan but for "Offroad/Trail" Riding I have choosen the Tenere, due to here simplicity. I own also a RE Himalayan for easy exploring and some other Honda's.
Thank you for watching and commenting and the kind words
If you managed to make a sub- 150kg bike with an 80hp + engine , powered adventure bike , you wouldn't need a large 1200cc or small 400cc offering 😀 that's exactly the bike riders actually want
Seeing some nice buildouts with this bike that make it great off roader. Cruiser control kit for $300, reliable, better wind protection than the T7/KTM. Seriously considering this bike.
Simply Awesome! An extremely well put together summary of what all manufacturers do. All basically lead by Honda over 5 decades that others simply copy their business model. 👍😎
Thank you for the kind words
Nailed it. Too many people don't take the manufacturing companies point of view into perspective. Everyone has an agenda and most companies agendas are....(drum roll)
How to make money and lower overhead.
Thanks for watching moto
First question: anybody here actually ridden the bike? Second question does anybody here have RELIABLE info on what the price point will be? I will reserve judgement until I hear more plus actually ride one.
I don't get the hate, the Transalp was always supposed to be like this???
Hello
Many interesting topics you sharing regarding Honda 750 alp.
The catch is the new Nx 500 does the same. Put your thoughts into this.
Md 500 is the purposefully for bikes either cost and comfort ? it's shiny
Back when the first Translap was released the African Twin was not available in North America.
the original Transalp was a bit of a snooze, so why expect Honda to do anything but recreate yet another 'the snooze'?
Very true
I think you're spot on with regards to why Honda made a lackadaisical 750 TransAlp. Makes sense that a true T700 competitor would cannibalize Africa Twin Sales. I strongly disagree with your whole "perfect motorcycle" diatribe. There is no such unicorn that exists, or can be designed/built. By their very nature dual sport/ADV bikes compromise in various areas (depends on the model), and those compromises make them weaker on the street or trail vs bikes designed for more specific applications. It depends solely on the rider demands whether a given bike is suitable.
No ADV bike is suitable for me on the street - to hi, to long, big front wheels, too much rake - because I like sporty bike handling. The big ADV's are just too much for average riders to do more than smooth gravel. I chose a DR650 for much better off pavement performance, and live with lowly street performance, because I don't try to find the unicorn that doesn't, and can't, exist. Some bikes do meet some riders definition of a "unicorn". What I have found is that these riders are not very demanding in both the street and trail arenas - the less demanding the rider is, the easier it is to meet the demands. The other responses herein make my point for me.
If I were looking at a VStrom 650XT vs the TA, I'd take the TA. If I had the VStrom with a lot of sweet mods, I'd likely keep the V, which is what I may do as one inch of suspension is not huge, although the 20 HP difference and 15# less is probably worth doing... hmmm Wish it had two inches of suspension gain.. and tubeless, but tubed might be fine, too. My V is better looking, all black on black with black mods..rims/crash bars/side of tank grips/Barkbuster Storms. The TA r/w/b look is sweet though, with the gold hoops. Hmmm. Probably going to try to get my hands on one. It will basically be the perfect ADV for me, taking Interstate for days to get to CO (two 650 mile days), and then the VStrom did fine on the passes, if a little low and not over powered, but definitely a lot of fun and no real complaints other than blasting off the center stand and cracking the front fender and shearing 1/2 R side peg lowering bolts all due to low clearance and a smidge of carelessness cruising down a 99% clear decent but hitting that one rock a little bit on one side.... ooooops. Fortunately there are lots of tool laden jeeps and in 10m I was rolling again.
Along this line of thought. I'm wondering if Suzuki have found itself in the perfect model lineup equation with the new 800 DE . I think it probably takes away sales mostly from the other manufacturers in the segment due to it being a very good 50/50 midsized ADV without cannibalizing so much from the rest of their more road biased ADV offerings. Those potential Transalp buyers should have to consider the 800 DE due to the price similarity between the two.
Sales figures say that Honda got it right. You have to get in line to get one, and it's been that way since they were released. And as for offroad, this is a $16000 Aus bike. Slap on better suspension, tyres and mods to fit you, and you have a great offroad bike, still under 20 grand, which will keep up to its closest rivals. I've had plenty of adv bikes, and i can only describe the transalp as smooth and versatile.
How lucky that China will fill the gap of the most requested bikes on the market aka reasonably priced 450-650cc on/offroad capable machines with long service intervals that will get better over the years. All manufacturers outsource everything anyway so it's just ridiculous. The conventional motorcycle manufacturers really need to be exposed to competition.
Holy S...that was John Travolta on the Mail delivery bike! 7:50 mark.
Travelled around European cities quite a bit in the 80s/90s and can confirm that the majority of Transalps were commuter steeds. Honda simply ant to recreate that.
Seems that way
I am surprised about the lack of knowledge of motorbike's history from most youtubers. A history that started in 1986.
Join the dots...XL600V, XL650V, XL700V >> XL750
Not adventurous enough? Check the channel Ride Me Five
Geez, that’s John Travolta , delivering the mail at 7:55.
The reason they did this is why we may never see a 450l rally :(
Yep that and EPA emmissions
It remind me of what happen to our local situation in motorcycle.
We all was like: "We want this suzuki bike!" (mostly)
And Suzuki was like: "No, we cannot do that. Instead, how about this one?" (Which is bad).
So if you said Honda is intentionally build a disappointment, then Suzuki is giving us an already produced motorcycle that we don't want it.
Goon I think you’ve nailed it
Anyho give me any bike and I’ll have fun.
Thank you
Transalp is a street bike ! ADN. 80 (%road)/20(% road). You can go to some gravel roads. that's it. It's a all-in-one bike. Marvelous.
1:09. Actually... this is exactly what I was looking for.
that makes sense, but why did they put tubed tires on the Transalp? That is a big no for me
That is another mystery
Wow! Great analysis!
4:54 Forgot to include the Honda NT DCT etc. since it too has the exact same enging and frame.
OMG, Author. Honda sells half of all bikes in the World. If you do not like it, buy a KTM or BMW 😂
What i don't understand is why 21inch upfront then? It does not help in touring... So I am waiting for road tests and maybe we will get some good surprises on the off road capability.
Thats what I thought Why the 21 inch