Australia here - 20,500 kms (about 12,500 miles) on my '23 Transalp, and still loving it. Well, liking it... The HISS system is the Honda Integrated Security System I seem to remember (I too struggle with the too-many acronyms) and is simply a recognition of your key, using (I think) radio waves. My '07 Ducati has a similar system, and it means another key which might suit the mechanical form of your key (and fit the key lock) will not start the bike, if it's not matching the radio signal. It is 'alive' if the red light flashes every now and then on your dash. I haven't really had any issues with the system on the Ducati in 104,000 kms. My reflections on the model match yours fairly closely, although mine has more dirt road use here in rural South Australia, and I am enjoying the bike's versatility in being capable at both bitumen and gravel roads. Yes, it will get some suspension upgrades, but it isn't that bad as delivered. I too had some 'trinkets' thrown in, being the first purchaser in this state - wind deflectors and 'bear grip' footrests - and both have proven worthwhile, which is easy to say when I didn't pay extra for them! But the footrests are slightly lower, wider, and far better when standing, and the deflectors do help a little with the wind. I also reversed my handlebar risers, which moved the 'bars slightly forward, which I found feels more 'natural', plus I rolled them forward a little as well, which also (with the footrests) was better when standing. But yes - a stiff frame, with 'long' steering (rake and trail) which is surprisingly good on the bitumen, and quite forgiving in the rough. As is the sublime clutch take-up, which has meant the bike has never stalled. Remarkable economy, a smooth engine (that becomes smoother as the miles go by) and a sense of ease about riding it. A good all-round bike that is easy to live with, and doesn't tempt me to speed so much. Thanks for your test - I too intend keeping this bike - a bike I enjoy more than I expected to.
Thank you for such an excellent and complete reply. I very much appreciate your explanation of the HISS, and I am sure some others will, too. Unfortunately, we here in the UK have very limited access to "dirt" use-a bit of green landing is about it-but we do have the "fun" of tackling the ever-deteriorating tarmac holes, grip lines, and general bad condition-all of which the Tranalp tackles with ease. I am adding the lower seat soon, as I find the TA needs to be a bit lower, say 1", to give me a confident feet-down feeling when I stop. It might be just me, but the fact that Honda has made a seat that reduces the height by about 3/4", shows others have an issue with it. A very comfortable and stable platform is the Transalp and like you, I am more than pleased with her. Off to work soon in the rain over here, got a storm coming in both at work and in the UK lol so wet gear on and off into the rain drops I will ride. I wish you well and safe journeys
Love my Transalp too. For me, it truly is in that sweet spot for a motorcycle. My only niggle is the quality of the rear shock. It's OK but a lack of adjustment particularly rebound damping frustrates me sometimes. Can't complain too much though when you consider the price point. Will be upgrading that shock soon and no doubt it will make the bike even better.
I added two positive clicks to mine as I learned from the NC750X, this suited me. My TA is a great solid rider and im still blown away by how good it handles, even deep dive turns. Wishing you well and safe journeys.
Thank you sir. Was a good ride in. Hyper security and people around you aware re push bike snatchers and other hooligans, but was a good trip in. But if I am honest, I prefer going the direct opposite way to the Chiltern’s or Cotswolds 😊
I’ve just bought a used transalp with only 1000 miles on it for a very good price of a very nice fellow whom is giving up biking due to ill health. I test road one at a dealer it had the standard screen and I found the wind noise unbearable so wasn’t sold on it . I then test road a Suzuki v strom 800de which was a well put together machine but the screen was absolutely garbage. And it was way too heavy. So I bit the bullet and bought the transalp . After today which was my first proper ride out . I can say with all honesty this is the best bike I’ve ever owned I absolutely love it . I’ve owned an Africa twin crfl1000 and the transalp is way better in every way I’m so glad I bought it. I’m also glad that I bought a used one for way less than a new one . The dealer offered me £1500 Less for my part ex than it would retail at. I would rather sell it to a person who wanted to buy it for a cheaper price than let the dealer have it for that price .
Great to hear from another satisfied TA owner. As I mentioned in the video, I doubt I will move from the TA platform. It is such a great bit of kit. I wish you well and safe journeys. Thank you for watching and commenting.
No. It is the Honda touring screen. It was on the "demo" bike whenI tested it along with other items. Really keeps the wind off at speed. Wishing you well.
Bought mine in August. Absolutely agree with everything you said. Love this bike.
I have now switched it to SPORT mode and its got even better. Wishing you well.
Australia here - 20,500 kms (about 12,500 miles) on my '23 Transalp, and still loving it. Well, liking it... The HISS system is the Honda Integrated Security System I seem to remember (I too struggle with the too-many acronyms) and is simply a recognition of your key, using (I think) radio waves. My '07 Ducati has a similar system, and it means another key which might suit the mechanical form of your key (and fit the key lock) will not start the bike, if it's not matching the radio signal. It is 'alive' if the red light flashes every now and then on your dash. I haven't really had any issues with the system on the Ducati in 104,000 kms.
My reflections on the model match yours fairly closely, although mine has more dirt road use here in rural South Australia, and I am enjoying the bike's versatility in being capable at both bitumen and gravel roads. Yes, it will get some suspension upgrades, but it isn't that bad as delivered. I too had some 'trinkets' thrown in, being the first purchaser in this state - wind deflectors and 'bear grip' footrests - and both have proven worthwhile, which is easy to say when I didn't pay extra for them! But the footrests are slightly lower, wider, and far better when standing, and the deflectors do help a little with the wind. I also reversed my handlebar risers, which moved the 'bars slightly forward, which I found feels more 'natural', plus I rolled them forward a little as well, which also (with the footrests) was better when standing.
But yes - a stiff frame, with 'long' steering (rake and trail) which is surprisingly good on the bitumen, and quite forgiving in the rough. As is the sublime clutch take-up, which has meant the bike has never stalled. Remarkable economy, a smooth engine (that becomes smoother as the miles go by) and a sense of ease about riding it. A good all-round bike that is easy to live with, and doesn't tempt me to speed so much. Thanks for your test - I too intend keeping this bike - a bike I enjoy more than I expected to.
Thank you for such an excellent and complete reply. I very much appreciate your explanation of the HISS, and I am sure some others will, too.
Unfortunately, we here in the UK have very limited access to "dirt" use-a bit of green landing is about it-but we do have the "fun" of tackling the ever-deteriorating tarmac holes, grip lines, and general bad condition-all of which the Tranalp tackles with ease.
I am adding the lower seat soon, as I find the TA needs to be a bit lower, say 1", to give me a confident feet-down feeling when I stop.
It might be just me, but the fact that Honda has made a seat that reduces the height by about 3/4", shows others have an issue with it.
A very comfortable and stable platform is the Transalp and like you, I am more than pleased with her.
Off to work soon in the rain over here, got a storm coming in both at work and in the UK lol so wet gear on and off into the rain drops I will ride.
I wish you well and safe journeys
Love my Transalp too. For me, it truly is in that sweet spot for a motorcycle. My only niggle is the quality of the rear shock. It's OK but a lack of adjustment particularly rebound damping frustrates me sometimes. Can't complain too much though when you consider the price point. Will be upgrading that shock soon and no doubt it will make the bike even better.
I added two positive clicks to mine as I learned from the NC750X, this suited me. My TA is a great solid rider and im still blown away by how good it handles, even deep dive turns. Wishing you well and safe journeys.
Enjoyable video! Great bike - always good to take a trip into town :-)
Thank you sir. Was a good ride in. Hyper security and people around you aware re push bike snatchers and other hooligans, but was a good trip in. But if I am honest, I prefer going the direct opposite way to the Chiltern’s or Cotswolds 😊
I’ve just bought a used transalp with only 1000 miles on it for a very good price of a very nice fellow whom is giving up biking due to ill health. I test road one at a dealer it had the standard screen and I found the wind noise unbearable so wasn’t sold on it . I then test road a Suzuki v strom 800de which was a well put together machine but the screen was absolutely garbage. And it was way too heavy. So I bit the bullet and bought the transalp . After today which was my first proper ride out . I can say with all honesty this is the best bike I’ve ever owned I absolutely love it . I’ve owned an Africa twin crfl1000 and the transalp is way better in every way I’m so glad I bought it. I’m also glad that I bought a used one for way less than a new one . The dealer offered me £1500 Less for my part ex than it would retail at. I would rather sell it to a person who wanted to buy it for a cheaper price than let the dealer have it for that price .
Great to hear from another satisfied TA owner. As I mentioned in the video, I doubt I will move from the TA platform. It is such a great bit of kit. I wish you well and safe journeys. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Is that the standard screen ?
No. It is the Honda touring screen. It was on the "demo" bike whenI tested it along with other items. Really keeps the wind off at speed. Wishing you well.