Honda XL750 Transalp 2023 Review | On and off-road on the new Honda ADV
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- We first saw the new 2023 #Honda #XL750 #Transalp at EICMA in November 2022 and on paper at least, it looked very good. Lighter than much of the competition, power output that is right in the ballpark, and a price tag that even had Suzuki wincing. As a package, you have to admit, the returning XL750 looks like a safe bet.
To find out if the riding experience matches the hype, we jetted off to Portugal, to sample the new machine on and off-road.
Read the full Honda XL750 Transalp review here: www.visordown.com/reviews/fir...
0:00 Honda XL750 Transalp Review
1:02 Price
1:17 Overview
2:27 Electronics
2:45 Engine
3:50 Fuel Capacity
4:37 Handling
6:00 Tyres
6:56 Comfort
8:17 Electronics
10:26 We Like
11:50 We Don’t Like
12:30 Verdict
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As someone who was a motorbike mechanic for almost 10 years (i sold them too), i always pay attention to details. When i buy something, the chat between me and the salesmen/women are always a bit awkward, lol.
Anyway, i'm sure the new TransAlp is a "home sweet home" bike. You get on it and in no time it feels right at home.
I'm sure the quality is excelent. We sold Honda bikes by telling the customer we didn't like to sell Honda bikes. They're too durable and reliable so we won't ever see the customer again, and durability means no extra revenue. Fun part is we didn't even lie to the customer (which is a sin anyway).
My TransAlp 650 is close to 20 years old. It's a workhorse, used mostly during the wet and cold seasons, has battle scars, can't remember the last time i washed it but mechanically sound and has never let me down. But it needs to be replaced someday (which will be heartbreaking).
About the new TransAlp. The rubber clutch cable sleeve at the top is missing. If water comes in, good luck firing it up in freezing conditions. The bottom of the cable bends upward, creating a reservoir for incoming water (i "fixed" many cables with a paint gun when i was a mechanic).
The front fork legs are unprotected. I know inverted forks are trendy but it's nearly impossible to protect the inner fork legs and seals. It's also impossible to add a stabilizer; which is always a benifit for long fork legs (no problems for conventional forks, standard on the 600 and 650 aswell on the AT 650 and 750). During a test ride on the CRF 1000L, the front forks twisted more than on my 650.
I've repaired many inverted forks due to rust and failed seals due to bad maintenance. My 20 year old never serviced inner forks still look like new. Same goes for my 1981 MTX.
I'm glad Honda added a decent luggage rack, but why on earth did they choose aluminium instead of tougher, more durable and lighter plastic (as on the 650). Same goes for the (optional) engine guard/belly pan. When hit hard enough, aluminium permanently bends and can ruin the threaded holes in the crash guard, where impact resistent plastic momentarily deforms. Scratches on plastic also have no impact where aluminium tends to corrode (especially in my country located at the North Sea). Should've come standard with a plastic one. Aftermarkets aluminium belly pans will come available anyway.
If the black plastic parts (fairing, front and rear fenders) are as resistent to UV as they are on the 650, they'll fade to light grey quickly.
I love the looks though. It is very recognisable, especially in the white/blue/red livery (pure nostalgia as my first bike, a TA600 had that livery), and it looks modern.
Can't wait for a testride though (still not available in my area).
Glad to see the TransAlp back :)
I think this bike hit the nail. It's what the majority of the people who do adventure ride really needed it. I have Susuki Vstrom 650 1gen. I love the bike it's reliable and goes everywhere, I only will wish for better off road experience. This it's exactly what Honda did with the Transalp a prefect 80 20 bike. Kudos to Honda. Plus I think the design of the bike it's Great.
yup ..all those imagining myself in t700 flying through jungle is just imagination but in reality average offroader and xl750 is just the bike
@AdventureDog Which is exactly what the vast majority of those who buy it will want, if you want more hardcore off road, you'd get something else.
YES exactly. I really don't think anyone buys an ADV bike for the dirt. The Tuareg is a great dirtbike, but it is a horrible street bike because of the short gearing. Which makes me wonder if the Aprilia engineers put any thought at all into what people actually want? Just because TH-cam people are driving on dirt, and doing bike reviews on the dirt, doesn't mean that the average person spends their time driving on hard technical trails. I've never seen a large dual sport bike off road anywhere I've ridden, people always take small single cylinder dirtbikes to go to the technical trails. If you make a bike that isn't comfortable on the road, then you're losing at least 80% of it's appeal, because at minimum, these bikes spend 80% of their time on the road.
@@Ritaliesome do, I've been on various rides with a few, which usually include lanes that aren't overly technical like you get in Wales, but enough you need to be confident with what you're doing taking a big bike down it. Its got me wanting to replace my road only commuter bike for something I can still use mostly as a commuter but also take out on the lanes and opens the door for bigger trips, this Transalp looks like it could handle the level off road I'd realistically want to do on a big bike and still work well as a commuter
Τhe perfect motorcycle for 80% road 20% off road usage.
If it is 80% road then why doesn't have it tubeless tyres , if you get a puncture while riding fast you are done for.
@@silotxcorrect. It's supposed to save money..but come on...a non tubeless rimm can't cost.that much more
@@silotx Tubeless tyres go down quicker so you are more likely to have an accident. I have ridden for over 50 yrs and had more problems with tubeless than tubed by a long way. If you puncture the front tyre on tubeless most garages will refuse to repair it and you will have to buy a new tyre. Happened to me. I have had bikes where the tubeless rear wheel has corroded from the inside despite being looked after and it was suggested that I have it sand blasted as it would not seal again. Sold it with a slow puncture and got a bike with tubed tyres again, had no problems at all. Not everyone wants tubeless.
Excellent review thank you!
Great overview, I really like the look of the package Honda have put together with the new Transalp, it would be towards the top of my list if I was looking to buy.
well one of the best and most to truth reviews out there... well done
cheers
Excellent review. Thanks, Toad. Seems as though my punt has paid off: had a deposit on this since November and, by all accounts, it’s exactly the bike I wanted👍
Ahh mega! You'll have to check back and let us know what you think, when is your bike arriving?
@@visordown Well, it was supposed to be April, but looking more like May now
Thanks for this great review!!
Yesss....you put a smile in my face with your comments !
It feels like a really nice tourer with added off road capability. That’s not a T7, but it should put a smile on lots of people’s faces given how they actually ride. If it had fully adjustable suspension and cruise control, it would have been perfect even if you had to pay like $1500 more in my opinion.
Most T7s, BMWs, and Africa Twins spend 99% of their time on Pavement. I think for most riders this bike will be perfect for what they ACTUALLY use it for and not what they THINK they will use it for.
@@marcochavane3124 You said my thoughts exactly. The large majority of people who buy adventure touring bikes are NOT out here doing any sort of crazy offroad adventures on the regular. The most offroading most of these bikes will see is some fire roads or rough dirt roads. If you are doing anything more than that, you probably want something more dirt oriented anyway. The Transalp seems to have a nice combination of road and dirt capabilities for the average adventure touring rider.
That's the thing, manufacturers only offer cruise control on the most expensive bikes, like it's some kind of luxury. Not even as an optional upgrade on bikes that cost in the region of £10,000
@@infinitydreamzz I guess that’s one of the great things about the Tuareg. You get pretty much everything at a reasonable price. Parts available and the need for some repairs in the first year or so of ownership appear to be the only downsides to that bike.
@@urbanadventurer5
Downside for me on that one is the engine is made in china
Great review.. I bought an Africa Twin in 2020 - Corrosion issues and a crunchy/clunky 1st to second manual gearbox and Honda would do nothing to correctly fix those issues properly. I would have bought the new Transalp too but after buying their bikes over the last 3 decades I have totally lost trust in the brand. Shame.
Brilliant stuff!!!! 😉
Toad, your a master of your trade. ❤️
GREAT BIKE AND I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS TOO !!!! ....I FIND THIS NEW TRANSALP BEAUTIFUL .
LOVE ALL YOUR POINTS OF VIEW !!!!! THANK YOU . VERY NICE
Placed my order in February. Looks like my faith has been justified. Delivery in May.
Nice review, I bought a brand new ATAS DCT ES and I love it. Up until then I’ve always been a GSA fanboy but now I reckon Honda in my opinion have edged in front. 👍🏻
I have a 2016 1000L and I absolutely love it
Nice, thanks, and take care
Cheers mate!
Very insightful review... thanks for the seat height adaptability for 5-7 rider...
It's not just your overall height you need to be concerned with. The really critical thing is ... what's your inner leg measurement?
I own a 2020 Honda CB500X wich is a fantastic bike, but for me at a height of 6ft bare footed, I still "just" flat foot the bike when stationary. The CB500X has a seat height wich is 20mm lower than the Transalp.
I unfortunately have a less than average inner leg measurement for my height .... and I'm not the only one with a less than average inner leg measurement.
You would definitely want to test ride one before purchasing if your "Vertically Challenged."
I had a 700 transalp a few years back. it was a super comfortable uber reliable no nonsense bike. Only thing lacking was that 6th gear. Think this one looks great. No mention of the wind deflection in this review but the old bike was spot on. Hope they carried that forward to this model. Deffo going to have a look at this one. You can get a nearly new Africa twin for less lolly mind??
No wind problem for me at 6' 1" but the demo bike had the deflector kit on it, I will let you know on Sep 1st after I pick my White one up (if you can wait that long). This model is much lighter than the AT and handles like a dream. I had a 600 Transalp in blue/green, fantastic bike until it met some ice across a bend on a country road...oh dear 😞
Had 2 Transalps too…2009 and a 2010…couldn’t keep my bum out of the saddle! What an underrated motorcycle and that’s after owning an ‘06 GS1200! I currently own another GS but I think my next Adventure bike will be the new 750 Transalp! Light weight is king as one gets long in the tooth…😎👍🇿🇦
"I'm 5 ft 7 and I can flatfoot it".. SOLD !!
👍👍
Great review! OMG, this review got me even more excited for a Transalp. It's my favorite ADV bike, after watching about 200 videos or more on the different ADV bikes over the last 3 years. As a general assessment, I believe that motorcyclists buy street legal motorcycles to drive them on smooth roads. Only about 1% of people who buy a large ADV bike will actually use the motorcycle for daily dirt riding on hardcore trails. I even think it's probably less than 1% honestly. The Honda Transalp is the best looking and best sounding out of all the ADV bikes. The Tiger should be the best one, but they ruined their crankshaft and ruined their entire engine, by switching to a rough running "flat plane" crankshaft with more vibes. The Africa Twin has horrendously ugly graphics on it, which ruin an otherwise extremely beautiful bike. The AT is also way, way too expensive for not having any extra performance, it has the same exact power to weight ratio as the Transalp.
Good review, thanks. It’s more of a road bike but will happily handle the gravel - hence the gravel mode inclusion. I reckon it’s a tad overpriced compared with its Hornet sibling. Yes, you get the extra mode modified frame and longer s/arm and longer travel suspension but not sure those add up to an extra £2.5K. I reckon Guzzi’s V85TT offers much more in terms of badge, kit and comfort and you can get that new Guzzi for about £9.6K.
Not to mention that the Guzzi is absolutely GORGEOUS
@@davidvitan3590 We are all different. A couple of years ago I test rode a V85TT and thought it might be the bike for me. However riding home on my ST1300 I realised it wasn’t the replacement I needed, it didn’t give me the feedback and pleasure that the Honda did. Imagine how surprised I was a couple of weeks later when I test rode a 500X and ended up buying one. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Some bikes just have it and for me the V850TT just didn’t do it for me.
Hello great channel very nice mounted ;)
Nice review & a great looking bike as well as a seemingly very good all-rounder too. Although the counter-point to a lot of the positive comments I guess is that it isn't really an adventure bike. It's maybe the equivalent of a two-wheel drive SUV that does the school run. However that's not a secret & most adventure bikes, like those SUV's, never go off road anyway so it probably doesn't matter & Honda will sell loads of them no doubt. One little gripe, not aimed at Honda specifically as a lot of manufacturers do it, is when they launch a bike with every possible optional extra on it & quote the base price. I get why, but can be a bit misleading & is obviously aimed at positively influencing the reviewers. BMW are terrible or great at it depending on your perspective I guess.
Nice review. I like the bike.
It does have shortcomings. Just test rode new Cfmoto 800MT at Daytona Beach Bikeweek. Very nice bike that brought the shortcomings of Transalp to the surface. Transalp has smaller tank capacity, 4.35 vs 5 gallons. That's always a pet pieve of mine. Also, no cruise control, which I like using. 800MT has cruise as well as heated seat and grips, adjustable windshield, saddlebag mounts and rack, tip over bars, fog lights, quick shifter and probably other things standard. And price in the US for 800MT is $10.5k. And it rode great with 95 hp on tap. I like this Honda as well as new Suzuki V Strom 800, but both manufacturers are missing things. I am strongly considering MT800 now.
Now thing about the overall reliability and in what condition the CFmoto will be compared to the Honda in let's say... 5 years...
Let's be honest. The CF is a nice motorcycle, definitely far superior than your average Chinese moped a decade ago. But still, it's a second class product. Subpar. Compare for yourself !
@@nickzourb190 I 100% agree with this BUT there has to be some penalty for Honda being greedy piggies. Lets be honest, the only reason it doesn't have cruise control is because they may lose Goldwing sales to it. CFMOTO has one @ the same price point and BMW has one for another thousand or two. I'm very eager to see how CFMOTO's bikes last over the next 5 years to be able to compare properly.
@@robertmorrison107 Totally agree with your point. Still be careful on how you spend your money. Check for other options too. I was on the market for a mid size adv bike, tested and checked for myself many bikes, before spending my precious money on a Moto Guzzi V85TT. They are greedy, but they make the best product in the end. Talking about the Japs right now. Ended up with the Guzzi cause I loved everything about it and also was happy to see that it's quality made and not some rebadged Chinese bike, like Moto Morini. That's my example. Spend wisely!
The 800MT is a lot of bike for the price, but no traction control, very top heavy and not great handling overall show that it is not as finely tuned as older and wiser manufacturers’ bikes
Made in Japan vs made in China...
I know which one I'm getting.
Cool bike, but I was hoping Suzuki and Honda were going to release bikes which improved on the Tenere 700 or Tuareg 660. The Tuareg improved on the T7 with a lower center of gravity. Realistically it's $3000 or more than the T7 with limited availability in the states.
The new Hornet 750cc seems like a fantastic engine. It's a bike I'd definitely consider owning if I were in the market but I'm not trading my T7 for it. No cruise control on a bike with an electronics suite is annoying.
What am I missing about cruise control? I see no reason for it on two wheels or four.
@@davidmatthews3093 I'm driving a 2008 Hayabusa and it has only one electronic setting, which is a power reduction button. I really don't understand why people want so many electronics. If I could, I'd much rather get a bike with no bluetooth, or any other traction control or electronic settings. All you need for safety is ABS on the front wheel, which all bikes are legally required to have now. An analog tachometer with a needle, and a digital speedometer. None of that other garbage. Cruise control would be nice, but they gear modern motorcycles so short, the engines are damn near ready to explode at 75 mph, so what they really need is an overdrive 6th gear.
I'm sold.. hoping these make it to Canada for 2024
Love it, hopefully they update the spec with future models, but it's very close to the perfect middleweight especially for the price!
Certainly won't be selling my 1190 Adventure for it, but great job Honda!
An ADV that you can flat-foot at 5'7"? It might not look as cool as a Triumph Scrambler, but as a one-bike shortie that likes to mix touring distance and the daily ride, that'd sell me on it.
5foot seven inches, but at what inseam? Would be fine for me, with inseam of 31 inches, I would hope.
@@davidmallia628 Valid- we should ask him! :D
I am 5'8" with a 29-30 inseam and I can't flat foot the bike. I can do balls of my feet with sneakers on but with stiffer motocross boots is only tip toes. I got the low seat and it is more comfortable but also let's you do one flat foot on the ground without moving your butt which give confidence at stop lights. It doesn't feel much lower but the shape gives this room for one foot planted without feeling like fighting the bike at stop lights.
👍Super! Thanks!
you lucky bastard :) i leave in portugal and didn't get the invite.
not to point out the obvious, but why route the exhaust like that. with the sump guard fitted there is very poor ground clearance - so is t just a road bike then, even gravel has some big dips and rocks.
Great video as an owner of a 2003 Transalp for 145.000 Kilometers you really spot it on:
Honda made a bike, a tool for riders.
I already order a new one, and I hope that the new one will make even more kilometers
and I will have a bigger smile in my face..
For the riders that want a smaller African Twin, something to stand next to Tenere 700
this Transalp is not the one, but Honda has the 755 cc engine,
so maybe they try to make another bike tuned to off road performance.
Always a greek viewer everywhere. Έχω πάρει και εγώ το καινούργιο αγαπητέ. Λενε εδώ μέσα όλο αρνητικά μια δεν έχει cruise control μια οι σαμπρέλες, άλλοι λένε ίδιο με το CB500X...Ήμαρτον. Εγώ έχω να πω ο θρύλος συνεχίζεται. Καλα χιλιόμετρα να έχεις και πάντα όρθιος.
@@anestischatzirigas4626 Φίλε ευχαριστώ. Ο θρύλος όντως συνεχίζεται στην καλύτερη του μορφή. Καλά να είμαστε να κάνουμε χιλιόμετρα με την όμορφη μηχανή μας και άστους αυτούς να συζητάνε .. Καλά χιλιόμετρα να έχουμε και να προσέχουμε ,,,
@@anestischatzirigas4626τα σχόλια σου φιλε ως κάτοχος; Να το αγοράσω; ή να προτιμήσω κάτι αλλο; όπως το ktm 790, το suzuki v strom 800 DE, ή το tenere 700; Φοβάμαι οτι δε θα είναι τοσο ικανό στ χωμα... 😢
Σ'ευχαριστώ!
@@kostasPapadakisτα σχόλια σου φιλε ως κάτοχος; Να το αγοράσω; ή να προτιμήσω κάτι αλλο; όπως το ktm 790, το suzuki v strom 800 DE, ή το tenere 700; Φοβάμαι οτι δε θα είναι τοσο ικανό στ χωμα... 😢
Σ'ευχαριστώ!
@@KyriakosSoul Να οδηγήσεις τα Tenere και Suzuki και να το σκεφτείς. Η οδήγηση του Transalp στο δρόμο είναι πάρα πολύ καλή, στο χώμα (πάω σε χωματόδρομους εύκολους και για λίγα χιλιόμετρα) θα ήθελε αλλαγές (αναρτήσεις κυρίως). Το Ktm θέλει να έχεις καλή σχέση με τον μάστορα σου
So, a quickshifter, cruise control, heated grips, a readable fuel range gauge (firmware update?), and adjustable rebound on the rear shock. Other than that, pure joy.
The Guzzi V85TT has cruise control, tubeless tyres and shaft drive. All for only £200 more on current deals.
And problems. Lots of problems.
I really enjoyed the v85tt. So much soul.
Hey toad . Great review btw . Very honest and helpful.
Anyway my question is regarding seat height I’m 5 foot 7
with a 30 inch inseam , how you you consider this as suitable for the
Likes of myself?
Tia
Tony
Deciding between this and the v Strom 800
What's your inseam? And cruise should at least be an option.
we might see an even more off road variant of this!
I want one! I want one so badly 🙂
Yeah, who buys one to ride off-road all day?
Can't wait to sit on one when the dealers get them in (Australia).
There has been a huge gap in the Honda lineup for...decades. There has always been an XL, and XLV, or an NX and they held that midrange between the enduros (XRs back in the day), and the road bikes...or CBX these days. I am pleased Honda got it mostly right. I do think they need to bring back the XR or modern equivalent thereof. CRF? Really? Anyway, this belongs in the Honda stable. Let's hope they keep something in this great segment.
I was about order a Transalp (1st big motorbike, 90% tarmac, 10% easy gravel).
And you know what? I bought a BMW F750GS instead...
I bought it loaded with extras for the same price of a fairly "naked" Transalp. Bmw has an aggressive discount policy (probably because the model ain't particularly new). But it's a sweet road bike with electronic suspension and cruise control. It doesn't pretend to be more off-road oriented than what it is, so I've got a 19" tubeless too... In the end, I think I got a better bike for my needs. Now, I'm just sorry I delayed my decision waiting for the Transalp. I still find the Transalp a cool bike, but I think Honda made a mistake pretending to be something they don't want it to be.
If It is so much road oriented why not a 19" tubeless with cruise control?
It's a costly pretend game, imo.
Hope you enjoy your Loncin made bike. But in less than a couple of years you will regret opting for it instead of the Honda. I own an Italian bike btw. Nothing beats the big 4 (Talking about the Japs of course). They always make the best and most reliable products. This Chinese made "BMW" you bought on the other hand. Good from far (because of the badge), but far from good.
@@nickzourb190 , my bike is made in Germany. Btw, it's still in the Berlin Factory as I write this comment. About the reliability: it comes with a 5y warranty. In a couple of years I'll still have the 3y factory warranty I would start with on the Transalp. Maybe by then I'll be ready to step up to my second bike and sell this one to another newcomer. Cheers.
@@jomipiro That's some clever thinking actually. But still I'm not sure it's a made in Germany bike. Maybe assembled there. I'm not saying the BMW is a bad motorcycle. Just that the transalp is the better of the two. Cheers from Greece!
You have my condolences.
- No cruise control (costs $0 to add)
- No DCT option
- No tubeless tires
- No need for 21" on 80/20 road bike
Hooray! Someone who’s a shorter rider finding something that don’t need seventies platform heels. Nice 👍 thanks 🙏
He needs to let us know his inseam. I have the bike and I am 5'8" with 29-30 inseam. I can't flat foot the bike even less with motocross boots.
Like the bike but that sump guard would be a gravel grader. I will keep my T7 which I ride mainly off road and compared to the old Transalp, many people ride that off road.
How much do you actually ride off road? Really, honestly? I ride off road a lot but in mileage terms it’s less than 5% of my total mileage. That’s a fact. If you really do over 50% of your mileage off road why did you choose a road bike like the T7 with sketchy suspension? Why didn’t you go for a proper off road focussed bike?
Honda is the best
Maybe I missed it but did it have electronic cruise control?
You say your 5'7" and can flat foot it when on the bike NICE!!! ... What's your inseam length ? and Did you tell HONDA to put a Cruise control AND Quick shifter on it HAHAHAHA......... You also said youve ridden all the Middle weights, HOW does the Transalp compare to the TIGER 900 RP ? Thats another bike I plan to test ride this spring........... Great! Footage and INFO......... THANK YOU
Thanks. My kind of review, plenty of detail at all levels.
I got a Tansalp to go with my 450 L and the 300,s in Australia we must have more dirt roads than anyone Its very good i have put up some vids have a look it might tell you if it can off road
Put the CB500X tubeless wheels on it and it would be outstanding! Cheers, Michael.
Frage ; warum wird bei den Vorstellungstestfahten und dem darauf folgen Bericht, vor allem für die Reisenden, nie gezeigt oder beschrieben Wie und Wo sich Öl- und Luftfilter befinden um etwaigen Austausch zu machen ??
Now I get to watch everyone look for a new windscreen.
So you can't turn off traction control ?
Bloody marvelous this motorcycle covers a lot of bases ,you don't need more power than that! If you ask me the 1200 cc fad is fading away, too much weight. Motorcycles should be fun to ride.
In USER mode it is possible to switch TC and ABS off on the rear but Manufacturer / demo folk always set you up for safety !
отличный мотоцикл! HONDA как всегда большие молодцы!!!
Can the spoke wheels be exchanged for alloy tubeless wheels?
I'm trading my CB650R in for this ASAP.
Nice review. Ex millitary man by any chance? I haven’t heard a bikes handling describes as “Gash” since I was in the RAF.😂
That's what I was balls deep in every bop night!
Thanks for the review! I still can't choose between this and the new KTM 890 adventure.
If you add the adventure and rally package to the base model than you almost at the same prise as the new 2023 KTM 890 Adventure which has more HP, bigger tank, g-clearance 15K service interval and the upgraded looks very cool to me.
Pro: Honda has a better service network.
Con: KTM, I have a feeling that all the added extras on the KTM (if you buy) or on any other bikes can be the source of problems if brakes. Getting the needed components while you are on a remote location could be problematic.
So yeah sometimes the less is more. (2023 T7)
What's your opinion? Is there any KTM guy here who wants to but the new Transalp and can convince me?
Do you really do a lot of off road riding? The KTM 890 is like the most high performance dirtbike in existence right now. It's a desert racing bike. But if you're just driving to work and playing on back roads, and you're not an expert rider, and you don't want to ride hard technical trails, then you could just get the Honda. I think the Honda looks a million times nicer, and it sounds so amazing. The Transalp is my favorite ADV bike by far, because of how it sounds. The engine is the best sounding engine I've ever heard, and I've built quite a few motorcycle and car engines. Nothing sounds quite as rich and beautiful as the Honda stock muffler on the Transalp. That's the best stock muffler I've ever heard. You can see people doing reviews they can't stop smiling when they hear the exhaust on the Honda, it's some type of otherworldly beautiful sound. But the bike also looks really comfortable for driving on gravel roads, and paved roads, and handles really well on paved roads. Paved roads are really fun, going around tight mountain roads at speed, it's a lot of fun, and a good handling road bike is a blast. The fuel tanks on the KTM 890 are a deal breaker, they are so ugly. I can't believe people will buy stuff that is so odd. What's next, the whole entire bike is just one big fuel tank with wheels?
@@RitalieYes you are right, the exhaust sounds really great and all in all the while bike fits better to my needs. I checked in the nearest Honda dealer and saw the Transalp in live in gray and white color and both looks great. The seat hight is perfect for me and very comfortable. So yeah the money goes to Honda I guess.
@PuffyThePirateBoy for a terrible tale of KTM electrical disasters, watch John T Young and his 23 890 R. Would not touch one of the current twins.
I have read that KTMs have a reliability problem. Honda don't.
some ( left out features)
1. Cruise Control
2 Adjustable suspension
Two main let downs in my option, Cruise you just cannot add it - well not a non mechanical one anyway, and suspension well put another 2-3 grand down . I think 🤔 only the Aprilla 660 got EVERYTHING right .
Good 👍 review
he did mention cruise control is missing :)
@@PovilasPanavas I must of missed that comment
What makes cruise control as must have feature? I really can’t see it.
@@davidmatthews3093 Anyone who ever do a long tour would really love cruise control.
Without it, wrist cramp.
@@victoriazero8869 So what will you buy instead?
Some reviews talking about noticable vibrations above 4000 RPM what's the truth to that?
Only adventure bike you can flat foot!…I have a CB500X and I’m 6’2” and have been testing out the Transalp. It is higher with more legroom and as clear as day there is less bend in my legs. Perhaps you dismiss the CB500X as too lowly for you as a bike tester? It is perfect for shorter riders whereas the Transalp appeals more to me as a bigger all round bike and suit my size better. My son has done 50000 miles in 2 years all over Europe on 500x in case some think it’s not an adventure bike. And my previous adventure bike was a bicycle!
Nice test. Anyway.. put so it seems a bike fairly superimposable
to the Africa Twin, with 20 kilos less. Maybe it was needed
a Transalp about thirty kilos lighter, more
poured off, for my taste. However alive
it gives a good impression of solidity and quality, even
if the design does not stand out for its originality..
Sadly, it looks like this bike, like the ADV-750 won't be coming to America. That really sucks, because I'd love to have either or both!
I am sure it will go to America, it's too good to miss that market.
I'm not being rude, at all, I'm quite short myself. Between 5ft 7.5 and 5ft 8in, depending on the time of day, but.....how can a person who is 5ft 7in flat foot a bike that's 850mms (33.5 inches)? Is there an op? I had a V Strom 1050 for some weeks as a replacement bike. I was watching for every camber in the road and stopping with the bike leaning on one side to get one foot flat. It was tiring.
So Honda reckon about 60mpg and this test ride gave about 40mpg. Big difference. Maybe if you're not going far and only posing down the local coffee shop mpg doesn't matter. But for long distance riding, with todays fuel prices, mpg matters. I still want a more off road capable version of the cb500x. The cb500x doesn't exactly set pulses racing but it does pretty much everything else. But it could do with a more off road version. I'll wait and see what the real life mpg figures come in at.
I managed 60 mpg easily on a demo.
The one thing about this bike that's confusing the heck out of me, is why no DCT option? If it had DCT I'd have 100% purchased one to replace my NC700X.
It will come later. I don't think they usually release both versions at the same time. Correct me if I am wrong.
They missed out that the exhaust is passing underneath the engine so forget about hopping over logs or rocks 😵💫😵💫😵💫
Exactly
It's not an off road bike like the Tenere so it doesnt matter.
At first I thought to myself wow! Excellent bike. But for the money there asking for this new model that still has no cruise control and worse still tubed tyres and a smaller fuel tank than the legendary CB500x.... no thanks! I'll keep my 2020 CB500XA which cost me $6,000 less 2nd hand (had 19,00 Km on the dial) than the RRP for this new Transalp in Australian dollar. My 2nd hand CBX500 also came with about $2,000 dollars of added extras!
Do you think that the absence of cruise control is a major issue or not? Personally, I would much prefer it if Honda had included one.
It is a big deal for me.
Why? It’s a serious question.
Yeah it’s better off with the TC off. It comes standard with the quick shifter in the US
Oh wow! I didn't find myself all that much interested in this at all, even after watching other reviews; but you've made it sound like it could be the bike for me!
It really impressed me on the launch, more with the on-road handling, and as I do more on road riding than anything else, that feature really stuck in my mind.
@@visordown Exactly! I'm the kind of bloke that always has a swiss army knife in their backpack, everywhere I go, loving things that have tons of utility. So a bike that can do it all has tons of appeal, but I've never lost sight of the fact that I'll never do less than 95% of my riding on roads, or that that's where I need to be at my best. Plus, as a fellow 5' 7"-er, I appreciate that seat height in particular!
nicee looking; lower seat; to get on ! but can't see it as a 2 person bike for me.
Kind of seems like a souped up CB500x minus the cast tubeless tires
That just shows how good it is.
Does anyone know why the new Transalp is not available in the DCT version?
No cruise control, no outside temp on dash, no adjustable screen, no usb on dash, no tubeless ?? It’s 2023 Honda!
What’s so vital about cc? Genuine question.
@@davidmatthews3093 Spend a day riding 500 Kms on mostly long straight tar roads. (Think out back Australia) Then you'll understand why having a bike with CC would be so bloody good! 😄
The more I hear about this bike the more I think it's a Tracer 7 competitor instead of Tenere 700 or Tuareg
Yep. Absolutely. Honda pussed out and didn’t want to compete in that class.
I just think they looked at how the majority of these bikes were used and were guided by that. Don't get me wrong, it can do the rough stuff, just not quite with the same grace as the KTM or Yamaha.
@@visordown Honda knows if they made the Transalp perform like a T7 it would kill the Africa twin. Just like the T7 has killed the SuperTen 1200
@@IRLtrolls My two cents here is that Honda should have given this 17' with tubeless tyres, maybe with cruise too. This engine seems to be more suitable towards a sports tourer than an ADV and the Tracer 7 and Tiger 660 seem to be easier competiton for it than Tenere and Tuareg.
@@gsm_liv8980 agreed. I just want Kawasaki to make a Versys 400X with the Ninja 400 engine and proper lightweight frame and good suspension…but that would kill the KLR650 and they just spent a bunch of money updating it with EFI
Question: If you were going to take a bike on a 25,000 mile trip from USA to South Africa -- road and extreme-off road in remote countries -- which bike would you take; DR650, KTM890 or XL750? Criteria are first and foremost, reliability. If the bike breaks, how complicated to repair and also, I have always worried about KTM coming from BMW Adventure bike world... Maybe I am wrong and KTM are reliable? Second is handling and weight to handle long rids in sand, mud, broken roads... Last is comfort?
This or the vstrom 800?vstrom has more extras and adjastable suspentions.but transalp looks better,and its more light.i dont know.tough decision
Is cruise control an available option, because I know it doesn’t come as standard.
No
Which Metzeler tyres… Tourance?
karoo street
Honda Canada still does not have this bike listed on their website. All I can say is WTF?!?!?!?
Toad, you`re 5ft. 7ins. and you can get your feet flat on the ground on a 850mm. seat ?, seriously ?, I`m 5ft. 61/2ins and couldn`t get anywhere near that on a 840mm. seat , what`s your inside leg measurment if you don`t mind me asking `cause I`m really interested in getting this bike but I want to make sure that it fits me, thanks.
Yes that is a bit weird. I am 5'8" and I own the bike and I can tell you at 29.5 inseam I can't flat foot the bike. Even so less with motocross boots.
What about the offroad capabilities compared to the CB500X?
Way more off-road worthy than the 500x. 21in spoked wheel makes a huge difference
As mentioned below, the off-road potential is head and shoulder above the CB500X. This is not a soft-roader. It can do it.
@@visordown and that says a lot as for an everyday adventure bike the 500X is surprisingly capable off road.
Here is my take from just seeing the reviews on this bike. There is no reason to buy it for adventure. For real adventure meaning all terrain, you need something more nimble that can handle long miles and that would be the T7. If you are getting such a big bike you should get the AT. If you are in a riding level that can handle that kind of bike off-road, you will be able to handle the Africa just as well. The only reason to buy this bike is if you like to do fairly miled road riding plus light gravel and you are afraid of heavier bikes.
This bike destroys other middleweight and is more balance especially for more onroad action. Drives like a naked bike. For more offroad hardcore budget tenere still king
actually, many tester have confirmed that it is nimble and neutral, but its handling isn't sporty at all.
Bennett Bike Social just said that the Transalp is better at smooth cornering, and it is better not to drive it as naked bike.
Review yang bagus tapi motosikal ini tidak dijual di Malaysia dan teramat beruntung kerana anda dapat memilikinya
no cruise control?
What’s so vital about cc? Genuine question.
Don’t tell me this thing isn’t releasing in North America
I think this bike is a joke. Don't get me wrong, its headed in the right direction. A 750 GS competitor but it never really arrives there due to the absence of a DCS option and more importantly no cruise control. Remember this thing isn't competing with the Tenere offroad...its meant to be a gravel road bike but road should always be under it. That giant exhaust being the first thing you'll land on if you high center it or land on something should be an indicator of that. Hondas biggest problem is if I walk into a dealership and I see this bike with cruise control for even $1k more than its current MSRP is why would I spend $30k on a Goldwing when this checks all those boxes? So we get a great road bike but without the proper systems we currently would expect to find on one just so Honda doesn't lose out on Goldwing sales.
And more importantly, the Africa Twin. Noone would buy the Africa Twin anymore if this had cruise control. Because let's face it, people don't go offroad with the Africa Twin
I just want to see you dig some trenches through the roostertail .✅
So in essence: it's for short people. And the Karoo3S sucks after 800+ miles pretty bad off road...
No cruise control is a deal breaker.
What, no comment on the lack of cruise control ?
What’s so vital about cc? Genuine question.
@@davidmatthews3093 Cruise control is so handy (pun intended) for long stretches of highway when you’d like to give that right hand a bit of a rest. Makes munching the miles so much easier. Honda could have easily added it.
why there is not possible have the DCT transmission '??? No good think!!!!
DCT, heck automatics in general, and peaky engines don't really mesh well. DCT works great on the NC and Goldwing. Sorta-still-kind'a OK on the ATwin after they bumped up displacement and linked it to IMU and the rest while polishing the heck out of it. But even on the NT, you often and quickly notice the gulf between your cruising rpm and your "I need to accelerate" rpm. With a revvier engine like the 755, it would be really annoying.
It gets annoying how every reviewer just raves and raves about how good all the new bikes are. Oh I get it though
I really wish people would hammer home how the new Honda and Suzuki do not come with cruise control.
Cruise control has to be an option on ride by wire adventure bikes.
Why in the Hell do the Big 3 keep excluding Cruise Control on these Bikes? Damn! If Honda will ever bring this Bike here to Texas I will be forced to buy it! Please Honda, bring it on! My 2021 T7 is for sale BTW.
Because most people don't want CC. I don't, it's useless in the wet, increases cost and I would never use it, my wrist is fine despite being nearly 70yo and having arthritis. Maybe it should be Optional Extra though. 🙂
7l/100 km is not great for such a low power bike. I got better mileage on my Aprilia Tuono V4