I must admit to be one of the OEM parts box checkers. The main reason for me is that most 'after market' manufacturers print their brand names in the most prominent places possible (look at the Barbusters or the very popular Touratech parts) and you easily can end up with riding an advertisement board rather than a nicely designed motorcycle. OEM parts are more discreetly designed, but I agree they're usually more pricy and sometimes lack overall quality.
The other benefit is OEM are guaranteed to fit and work with the bike. Aftermarket may or may not. Generally choose carefully. One decision I made with the Guzzi V100 was that I really don't need a top box. I also fitted the Hepco & Becker rack because it is neater than the Guzzi one, but the panniers are OEM because none of the aftermarket manufacturers offer anything that fits as well.
Finally, someone who agrees with me about the big ugly Oxford controller. That's why I fit AME Chicane sports grips, unfortunately they are getting difficult to source in Australia.
I learned long ago to only add the accecories that i know i will actually need and use. Going full option rarely makes sense for anyone. For example, 95% of my riding is on the street and 5% gravel, so no i dont need a sump guard or crash protection.. but everyone doing a review says u just NEED to have it or u cant ride the bike. If u do hard offroad maybe, but what do they know what u will use the bike for.. u need to learn your own riding habbits before u know what u need
Another well thought out vlog, I almost totally agree, the one thing that I would point out is that Oxford Hot grips Pro now come without the large controller and are individually controlled so they are always the same temperature, I have fitted some to my Tenere World Raid and they look OEM. Looking forward to see the SW Motech hard luggage.
Couldn’t agree more: especially the heated grips. Living in/near the mountains, I want those from the jump! Really MIGHT need them at a moment’s notice 😳👍😁
One other benefit of waiting to buy 3rd party accessories is the feeling of anticipation of putting on that shiny new farkle on the bike. There's a pleasure to it akin to awaiting a vacation almost being better than the vacation itself.
Bikes looking good. It always amazes me how much the manufacturers charge for options. Then I hear of dealers charging fitting fees. Much better to buy your own kits and fit yourself. Thanks for such informative content 👍
Honda manufacture the optional extras now and they are cheaper than some. If you get a good dealership they will give you a good discount and fit for free. The benefit of OEM as well is that it will all fit together. But, having said that I do like RM's setup down below (on the bike) with the H&B engine guard and skid plate, looks very good. That luggage looks tasty as well. RM obviously has a good eye for detail and proportions, and buying a tasty bike in the first place. Still love mine.
Great video again, I think H&B lower bars and bash plate will be my choice as well, just need to check if it works with OEM center stand. BTW Honda app just got an upgrade so we can enjoy turn by turn navigation on TFT screen now.
SW-Motech has already built an Adventure Rack for the rear plate, to fit a topcase like the black boxes seen early in your video. Looks fantastic! And ty so much for your suggestions.
The one option I wish Transalp, V800, and T700 would offer is tubeless wheels and tires. Sold my T700 and went back to a Vstrom 650 to get tubeless and larger fuel tank.
I'd really prefer to avoid tubed tires, riding solo in the back country. I think the new V-Strom 800DE has tubed tires as well (not with alloy wheels).
@@RocketMan_Moto I sold my 2021 T700 and bought a vstrom 650 with spoked tubeless wheels, larger gas tank and factory boxes and enough left over to put some money in the bank after a few V650 upgrades. It’s not as good off road but it gets me camping, and I can plug a flat and be back enjoying the ride.
Hey man! I believe I've seen you and your Transalp several times in Lagos. I am living in Mexilhoeira Grande and riding an NC750X. Thinking of changing it for Transalp 750, but NC is just such a capable little bike, bulletproof. Used to ride BMW F800GS for 10 years before the NC (back in Ukraine). If you ever want to get a beer somewhere around - drop me a PM. Always watching your videos, you're doing a great job
@@chrishart8548 well, they can't be compared really. The only common thing they have is gas tank under the seat. F800GS is a true enduro adventure, capable of going both long and hard routes. NC750X is an amazing utility motorcycle with some slight touring capabilities . It's a great day-to-day bike, but it's underpowered, hard and not too comfy really.
@@RocketMan_Moto then there's an impostor on white transalp around here :-) Anyhow, love your videos, and see you on the road one day. My wife and I love touring around Algarve, trying to find the smallest winding roads
@@andreymatuzkov3766 I've found if I'm restrained I can get 80mpg from the f800gs so it can be economic like the nc but does have the ability to go fairly fast with 85hp
😄😄You said "patience". The next rider buying a new bike with "patience " will be the first for me. I think patience with holding off on some options is a huge first step. Good advice for sure and think it will work best for riders who don't need to finance their motorcycles. It is often easier to finance OEM options with the bike at the time of purchasing the bike.
Very smart set up.......when I had my 1150 GS I went for Hepco and Bekker crash bar protection........because it suited my needs........and proved it's worth when " the ground fell away from underneath me" near Hawes in Yorkshire ......scraped crash bars, but no damage to the bike at all .......did exactly what it says on the tin..........only dent was the MASSIVE ONE to my pride ( this happened on a UKGSER forum rideout in front of quite a crowd and the wife on the back of the bike which was fully fuelled and resplendant in full BMW luggage mode too). Steve
Totally agree with the over zealous badges, logos etc on equipment and gear. Personally (it is my own personal view) if they want to use me or my bike for advertising their goods then they should be paying for the space. Fair enough a discrete logo for sure, but not everywhere and large at that. I’ve never been a logo freak. Again only my opinion.
@@RocketMan_Moto RM I’m going to be in your neck of the woods near Faro late in September for a week. Is there any bike cafe at all people hang around or visit? Not sure if there’s a particular place or not.
Gotta say the taller windscreen makes a huge difference to the front facing looks of the bike. Gives it a sort of follow through line with the screen and headlamp that helps to counteract and take your eyes away from the large voids right next to them.
The fit of that tank bag to the tank contours is very pleasing indeed! Ha. My Speed Twin came with the Blaze panniers, glad to hear they’re decent. I did take them straight off, as I have no need at present, but good to have for future.
In Bude Cornwall at present with family…lovely area. I’m currently thinking of an F850GS TE or Triumph 900 GT Pro…would value your thoughts?! Transalp is a possible but I do like the idea of CControl…
I did consider the Tiger 900, of course, but it's a lot more expensive than the Transalp, is prone to vibration and has that problem where hot air is ducted directly onto the rider's knees. They rectified the design on the new 1200, but it's no good for me here :(
interesting coincidence. I m sitting here in algarve doing vacation, planning to visit angelpilot honda dealer to check out the transalp, all of a sudden your video shows up. nice video.
I never buy accessories unles they are really necessary. I like the SW-M tank bag, but I don't like the side ones. Zips. The bag on the rear seat/rack is a good one. Cheap mini-bags: great idea. Nick J
Hi RM. Interesting article in this weeks MCN.. Transalp luggage, it’s effect on the ride/handling not withstanding the pricing 😳TB £695, Panniers £1185! Page 51… your thoughts welcome.. atb Alan.
Yes, I saw that👍😊 Honda are clearly trying to claw back some profit with these cases. The MCN also confirms the poor quality🙁 Another reason to go aftermarket, I guess.
I have ordered the exact protection kit from Hepco and same handguards from BarkBusters. Waiting anxious to get my TransAlp in the beggining of September. But I have chose to instal only top case a Trekker Outback 58 as I need dual helmet storage capacity. Thanks for the info you provided.Greetings from Greece.
Your bike looks excellent great choice of add ins and advice! I am in Uk 🇬🇧 so heated grips is a must if like me you ride all year around? But after having several different bikes in last few years and paying as you have for manufacturers heated grips for same reason as you ! Only to sell the bike! I now have heated gloves wired in and can remove for different bikes and are excellent!! Good video 👍
Interesting suggestions. One needs to be patient and slowly create exactly what one wants, unfortunately one buying a motorcycle is like an impatient child😀.. I should emphasize that especially the top case changes the aerodynamics of the motorcycle.
I'm just about to pull the trigger on a TA so this really comes at the right time. Thank you, I appreciate your input. One question about the Barkbusters, are those XL 750 specific or did you order for a different bike model? Thank you, keep up the great work, you deserve every sub!
Honda just launched this bike here in India yesterday. I am really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, we don’t have this range of accessories available in India without breaking the bank. Thank you for your detailed review.
@RocketMan_Moto I own a Himalayan which I guess you have figured. haha 😜The only issue I have with my current motorcycle is that it does not go above 100KMPH without me being worried about the stability and braking. I am planning to keep it(as it is my first motorcycle) and it rules out the option of getting new Himalayan which seems to be a bit more powerful and fast(atleast on spec sheet). Having two almost the same motorcycles is not an option for me. In order to upgrade, the only option I have right now is the Honda Transalp which after taxes and import duties will cost closer to 17000$ USD in India compared to 9999$ price tag in the Western countries. This is the cheapest option we have here. Other motorcycles in the same segment like BMW 850 and Tiger 900 cost upwards of 20,000$ USD. All these prices are without any accessories. They cost extra. So yes, Himalayan actually will be a great option. Rant over. Regardless, I just finished watching your latest video on whether to keep it and sell the new XL 750. I enjoyed it. Thank you once again for helping us make this purchase decision. Your non-biased thoughts do help us in seeing the clear picture. Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed the video. I must say, the new Himalayan looks a lot more appealing than the new one. You should be able to reach 100kph a lot more quickly ;)
Fantastic video! At 06:58 you mention that the mounting brackets for the SW-Motech Blaze panniers for the CB500X can be easily modified to fit the Transalp. I have been unable to locate information on how to do this. Would you mind giving a pointer to the forums? Thanks in advance!
I must admit I have mates that, treat their bike like a barbie doll... I'm just a frame, wheels and engine man myself... OK I'm old I like heated grips haha.
Another great video! It’s funny how similar your thoughts and decisions are with mine. I was counting on SW-Motech bash plate but seeing it for first time immediately a piece of tank analogy came to my mind 😉 It is definitely a visual overkill. Grat tip with painting the radiator protection. I did not buy one from Honda as it silver. Not sure why painting didn’t come to my mind. Regarding OEM I ordered heated grips, quick shifter, center stand and 12V port. The two latter ones still not arrived even though it’s been over a month from the pickup and over 3k km on the clock. Well… new model effect obviously.
RocketMan, Some good news. Honda have now added turn-by-turn on the dash when using RoadSync. 😃 Will let you know how I get on and would be interested in your comments too.
@@RocketMan_Moto It certainly is and it is pretty good too. Some of the symbols are not obvious but I will try to find a key. Great to have it. Now we need to work out how to start off again after a scheduled route stop. That is the only way you can do a custom route when going from a PC to the phone. Except of course if you do the route entirely on your phone before setting off. I think the reason there is no air temp is cos there is local weather available when navigating and a weather forecast. I presume the weather changes to different regions as you ride. They are getting there.
Great vid and totally agree with your choices, I think mine will be the same, though as I have a 30yr old Givi topbox, which is still looking good and works well. 1 question though, no centre stand? Just a long test ride on one, just got to get the money now!
The new Oxford Evo grips no longer have the big control box and they have a thermister so they can equalise heat and heat up a lot faster then other grips (not sure about OEM) so they're a nice option now. That being said if OEM ones have dash integration that might be worth going for due to the beskpokeness of it....
The OEM Heated Grips are hot. I fried 2 eggs on them. Seriously though, they are very good, much like the Oxford ones I have had before. Great to have them integrated as well as the spotlights (or whatever you want to call them).
Great videos and helpful advice. I’d be interested in knowing what the reference is for the replacement Bad Dog levers as Sportsbikeshoo do not list them for the Transalp (yet).
Thanks, Gareth. I bought those levers a few years ago, I think they were originally for a CB500X or possibly Africa Twin, but I’m not sure. Sorry I can’t be of more help😬
Always watch your vids because I’ve got an identical bike on order! Totally agree about selectively choosing essential accessories. I’ve specified white guard BarkBusters and wondered which profile you’ve chosen. They look terrific. Can you tell me? Geoff in Tasmania Australia
Thanks. You’ll find details of the accessory bar in this video: Honda TRANSALP 750 - Mods & Accessories Part 1 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uB1trf2pitU.html
Sorry, it's me who's being a pain by giving you a link to the wrong video! Here's the correct one. See at 8:12 and in the description for the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2iNiJHh7aqY.html
News flash…SW Motech products are at least partially made in China. Personally their entire product line, excepting hand guards are 30-50% higher that like products.
I just got my new Transalp 750 in Chiang Mai Thailand. I agree with you to wait a bit before adding accessories. So far, I do want to get the skid plate and higher windshield. Thanks for your video. Nice calm voice !
I find it funny that the SW-Motech saddle bags mounting bracket can easily be removed via the 1/4 turn buttons with a coin, long sliver of metal, a blade screw driver,... while the bags are in place. So why lock the saddle bags to the brackets?
Rocketman! Just got my new 2024 TransAlp here in NA. Thanks for your reviews, looking forward to more updates on your channel. 2 quick things; do you have a catalytic converter behind your O2 sensor? Does your bike feel like its lurching or surging on and off while holding throttle steady in a mid gear (3-4) at lower speed (40-70kph)?
Congratulations, good to hear that deliveries have finally begun in NA (although I hear you can't get the white one??). Yes, catalytic converters all over the place and yes, like most Euro 5 bikes now, it can be jerky at low speed. I find rain mode helps a bit. Enjoy :)
@@RocketMan_MotoThe jerkyness is slightly annoying, but I suppose I'll get used to it. Correct, only the matte metallic black option. I suspect it's because they may have a surplus of that colour. Or, maybe Honda doesn't like NA as much as the rest of the world. I don't mind it, even though the gold rims with the white/red/blue on your bike looks really good. It came with the quick shifter. I'll be adding tasteful accessories as needed!
Great stuff, let us know what the taller screen is like! Mine is due for its 1000k service now. Also what is the switch with the red and white buttons on the left switch gear?
Hi, I purchased the accessories mount bar on your link but unfortunately it was not compatible with the Honda Touring screen...:( no biggie will be returning it and now I see on Alie express they have specific ones for the Transalp
@Rocketman, have you seen latest engine covers from Heed? Especially the lower one. What do you think of them. I believe, if they truly work and protect, those the best I've seen so far as they barely hide the engine
@@RocketMan_MotoI'm collecting my TA on Tuesday, and still doing some research on those covers, but those from Heed have just placed themselves in pole position :)
I was surprised by your last video,which was about the suzuki 800 de.Thought it was going to be a much longer one and you would get a bit more time with it,and i am extremely surprised you did not like it more than the transalp,since in my opinion the suzuki is the better bike on paper.
@@RocketMan_Moto I just bought a ktm duke 790 and its cooking my legs every time😂😄. Maybe i will save up the cash to get either a 800de or the Transalp.The only reason i am swinging more towards the suzuki is the suspension,since i do plan on some light off roading,but i guess until i have sat on both of them i wouldn't know.Completely love your videos and watch them as soon as i can,great content.
Don't get the Suzuki if you're looking for cooler legs. It has one of the hottest engines I've tried in a while. That alone rules it out for me here in the Algarve.
@@RocketMan_Moto having a hotter engine might actually be a plus for me.I live in Bulgaria,Varna and the temperatures here stay at the low 30s celcius in the hotter part of the summer and 5 celcius is about the lowest it will go in winter,meaning i get to ride almost all year round,so having a hot engine helps me ride in the winter too.A deal breaker for someone and a plus for the other one i guess.Its always very nice talking to you,I love how you interact with your community!😊
Hi RM, I just got my white Transalp last week 🥳and I'm looking to kit it out. You were a definite inspiration on getting the bike and the accessories to go for. I get the same feeling that the H&B is the setup to go with for the engine protection. However if I were to add upper crash bars, then I would prefer the SW Motech ones because they don't cover the name and striping as much. Any chance you know whether the H&B lower crash bar and the SW-M upper crash bar are compatible? Does the SW-M engine guard even offer enough protection to the engine in case of a crash? It doesn't stick out as much as the H&B bars do... Sorry for the rant but I'd appreciate your expert opinion. ;-) Thanks in advance and many greetings from rainy Belgium. KR Ruben
Great choice, hope you're enjoying your new bike! I doubt very much if the Hepco stuff is compatible with SW Motech, but I would strongly advise against the SW Motech upper bars anyway, as there is a design flaw and on maximum fork compression, the bolts hit the mudguard. I am only going on reports I've read online from users, but they posted photos and it's ruined the mudguard. Are you sure you really need upper crash bars anyway? I know we all want to protect our brand new toys, but if you get some Barkbuster handguards, you get almost the same level of protection :)
Hey RocketMan. Thanks for your brilliant videos. I'm strongly considering the transalp. I'm 182 cm tall and coming from a Forza 125. Should I consider the OEM high screen? In your previous video you said the high screen was causing turbulences. Thanks!
The tall screen is about as good as the low screen + deflector. You’re 5cm shorter than me, so it will probably be enough for you. I’m still getting wind to the top 3cm of my helmet, but zero wind is almost impossible to achieve, so I’ll probably leave it at that😉
@@RocketMan_Moto How did you know this would fit your Transalp or did you have to make adjustments as it says it's for the NC750 or is this a stupid question? P.S. Love your vids!
Hi Rocketman, why you haven't gone for the GS tank bag? Not fitting to the tank and/or obstructing the handlebar, or completely something else? I haven't picked up my bike yet, so I can't fit both of them yet.
Hi rocket! Again a nice and valuable video on the Transalp ! Thanks man! Can you share where you got your navigation / telephone mounting bar from? Are you happy with it? Thanks in advance! M
Glad you enjoyed it. I've given out details of the accessory bar in previous videos, but I just added the link in this video's description too for convenience :)
I am glad you did not go for the honda skidplate. The honda skidplate makes it look like a nt1100 and thats not a compliment. The hepco looks miles better....
How do you charge your GPS/Navi during riding? Did you install the 12V Socket? If not, could you provide more details how get route the power to you GPS in a "clean" way?
I ran a 180cm USB C to Lightning cable from the connector at the rear of the bike, along the seat, under the tank and then up through to the dash. It's held in place by two foam pads that 'wedge' it between the TFT screen and the cowl.
Why are tank bags so small? I had one on my GS550 that was massive and perfect for leaning on to take the pressure off my wrists on long(ish) journeys. They also cut out wind and made the experience of riding a bike for long distances a total pleasure. Incy, wincy little bagettes that have enough room for a passport don't cut it for me. Bring back the comfort tank bag. It will sell in the millions - mark my words. They have 0 drawbacks and 100% benefit(s).
What's your opinion about quickshift vs DCT ? I have a manual NC750x, and i have a limitation in my left wrist, so it's giving me some discomfort in longer rides. I want to change for NC70x with DCT or Transalp with Quickshift..because I've made a teste drive in TA (without QS) and I loved it. So my doubt is about if QS is good for my wrist. Thanks mate
Love quick shifters in general. Had it on my Transalp and it was excellent. Not a fan of the DCT, but the 2024 Africa Twin iteration is supposed to be better. Maybe wait for the eclutch NC750?? I’ve not tried it yet, but by all accounts, it’s a ‘super quick shifter’
Hi there- spot on, again! I have been constrained to buying Honda's genuine luggage (nothing else was available at the time I had to start my one-month travel across Europe) and I of course regret it. They are super expensive and honestly not worth the money. So SW-Motech luggage and, honestly, the old good GIVI's Trekkers do definitely seem a very valuable alternative. I'm about to install the black HEPCO&BECKER *low* crash bars (many thanks for referring them in one of your videos, they are splendid) so that I can put additional lights (in this case the SW-Motech EVO) at the lower side of my bike. Honda would offer the total crash bar experience (low+high) which I do really hate + additional lights for about the double of the price which I am about to pay here...Crazy!! Last but not least, windshield. AS you know I do have the Honda ++ version, and this is acceptable. Still looking forward to see what the competition will come up with. Anyway, thanks for the constant advises on this bike, keep up the excellent work and looking forward to watching new videos! F
Thanks for your feedback once again. I have seen quite a few people disappointed by the Honda panniers. Apart from their poor quality, I have an issue with the way they look. Originally designed for the X-ADV and then reused on the NT1100, I just don’t think they look right on an adventure bike. I’m happy so far with the larger windscreen but have yet to test it properly on a long run. For the past 6 weeks here the weather has been really hot - not good for thick riding gear🙁
I disagree: the centre stand is very poorly finished and some wobble badly; the panniers are very flimsy and expensive, and the crashbars are only available in silver🤔
@@RocketMan_Moto The only OEM part that I hate is hands protectors ! They doesn’t have any cover in wind and I need them in winter to protect me from cold.
@@RocketMan_Moto I have protective bars up and down, also the protective guard for down motor OEM in silver of course and I love the contrast to mat black on my bike. All are in what everyone likes I think. And my options on after market parts I placed on my Transalp giving me this feeling every motorcyclist want “I want to drink my coffee and as sitting I love admiring my bike as I decided to transform it” Kind regards mate 🙏
* WARNING * Before buying any Honda make sure you check the details with your dealership first. RM knows what I am talking about. Some of the prices are incorrect, notably the Centre Stand. The configurator also has a habit of misconfigurating (or in Anglo Saxon Fcuking up). Honda will not be interested if you later find that the website was incorrect.
Indeed. For those that aren’t aware: I ordered my ADV350 scooter having read on Honda’s European websites that it would have adjustable rear shocks (important for me, as we are often 2-up on our scooter). Well, turns out they’re not adjustable, and when I complained to Honda, they said it was my fault for not double checking with my dealer (who would have almost certainly just looked on the website). Caveat emptor🙄
i had all honda enduro/travel from 1983 XL Parigi dakar 125, Xl 600, Dominator, TA, AT to Varadero 1000. 2 TransAlp. But this... my god.. is really UGLY, expensive, terrible design (if this front light was on the previos 700, it was really super but today????) and made based on cost few money (for honda, not for customers!) sharing parts with hornet. terrible. and i'm sorry but for those money, every other moto is better! Aprilia? CF? KTM? T7? everything is better than this fish..